MAKO Robotic-Arm-Assisted Versus Conventional Dual-Incision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Score-Matched...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Arthroplasty

Background:

• Retrospective study comparing MAKO robotic-arm-assisted vs. conventional dual-incision minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• Hypothesis: Robotic assistance offers superior radiographic accuracy without improving early functional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare radiographic accuracy and short-term functional outcomes between robotic-assisted and conventional dual-incision THA.
• To evaluate the impact of technical precision on patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Propensity-score-matched analysis of 52 robotic-assisted and 52 conventional dual-incision THA cases.
• Comparison of operative time, blood loss, radiographic parameters (acetabular inclination/anteversion, LLD, offsets, subsidence), and functional scores (HHS, OHS, FJS-12).

Main Results:

• Robotic group showed significantly smaller deviations in acetabular anteversion and inclination, and a higher proportion of cups within the Lewinnek safe zone.
• Improved femoral stem subsidence and offset restoration in the robotic group; leg-length discrepancy reduction was not significant.
• Longer operative time for robotic THA, but comparable blood loss and 6-month functional scores.

Conclusions:

• MAKO robotic-arm assistance enhances radiographic accuracy and biomechanical restoration in dual-incision THA.
• No significant short-term functional advantage observed with robotic assistance.
• Greater radiographic precision is independently linked to better patient-reported outcomes, emphasizing technical accuracy in THA.