Utilization of Robotic Arm Assistance for Revision of Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

With increasing numbers of knee arthroplasty procedures being performed, revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The use of robotics in primary joint arthroplasty is also increasing due to better technology and surgeon familiarity. Robotic arms have the ability to execute bone cuts within 1 mm of a preoperative plan, can measure soft tissue gap tension, and can plan femoral and tibial augments and rotation. The use of robotic arm assistance for revision TKA, however, has not been documented in the literature.

We present a case describing a novel technique in which the Mako robot (Stryker, Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was utilized for revision of a failed primary TKA secondary to aseptic loosening. The patient is a 68-year-old Caucasian male who underwent right revision TKA with robotic assistance. Stryker Triathlon TS implants were utilized with the use of both femoral and tibial cones and medial and lateral posterior femoral augments. He had satisfactory component alignment based on postoperative radiographs, and excellent clinical outcomes 6 months postoperatively.

The use of robotic arm assistance in revision TKA for failed primary TKA is a novel technique and resulted in excellent operative outcomes in this case. Further study should be done to confirm its use in revision TKA.