Does the Robotic Arm and Preoperative CT Planning Help with 3D Intraoperative Total Knee Arthroplasty Planning?

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IntroductionOne way to potentially help contain the rising healthcare costs is the utilization of technological advances, such as robotic-assistive technology, for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to perform a cost analysis between robotic-arm assisted TKA and manual TKA (mTKA) techniques. Specifically, we compared: 1) 90-day EOC costs, as well as several variables within the episode, including 2) index costs; 3) index lengths-of-stay (LOS); 4) discharge disposition; and 5) readmission rates.MethodsA retrospective claims analysis was performed on Medicare FFS beneficiaries who underwent rTKA and mTKA procedures between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. Patients were matched rTKA to mTKA in a 1-to-5 ratio, yielding 519 rTKAs and 2,595 mTKAs. The overall 90-day EOC costs, including the index procedures, LOS, discharge dispositions, and readmissions were compared between cohorts.ResultsOverall 90-day EOC costs ($18,568 vs. $20,960) as well as index facility costs ($12,384 vs. $13,024; p=0.0001) were found to be less than that for rTKA vs. mTKA. rTKA also accrued $1,744 fewer costs than mTKA (5,234 vs. $6,978; p=<0.0001) utilized fewer days in inpatient (4 vs. 7; p<0.0001) and SNF care (15 vs. 16; p=0.0642) as well as a 90-day readmission reduction of 33% (p=0.0423).DiscussionThe results from this study show rTKA to be associated with significantly lower 90-day EOC costs. These lower rTKA patient costs are likely attributable to the significantly lower index costs, increased likelihood of being discharged to home, shorter LOS, and decreased readmission rates, when compared to mTKA patient costs.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A 90-Day Episode-of-Care Cost Analysis of Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty

Cool¹,

Jacofsky²,

Seeger³

et al.

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“…As valgus knees can require a greater amount of planning and precision, RA technology may be an option for surgeons to plan the case and make intraoperative component adjustments prior to bone cuts [5]. In literature, RA technology has been shown to reduce in post-operative pain and opioid usage which provides benefits to the patient and the hospital system [6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Robotic Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: Addressing 1-12 Degrees Valgus Knees

Zhang¹,

Bhowmik-Stoker²,

Scholl³

et al.

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The purpose of this work was to determine the number of soft tissue releases and component orientation of valgus cases performed with Robotic-Arm Assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA).This study was a retrospective chart review of cases performed by a single surgeon from July 2016 to December 2017. 72 RATKA cases were defined as having a valgus deformity pre-operatively. Patient demographics and intraoperative surgical details were collected, including initial and final 3D component alignment, knee balancing gaps, full or partial releases. Post- operatively, radiographs, adverse events, and reduced WOMAC pain and KOOS Jr scores were collected at 6 months post-operatively.Pre-operatively, knee deformities ranged from 1o to 12° with fixed flexion contracture. All knees were corrected within 2.5 degrees of mechanical neutral. Medial and lateral gaps were balanced in extension 100% of cases and flexion 93% of cases.Radiographic evidence suggested well seated and well-fixed components. No revision and re- operation is reported. Patient reported outcomes measures collected at 6-month follow up indicated an improvement in WOMAC pain score from 9.6 to 3.2 and improvement in KOOS Jr from 44.7 to 74.4 points.In this retrospective case review, soft tissue releases were not needed to address valgus knees ranging from 1-12° of deformity. The surgeon was able to balance the knee with bone resections and avoid disturbing the soft tissue envelope. While this study has a number of limitations, RATKA for valgus knees should continue to be investigated in a multicenter study.

“…Component size predictions are relatively accurate within 1 size. RA technology allows surgeons to plan the case and make intraoperative component adjustments prior to bone cuts [4]. In literature, RA technology has been shown to reduce in post-operative pain and opioid usage which provides benefits to the patient and the hospital system [5].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does the Use of a CT Based 3D Plan Improve Joint Balancing in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Multi-Center Study

Zhang¹,

Bhowmik-Stoker²,

Scholl³

et al.

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Studies have shown that dissatisfaction following TKA may stem from poor component placement and iatrogenic factors related to variability in surgical execution. A CT-based robotic assisted system allows surgeons to dynamically balance the joint prior to bone resection. This study aimed to determine if this system could improve TKA planning, reduce soft tissue releases, minimize bone resection, and accurately predict component size.Six hundred and sixty-six cases undergoing primary robotic assisted TKA we enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study. Seven surgeons participated from seven US centers. Patient demographics and intraoperative surgical details were collected. Initial and final 3-dimensional alignment, component position, bone resection depths, use of soft tissue releases, knee balancing gaps, and component size were collected intraoperatively. Descriptive statistics were applied to determine the changes in these parameters between initial and final values.In this study, 513 varus knees, 86 valgus knees, and 26 neutral knees were captured and stratified for analysis. Native deformity ranged from 12 degrees of valgus to 19 degrees of varus. 85% of all patients in this study did not require a soft tissue release. Complex deformities who required a soft tissue release were corrected on average to 3.36 degrees while cases without releases were corrected to 1.1 degree on average. All surgeons achieved their planned sizes on the tibia and femur more than 97.5% of the time within one size, and 100% of the time within two sizes. Flexion and extension gaps during knee balancing were within 2mm (mean 1mm) for all knees.New tools may allow for enhanced execution and predictable balance for TKA, which may improve patient outcomes. In this study, preoperative planning via CT scan allowed surgeons to assess bony deformities and subtly adjust component position to reduce soft tissue trauma. Patient follow up is needed to determine clinical outcomes.