Computer-Navigated and Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: Increasing in Popularity Without Increasing...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Technology
• Data Science

Background:

• Clinical data on computer navigation (CN) and robotic assistance (RA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) present mixed findings.
• Assessing modern utilization trends and postoperative outcomes for CN-TKA, RA-TKA, and traditional (TD) TKA is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the utilization trends of CN-TKA, RA-TKA, and TD-TKA from 2015 to 2020.
• To compare 90-day postoperative complications and inpatient opioid consumption across these TKA procedure types.

Main Methods:

• A national database was queried for primary, elective TKA patients between 2015 and 2020.
• Utilization rates were assessed, and differences in 90-day postoperative complications and opioid consumption were analyzed.
• Multivariate regression analyses were employed to control for potential confounding factors.

Main Results:

• CN-TKA and RA-TKA utilization significantly increased from 2015 to 2020.
• CN-TKA was linked to reduced risks of periprosthetic joint infection, pulmonary embolism, and acute respiratory failure compared to TD-TKA.
• RA-TKA demonstrated lower risks of deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism than TD-TKA.
• Both CN-TKA and RA-TKA were associated with decreased postoperative opioid consumption compared to TD-TKA.

Conclusions:

• There was a substantial increase in CN-TKA and RA-TKA utilization between 2015 and 2020.
• This trend correlated with reduced hospitalization, fewer postoperative complications, and decreased opioid use.
• The findings support the safety and efficacy of RA-TKA and CN-TKA, warranting further investigation into their specific indications.