Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Results in Shorter Navigation Working Time With Similar Clinical Outcomes Compared to Computer-Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND

Early clinical data are important in the appraisal of newly introduced robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) systems in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few studies to date comparing 1-year clinical outcomes between RAS and computer-assisted navigation (CAS), the forerunner in reducing alignment outliers. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a difference between these two groups in early clinical outcomes, including functional outcome and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHODS

A total of 158 propensity score-matched patients who underwent primary TKA with either CAS or RAS were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative outcomes (navigation time, length of stay, complications, readmissions, transfusions, and technical failure), as well as functional outcome measures (range of motion, sit to stand test, timed-up-and-go test, single-leg stance test, calf raises, and step count), and PROMs (Oxford Knee Score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 12-item Short Form Survey, Forgotten Joint Score-12, and satisfaction) were compared between those who underwent CAS and those who underwent RAS.

RESULTS

Navigation time was shorter in the RAS group compared to the CAS group (mean difference, 15.4 minutes; P < 0.001). There were 2 complications reported in the CAS group (one patellar clunk, one periprosthetic joint infection), but none in the RAS group. There were no other readmissions, transfusions, or technical failures in either group. Postoperatively, there were no clinical differences in function between groups. Clinically meaningful improvement in PROMs was observed in both groups, with no differences.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of RAS resulted in shorter navigation time compared to CAS in TKA. No other differences were observed in early clinical outcomes between patients who underwent RAS and CAS.