Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty as an Option in Cases of Extra-Articular Deformity

The use of corrective osteotomy of angular deformity and total knee arthroplasty has traditionally been considered the treatment of choice for patients with arthritis and ipsilateral extra-articular deformity. We believe there is sufficient evidence that computer-assisted navigation can be used in lieu of this approach to recreate an acceptable mechanical axis in patients with distorted anatomical landmarks for total knee arthroplasty. The use of this technology in extra-articular deformity provides an option that decreases the need for multiple operations and gives better guidance in restoring the normal lower limb mechanical axis. This article describes the use of this technique and other potential applications.

Keywords: TKA, navigation, extra-articular deformity