The Use of Computer Navigation and Robotic Technology in Complex Total Knee Arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Computer-assisted surgical (CAS) navigation and robotic total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems offer potential benefits including improved mechanical axis restoration, reduced complications, and faster recovery.
• These technologies are increasingly used in both primary and complex cases, including those with preoperative deformity and revision surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of CAS navigation and robotic systems in complex total knee arthroplasty cases.
• To assess the application of these technologies in managing preoperative deformities and revision surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Review of early evidence and data on CAS navigation and robotic systems for total knee arthroplasty.
• Analysis of studies focusing on alignment correction in cases of femoral and tibial deformity, femoral bowing, and revision arthroplasty.

Main Results:

• CAS navigation demonstrates effectiveness in improving alignment for complex deformities and femoral bowing.
• Robotic systems show similar alignment results to CAS navigation, though data are more limited, especially for revision cases.
• Concerns regarding cost, learning curves, and operative times persist, with potential long-term cost savings requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Early evidence suggests CAS navigation and robotic systems are promising for deformity correction and revision total knee arthroplasty.
• The impact of these technologies on long-term functional outcomes requires further demonstration through well-designed comparative studies.