Low incidence of complications in computer assisted total knee arthroplasty—A retrospective review of 1596 cases

Abstract Background Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty (CATKA) has its own unique complications. The aim of this study was to present our experience of early complications in a large consecutive series of CATKA. Method We investigated retrospective data on the complications specific to computer navigation that were encountered with a consecutive series of 1596 CATKA. Results Intraoperatively, eight episodes of software failure occurred, two requiring conversion to conventional jig based TKA. There were four broken drill bits when positioning the pins for data entry. Repeat cuts of bone due to malalignment were required on two occasions. There were 17 episodes of superficial pin site infections at the tibial pin-site managed conservatively with antibiotics. One tibial fracture occurred through an old tibial tracker pin site hole. Conclusion This large study shows a low complication rate related to CATKA which is reassuring to the orthopaedic community. Clinical relevance Level of evidence: III