High Degree of Accuracy of a Novel Image-free Handheld Robot for Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty in a Cadaveric Study

Abstract

The image-free robotic sculpting tool achieved accurate implementation of the surgical plan with small errors in implant placement. The next step will be to determine whether accurate implant placement translates into a clinical and functional benefit for the patient.

Preoperative Mapping in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Using Computed Tomography Scans Is Associated with Radiation Exposure and Carries High Cost

“…Preoperative CT for knee arthroplasty requires special consideration given the non-diagnostic nature of the study, particularly with the availability of alternatives, such as conventional techniques, MRI-based methods for cutting guide customization, or image-free robotic technologies [5,6,24]. Despite widespread use, surgeons and patients have limited knowledge of the associated radiation exposure related to the CT scan for preoperative planning in knee arthroplasty.…”

“…Robotic assistance enhances the accuracy of bone preparation, implant component alignment, and soft tissue balance in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Such precision relies on patient-specific preoperative and/or intraoperative mapping, which depending on the system utilized, may require a three-dimensional computed topography (CT) scan of the involved knee and ipsilateral hip and ankle.…”

“…Currently two robotic technologies are approved for use in UKA by the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) -one, an image-free system that does not require preoperative CT scan or MRI (Navio, Blue Belt Technologies, Plymouth, MN); the other that requires a preoperative CT scan for mapping and planning (RIO, Mako Stryker, Fort Lauderdale, FL). Both systems have been utilized by the senior author with equivalent accuracy [2,6]. The purpose of this study is to quantify the mean effective dose of radiation associated with the CT scan required prior to robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty and to assess the risk to the patient.…”

Robotics accuracy in orthopaedics: is it enough for a well-working knee replacement?

“…Published papers about robotics in knee replacement, both prospective and retrospective with or without a control group, usually agree on better radiological outcomes in terms of alignment and implant positioning (6,7). Major complications are rarely reported in primary joint replacement surgery (either with or without the use of robots) and clinical benefits of the use of the robotics are not so evident.…”

(iv) Technology assisted unicompartmental knee replacement: results and functional outcomes

“…The RMS errors reported between the 'planned' and 'actual' implant placement were up to 2.5 and 1.5 mm. 33,34 This system combines navigation with a precision cutting tool to prepare the bone surface.…”