Applications of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA)

Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has now become established in a number of areas of orthopaedic surgery. Numerous studies have demonstrated that CAS achieves more accurate postoperative knee alignment in total knee arthroplasty, more accurate and precise tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and more precise lower leg alignment in high tibial osteotomy; however, this has not yet translated into improved clinical outcomes in randomized controlled trials. In conclusion, although navigation is arguably the best objective tool to assist the surgeon in achieving a more precise and reproducible result, orthopaedic surgeons lack the individual or collective surgical/anatomical targets to improve on the short-term functional scores at the present time.