Goal: the goal of this article was to compare total knee replacement using image-free computer-assisted surgery with the conventional technique. For that purpose, the post-operative results obtained with each type of surgery were analyzed, as well as its potential complications, cost-analysis and possible medical- legal issues.

Material and Methods: the MEDLINE database was searched using "total knee replacement AND computer assisted surgery" as query. As inclusion criteria the articles should include the following 1) primary total knee arthroplasty; 2) image-free computer-assisted surgery; 3) post-operative evaluation of the mechanical axis and component position; 4) inclusion of at least 10 patients in the case group. Thus, 26 articles that met our inclusion criteria were found.

Results: the results indicate that total knee arthroplasty using computer-assisted system provide better mechanical and component alignment, with a significant reduction of the embolic events.

Conclusion: the goal of the computer-assisted surgery is to reduce the outliers, minimizing the difference between expected and actual alignment. The increased component longevity leads to a decreased revision rate, thus resulting in better morbid-mortality taxes and less associated health costs. The clinical value of computer-assisted surgery is clearly hinged with error and revision reduction.


Key words:
Orthopedics, total knee arthroplasty, computer-assisted surgery 

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