Comparison of Precision between Optical and Electromagnetic Navigation Systems in Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the precision of optical and electromagnetic navigation systems in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 60 patients who underwent TKA using an optical navigation system and 60 patients who underwent TKA using an electromagnetic navigation system from June 2010 to March 2012. The mechanical axis that was measured on preoperative radiographs and by the intraoperative navigation systems were compared between the groups. The postoperative positions of the femoral and tibial components in the sagittal and coronal plane were assessed. RESULTS: The difference of the mechanical axis measured on the preoperative radiograph and by the intraoperative navigation systems was 0.6 degrees more varus in the electromagnetic navigation system group than in the optical navigation system group, but showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The positions of the femoral and tibial components in the sagittal and coronal planes on the postoperative radiographs also showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In TKA, both optical and electromagnetic navigation systems showed high accuracy and reproducibility, and the measurements from the postoperative radiographs showed no significant difference between the two groups.