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Navigator concept. Optimizing the procedure for navigated total knee arthroplasty

Windhagen H, Thorey F, Ostermeier S, Emmerich J, Wirth CJ, Stukenborg-Colsman C

Der Orthopade, 2005

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study addresses work sharing during navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty. Specifically, the concept is introduced of a "navigator" assistant who operates the navigation system during surgery while the surgeon concentrates on the primary steps of surgery.

METHODS: In a prospective study of 40 total knee arthroplasties, one group of patients was treated using the navigator concept, a second group was treated using a conventional navigation setup, and a third group was treated with conventional internal and external alignment jigs. Surgery time and outcome parameters were compared.

RESULTS: Results show a significant difference in surgery time between the three groups. The conventional and navigator concept groups showed similar surgery times; however, the navigation group without navigation concept exhibited longer surgery time.

CONCLUSIONS: The navigator concept represents a highly effective principle to minimize surgery time needed during navigated total knee arthroplasty.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.

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