Handheld imageless robotic total knee arthroplasty improves accuracy and early clinical outcomes when compared with navigation

Abstract Background This study compared imageless robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) with accelerometer-based navigation (ABN) systems in terms of surgical accuracy and early clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 153 patients (178 knees) who had undergone...

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Main Authors: Joshua Yeuk-Shun Tran, Abbie Yan-Tung Tang, Cham-Kit Wong, Gloria Yan-Ting Lam, Tsz-Lung Choi, Rex Wang-Fung Mak, Jonathan Patrick Ng, Kevin Ki-Wai Ho, Michael Tim-Yun Ong, Patrick Shu-Hang Yung
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-04-01
Series:Arthroplasty
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42836-025-00303-4
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Summary:Abstract Background This study compared imageless robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) with accelerometer-based navigation (ABN) systems in terms of surgical accuracy and early clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 153 patients (178 knees) who had undergone primary TKA from 2017 to 2023. Surgical accuracy and functional outcomes were assessed up to 12 months post-operation using the Chi-square test, Student’s t-test, and ANCOVA. Subgroup analyses based on patient demographics were also conducted. Results Among 153 patients, 101 underwent RATKA, and 52 received ABN. RATKA demonstrated superior alignment accuracy with a significantly lower deviation from the planned alignment (P < 0.05). Additionally, RATKA led to significantly better postoperative functional scores at 6 weeks (P = 0.001) and 3 months (P = 0.001), even after adjusting for preoperative functional differences. Conclusions RATKA offers enhanced precision and improves early recovery compared to ABN, supporting its potential as a preferred technology for TKA. Its ability to optimize kinematic alignment may contribute to superior patient outcomes. Compared to ABN, RATKA provides a unique advantage by achieving greater accuracy in planned alignment, which may translate into improved functional recovery. Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to confirm these findings.
ISSN:2524-7948