BackgroundNavigation was introduced into total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve accuracy of component position, function and survival of implants. This study was designed to assess the outcome of navigated TKA in comparison with conventional implantation with the focus on rotational component position and clinical mid-term results.MethodsIn a prospectively randomized single-blinded approach, 90 patients with primary gonarthrosis were assigned to three different groups. Thirty patients each were assigned to NexGen LPS without and with navigation (groups 1 and 2), and 30 patients to navigation with the Stryker Scorpio PS (group 3). The navigation system used was the imageless Stryker KneeTrac, version 1.0. Clinical outcome was assessed by a blinded observer applying the Knee Society Score (KSS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. CT scans and radiographs were conducted prior to and 12 weeks after index surgery.ResultsSeventy-nine patients were available for clinical evaluation at 3 ± 0.4 years follow-up. Four implants had to be revised for early loosening or infection (4.4%). Four patients had died and three patients were not able to follow the invitation for clinical assessment. Functional results in the KSS were significantly lower after navigated TKA. Operation time and incisions with navigation were significantly longer. Significantly less radiological outliers with navigation were found for coronal alignment of the femur, only.ConclusionIn this series, no beneficial effect for navigation in TKA could be shown assessing clinical data, as functional results in the presented series seemed to be lower after first generation navigated TKA. The clinical mid- to long-term value of navigation remains to be evaluated in larger patient series or meta-analyses at longer follow-up.Trial registration numberDRKS 00000430

MIS surgery of displaced humeral head fractures can be performed in all types of humeral head fractures leading to low complication rates and good clinical outcome. A standardized stepwise procedure in fracture reduction and fixation is recommended to achieve reliable good results.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the mid-term clinical results and survivorship of a rotating-hinge knee prosthesis (LINK® Endo-Model) in difficult primary and complex revision situations. Results after primary implantation were compared with those of revision procedures. Forty-nine prostheses in 45 patients were reviewed clinically during follow up. Twenty-one of these were implanted in primary and 28 in revision situations. Outcome was evaluated using commonly used scores (Knee Society, UCLA Activity, Lequesne) and a visual analog scale after a mean follow up of 56±37 months for 49 prostheses. Implant survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. There were no significant differences in clinical examination and evaluation scores between the two groups (P>0.05). Survival rates at final follow up were 95% after primary implantation and 76% in revision procedures. The risk of prosthesis loss (odds ratio 5.7) was significantly higher after revision procedures (P=0.004). These data suggest that rotating-hinge knee prostheses provided good clinical and functional results in selected cases of advanced primary gonarthrosis associated with severe bone loss, ligamentous instability or comminuted fractures. They also provide good results in revision situations. However, the failure rate was significantly higher in cases of revision surgery.