The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 25, Issue 7 , Pages 1096-1098, October 2010

Low Incidence of Postoperative Complications Due to Pin Placement in Computer-Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty

  • Richard F. Owens Jr., MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Richard F. Owens, Jr, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Mail location 212, Cincinnati, OH 45267-2827.
    • ,
  • Michael L. Swank, MD

      Affiliations

    • Cincinnati Orthopaedic Research Institute and University of Cincinnati

Received 10 January 2009; accepted 26 July 2009. published online 19 October 2009.

Abstract 

Computer-navigated joint arthroplasty surgery using optical tracking systems requires arrays fixated to bone via pins. Reports of fractures at pin sites have raised concern about safety. We reviewed the postoperative complications occurring in a single-surgeon series of 984 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties. All pins were placed unicortically and connected by a dual pin array. Femoral pins were placed into the medial epicondyle, and tibial pins were placed in the shaft 10 cm inferior to the joint line. There were no fractures. Seventeen (1.7%) patients had minor pin-related complications. Twelve patients had a superficial infection around the tibial pin sites, which resolved with antibiotics. None of the infections required readmission or reoperation. We believe pin placement to be safe and effective with proper technique.

Keywords: pin sites, complications, computer navigation, computer-assisted surgery, total knee arthroplasty

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 Funds in excess of $10 000 were received from DePuy Orthopaedics, Warsaw, Ind, for data collection in support of the DePuy CaptureWare software database.

PII: S0883-5403(09)00356-8

doi:10.1016/j.arth.2009.07.025

The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 25, Issue 7 , Pages 1096-1098, October 2010

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