Comparison of short-term therapeutic effects between digital precision total knee arthroplasty and traditional methods

doi:10.12307/2025.188

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traditional total knee arthroplasty has limited preoperative preparation. We propose a digital precision total knee arthroplasty based on computer simulation and 3D printing technology, aiming to enhance surgical outcomes through comprehensive preoperative planning.
OBJECTIVE: To establish a digital precision total knee arthroplasty using computer simulation and personalized surgical guides, and to compare the clinical outcomes between the new and traditional approaches.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 97 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical method they received. The control group (n=48) underwent total knee arthroplasty using traditional methods and used conventional film templates. The observation group (n=49) underwent surgery using the digital precision total knee arthroplasty and utilized computer-assisted technology to select prosthetic sizes. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative and postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery knee joint function scores, as well as the differences in femoral alignment, knee joint line angle and tibial slope, and hip-knee-ankle angle compared to standard angles were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores, as well as the differences in tibial slope, femoral alignment, knee joint line angle, hip-knee-ankle angle compared to standard angles between the two groups (P > 0.05). (2) Compared to the control group, the observation group showed shorter surgical time, reduced blood loss, and significant increases in knee joint Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores at 3 months postoperatively compared to preoperative scores (P > 0.05). Additionally, the postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P > 0.05). (3) The differences in tibial slope, femoral alignment, knee joint line angle, and hip-knee-ankle angle compared to standard angles were significantly different between the two groups; the observation group was better than the control group (P < 0.05). (4) The accuracy of predicting femoral implant size was 94% in the observation group and 58% in the control group, while the accuracy of predicting tibial implant size was 96% in the observation group and 62% in the control group. (5) It is indicated that digital precision total knee arthroplasty results in shorter surgical time, reduced blood loss, and better postoperative knee joint function scores and alignment compared to traditional total knee arthroplasty. It demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节；骨植入物；脊柱；骨折；内固定；数字化骨科；组织工程

Key words: 3D printing, total knee arthroplasty, personalized osteotomy guide plate, prosthesis prediction, computer simulation, lower limb alignment

CLC Number:

R459.9|R318|R68

Wang Yuning, Zhu Haotian, Liu Kang, Ding Huanwen, Yan Han. Comparison of short-term therapeutic effects between digital precision total knee arthroplasty and traditional methods[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2025, 29(21): 4521-4528.

Figures/Tables 6

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