Increased Operative Time yet Enhanced Accuracy in Computer-Assisted vs. Mechanical Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is considered a highly complex procedure, requiring advanced specialization and training beyond that of conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA). With the advent of computer-assisted navigation in HRA, some surgeons have adopted this technology to improve accuracy, whereas others continue to rely on traditional mechanical jig techniques. This study aims to assess radiographic positioning data and clinical outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-assisted navigation in HRA.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases with specific search terms related to HRA, computer navigation, and outcomes. Data extraction focused on demographic and study variables such as complication rates, radiographic data, and patient-reported outcomes. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to compare operative time, odds of complications, and odds of outliers between patients undergoing HRA with and without the use of computer-assisted navigation. Statistical significance was defined as a 95% confidence interval that does not include one.

Results: From an initial pool of 223 articles, 13 met inclusion criteria, encompassing 1,287 patients. Analysis revealed a complication rate of 5.29% for the mechanical group vs. 3.35% for the navigation group. Outlier rates were 31.96% for the mechanical group and 8.76% for the computer-assisted group. The average operative time was 110.95 minutes for procedures using navigation compared with 101.16 minutes for traditional HRA. Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in overall complications. However, the navigation-based HRA cohort demonstrated a significantly lower likelihood of prosthetic placement outliers and a longer operative time.

Conclusion: As reported over a decade ago by Liu et al., the use of navigation continues to result in a more accurate prosthetic positioning. Unfortunately, no significant difference was found in clinical outcomes. Future research is needed to demonstrate that the increased accuracy offered by navigation translates into superior postoperative outcomes. Such evidence could advocate for a complete transition from mechanical techniques to computer-assisted navigation as the standard approach for HRA.

Level of evidence: Level III, systematic review of Level II and III studies. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.