Surgical accuracy and clinical outcomes of image-free robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThe development of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) has a good reputation for its effectiveness in reducing joint pain and improving range of motion. We aimed to review our early results using the image-free robotic-assisted technology in knee arthroplasty. MethodsA total of 71 patients suffering from end-stage OA knee receiving TKA operated by robotic-assisted surgery between the years 2018 and mid-2021 were recruited. Clinical and radiological outcomes were compared with age and sex-matched control group (conventional TKA). ResultsThe radiological outcome showed significantly more postoperative lower limb alignment outliers in conventional side than robotic-assisted sides. Postoperative knee scores were similar among both groups. Robotic-assisted TKA required a longer implantation time but a shorter hospital stay. ConclusionRobotic-assisted TKA achieved a lower rate of mechanical axis Outlier in the coronal and sagittal plane with a shorter hospital stay. Yet both methods achieve a similar functional outcome.

Automated summary

This study reviewed the early results of using image-free robotic-assisted technology in knee arthroplasty. It found that robotic-assisted TKA achieved better lower limb alignment outcomes compared to conventional surgery, with similar functional recovery. However, robotic-assisted surgery required a longer implantation time but shorter hospital stay.