Computer-assisted minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty compared with standard total knee arthroplasty. A prospective, randomized study.

Background: There is little information on the feasibility of computer navigation when using a minimally invasive approach for total knee arthroplasty, during which the anatomic landmarks for registration may be obscured. The purpose of the present study was to determine the radiographic accuracy of this technique and to compare the rate of functional recovery between patients who underwent computer-assisted minimally invasive arthroplasty and those who underwent conventional total knee arthroplasty.

Methods: One hundred and eight consecutive patients were randomized to undergo computer-assisted minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty or conventional total knee arthroplasty.