Intraoperative technology increases operating room times in primary total knee arthroplasty

Optimization of patient outcomes and identification of factors to improve the surgical workflow are increasingly important. Operating room time is one modifiable factor that leads to greater hospital efficiency as well as improved outcomes such as shorter length of stay and fewer infections and readmissions. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with operative time disparities in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

A retrospective review of 7659 consecutive primary TKA cases was conducted. Patient demographic data, discrete operating room (OR) times, use of technology (i.e. robotic-assisted surgery, computer navigation), surgeon experience and the level of training of the first assistant were collected. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the effect of hospital characteristics on operative times. Operative times of five minutes or greater were considered to be clinically significant.

While the use of technology (182.64 ± 39.85 vs 158.70 ± 37.45 min; B = 26.09; p < 0.0001) and greater surgeon experience (162.14 ± 39.87 vs 158.69 ± 33.18 min, B = 3.15, p = 0.002) were found to increase OR times, level of training of the first assist (161.65 vs 156.4 min; Β = - 0.264; p = 0.487) did not. Of the discrete OR times examined, incision time and total time under anesthesia were negatively impacted by the use of technology.

Use of technology was the only study variable found to significantly increase OR times. With increased operative times and limited evidence that technology improves long-term patient outcomes, surgeons should carefully consider the benefits and cost of technology in TKA.