HURWA robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty improves component positioning and alignment - A prospective...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Robotics in medicine
• Biomechanical engineering

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for knee osteoarthritis.
• Robotic-assisted TKA systems are emerging as alternatives to conventional methods.
• The HURWA robotic system's efficacy requires comparison with traditional TKA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare radiologic and clinical outcomes of HURWA robotic-assisted TKA versus conventional TKA.
• To evaluate mechanical axis alignment and patient-reported functional scores.
• To assess the safety and effectiveness of the HURWA robotic system.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial with 150 patients (73 robotic-assisted, 77 conventional).
• Pre- and postoperative assessment of WOMAC, HSS, SF-36, KSS, and range of motion (ROM).
• Comparison of preoperative and postoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angles and alignment rates (HKA≤3°).

Main Results:

• Robotic-assisted TKA achieved significantly better postoperative HKA alignment (1.801°) than conventional TKA (3.017°).
• Alignment rate for mechanical axis ≤3° was higher in the robotic group (81.2%) versus conventional (63.5%).
• Both groups showed similar improvements in knee flexion and functional recovery (WOMAC, HSS, SF-36, KSS).

Conclusions:

• HURWA robotic-assisted TKA demonstrates superior mechanical axis alignment compared to conventional TKA.
• The system is safe and effective, with comparable knee flexion and functional recovery.
• Longer follow-up is necessary to confirm if improved alignment translates to better long-term clinical outcomes.