Does computer-assisted surgical navigation total knee arthroplasty reduce venous thromboembolism compared with conventional total knee arthroplasty?

Introduction: The study aims to show that total knee arthroplasty using computer-assisted surgical navigation without intramedullary rodding is safer than conventional intramedullary techniques in preventing venous thromboembolism. Methods : 30 patients were grouped into groups of 10. Groups A and B had conventional intramedullary rodding of the femur and/or tibia. Group C had no rodding of the femur and tibia using computer-assisted surgical navigation. The degree, duration and size of the embolic shower were captured by a transoesophageal echocardiography probe. The echogenic emboli were graded according to the Mayo Clinic score. Haemodynamic parameters such as pulse oximetry oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were also recorded. Results: There was a significant difference in the size of the emboli and the Mayo Clinic score when comparing the groups with intramedullary rodding and those without. There was also a significant difference in the pulse oximetry oxygen saturation and heart rate when the group without intramedullary rodding was compared with groups with rodding. Conclusion: Surgical navigation total knee arthroplasty may be safer than conventional total knee replacement with intramedullary rodding in preventing venous thromboembolism.