Technical Problems with Tracker Pins in Knee Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): D. Hernández-Vaquero, A. Suárez-Vázquez
Primary Institution: Hospital San Agustin, Avilés School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Spain
Hypothesis
What are the technical problems and complications associated with tracker-pins in computer-assisted total knee arthroplasties?
Conclusion
The use of a new device with percutaneous pins facilitates the fixing of femoral trackers and decreases the time needed to place them.
Supporting Evidence
- Technical problems related to the fixing of the trackers appeared in nine cases (2.5%).
- The mean surgery time to fix the tracker pin to the tibia was 3 minutes.
- The mean surgery time for the femoral pins was reduced to 3 minutes with the new device.
- No complications were observed with the new device.
- Using the new device showed statistical significance in reducing surgery time.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to attach special pins used in knee surgery, finding that a new type of pin makes the process faster and easier.
Methodology
The study involved 151 total knee replacements using 367 tracker-pins, comparing traditional and new fixation methods.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the study being conducted by the developers of the new device.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all types of knee surgeries or populations.
Participant Demographics
Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty between January 2002 and March 2006.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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