Surgical Navigation Improves the Precision and Accuracy of Tibial Component Alignment in Canine Total Knee Replacement

Abstract

Objective -- The goal of the current study was to determine whether computer-assisted surgical navigation improves the accuracy of tibial component alignment in canine TKR.

Study design – Retrospective radiographic review and prospective ex-vivo study.

Sample population -- Seventeen sets of canine total knee replacement (TKR) radiographs were reviewed to determine the incidence and magnitude of tibial component malalignment. A cadaveric study was then performed in 12 canine stifle joints.

Methods -- Tibial component alignment was compared after either standard (“surgeon-guided”) component placement or computer-assisted (“navigation-guided”) placement. Results were compared against the current recommendations of a neutral (0° varus-valgus) ostectomy in the frontal plane and 6° of caudal slope in the sagittal plane.

Results – Malalignment of greater than 3° in the frontal and sagittal planes was identified in 12% and 24% of radiographs respectively. Surgical navigation reduced both the mean error (p=0.007) and the variability in frontal plane alignment (p<0.001) as compared with surgeon-guided procedures. The mean error in sagittal plane alignment was not significantly different (p=0.321) but variability in alignment was significantly lower when navigation was used (p=0.008).

Conclusions -- Surgical navigation significantly improves accuracy and decreases variability in tibial component alignment in canine TKR. Clinical trials would be required to determine whether these improvements in surgical accuracy lead to better clinical outcomes in terms of joint function and a reduction in long-term implant wear.