Is TKA with computer-assisted navigation associated with less blood loss? A comparative study between computer-navigated and conventional method

J Orthop. 2020 Jan 13:20:50-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2020.01.014. eCollection 2020 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether computer-assisted navigated TKA reduces perioperative blood loss. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and underwent either a conventional TKA (n = 40) or a TKA with computer-assisted navigation (n = 40). Perioperative blood loss was evaluated by laboratory parameters, postoperative drain output and number of required transfusions. Change in hemoglobin concentration and in hematocrit levels was similar. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in drain output and in the number of transfused units. The results of this study showed that TKA with computer-assisted navigation is similar to the conventional TKA regarding perioperative hemorrhage.

Keywords: Blood loss; Computer-assisted navigation; Hemorrhage; TKA.