Surgical accuracy of image-free versus image-based robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the accuracy in achieving proper lower limb alignment and component positions after total knee replacement (TKR) with image-free and image-based robotic-assisted TKR. METHODS: A total of 129 patients (166 knees) suffering from end-stage knee arthritis who underwent TKA operated by robotic-assisted surgery between the years 2018 and mid-2021 were recruited. Radiological outcomes were compared between image-free and image-based robotic-assisted surgical systems. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two robotic systems when comparing the mean planned component alignment and the mean measured alignment on radiographs, in which the image-free robotic-assisted system was more varus, whereas the image-based robotic-assisted system was more valgus for both the mean femoral and tibial component coronal alignment (p < 0.001). For tibial component sagittal alignment, the image-based group had a larger deviation from the planned posterior slope (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Image-free and image-based robotic assisted TKR had differing accuracy in femoral and tibial alignment.

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

BACKGROUND: The 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. METHODS: A 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). RESULTS: The 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. CONCLUSION: Robotic-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.