[Computer-assisted navigation in total knee arthroplasty. A narrative review of the literature].

Abstract

Navigation in total knee arthroplasties has been recommended in recent years to facilitate the technique and improve its results. An extensive literature has compared it with conventional surgery, but its superiority has not been able to be demonstrated. Given the abundant bibliography and disparity in their conclusions, a good number of meta-analyses have been published that have attempted to summarize and schematize the results. We have reviewed 41 published meta-analyses comparing both techniques. Most of them have focused on the placement of implants and the restoration of the axes of the extremity, demonstrating the superiority of navigation. On the contrary, no clinically valuable differences have been observed when analyzing the clinical and functional results. However, navigation allows a dynamic view of the knee, an objective evaluation of the soft tissues and ligaments, and is essential for functional alignment as an individualized technique.