Computer-assisted surgery: a wine before its time: in the affirmative.

Abstract

A number of investigators have demonstrated, in their hands, the potential for computer-assisted navigation to improve precision and accuracy in obtaining optimal knee alignment in the total knee arthroplasty construct. However, it will be difficult to demonstrate improvement in revision and loosening rates. In addition, there are concerns for computer glitches, training of personnel, extra time requirements, and cost and ability to demonstrate improvements in clinical results to warrant these concerns. Reproducibility of these improvements in precision and accuracy in the hands of the less experienced surgeon must be documented.