Computer-assisted navigation in hip resurfacing arthroplasty: A single-surgeon experience

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is a technically challenging procedure, and orientation of the femoral component is critical to avoid implant failure. The use of computer-assisted navigation has been shown to decrease the learning curve for beginners in hip resurfacing and to improve the surgeon's ability to produce consistent results. Computer navigation offers real-time feedback, with the opportunity to produce improved repeatability to optimize patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve of computer-assisted surgery in the hands of an experienced hip resurfacing surgeon. A retrospective review of 100 consecutive navigated hip resurfacing arthroplasties in 94 patients assessed preoperative and postoperative neck-shaft angles, operative times, and complications. Twenty-five non-navigated hip resurfacing arthroplasties, performed by the same surgeon, were evaluated as a matching group. Mean operative times for the computer-assisted hip resurfacings were 101 minutes, as compared to 104 minutes in the non-navigated group. We found that in the hands of an experienced hip resurfacing surgeon, the addition of computer-assisted navigation had no effect on the learning curve, but did provide feedback and repeatability to the surgeon.