Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study

Abstract Purpose Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated long‐term durability, with a significant reduction in revisions due to polyethylene wear and component loosening. However, mid‐flexion instability (MFI) is a key factor in early TKA revisions, affecting patient satisfaction and implant...

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Main Authors: Keisuke Maeda, Tomoharu Mochizuki, Shigeru Takagi, Go Omori, Noriaki Yamamoto, Koichi Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Kawashima
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/jeo2.70239
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author Keisuke Maeda
Tomoharu Mochizuki
Shigeru Takagi
Go Omori
Noriaki Yamamoto
Koichi Kobayashi
Hiroyuki Kawashima
author_facet Keisuke Maeda
Tomoharu Mochizuki
Shigeru Takagi
Go Omori
Noriaki Yamamoto
Koichi Kobayashi
Hiroyuki Kawashima
author_sort Keisuke Maeda
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Purpose Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated long‐term durability, with a significant reduction in revisions due to polyethylene wear and component loosening. However, mid‐flexion instability (MFI) is a key factor in early TKA revisions, affecting patient satisfaction and implant longevity. Recent advancements in robotic‐assisted TKA (raTKA) provide precise joint line (JL) restoration and component positioning, potentially reducing MFI. This prospective study evaluated the impact of image‐free raTKA on MFI and JL restoration. Methods This prospective cohort study included 59 knees undergoing primary TKA using the image‐free robotic systems NAVIO® and CORI® and the JOURNEY II® Bi‐Cruciate Stabilized knee system. Intraoperative component gap (CG) measurements at 0°, 30°, 60° and 105° of flexion were taken, and JL changes were assessed pre‐ and post‐operatively using computed tomography (CT)‐based three‐dimensional (3D) models with the 3D‐3D matching technique. The distal femoral JL was quantified. Results Both the medial and lateral CG at 30° and 60° were significantly smaller compared to those at 0° and 105°. Post‐operative JL showed distalization of 1.5 mm at the medial femur and 2.0 mm at the lateral femur compared to preoperative JL. Conclusions This study is the first to assess JL restoration in raTKA using CT‐based bone landmarks, offering precise insights. Image‐free raTKA facilitates precise JL restoration, optimizing knee kinematics and enhancing stability. These findings suggest that this technique contributes to improved post‐operative joint function and greater patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.
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spelling doaj-art-dcfcd18435d54518bacb923c824986052025-08-20T03:46:58ZengWileyJournal of Experimental Orthopaedics2197-11532025-04-01122n/an/a10.1002/jeo2.70239Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort studyKeisuke Maeda0Tomoharu Mochizuki1Shigeru Takagi2Go Omori3Noriaki Yamamoto4Koichi Kobayashi5Hiroyuki Kawashima6Division of Orthopedic Surgery Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital Niigata JapanDivision of Orthopedic Surgery Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital Niigata JapanDivision of Orthopedic Surgery Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital Niigata JapanDepartment of Health and Sports Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata JapanDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery Niigata Rehabilitation Hospital Niigata JapanSchool of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Niigata University Niigata JapanDivision of Orthopedic Surgery Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital Niigata JapanAbstract Purpose Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated long‐term durability, with a significant reduction in revisions due to polyethylene wear and component loosening. However, mid‐flexion instability (MFI) is a key factor in early TKA revisions, affecting patient satisfaction and implant longevity. Recent advancements in robotic‐assisted TKA (raTKA) provide precise joint line (JL) restoration and component positioning, potentially reducing MFI. This prospective study evaluated the impact of image‐free raTKA on MFI and JL restoration. Methods This prospective cohort study included 59 knees undergoing primary TKA using the image‐free robotic systems NAVIO® and CORI® and the JOURNEY II® Bi‐Cruciate Stabilized knee system. Intraoperative component gap (CG) measurements at 0°, 30°, 60° and 105° of flexion were taken, and JL changes were assessed pre‐ and post‐operatively using computed tomography (CT)‐based three‐dimensional (3D) models with the 3D‐3D matching technique. The distal femoral JL was quantified. Results Both the medial and lateral CG at 30° and 60° were significantly smaller compared to those at 0° and 105°. Post‐operative JL showed distalization of 1.5 mm at the medial femur and 2.0 mm at the lateral femur compared to preoperative JL. Conclusions This study is the first to assess JL restoration in raTKA using CT‐based bone landmarks, offering precise insights. Image‐free raTKA facilitates precise JL restoration, optimizing knee kinematics and enhancing stability. These findings suggest that this technique contributes to improved post‐operative joint function and greater patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.https://doi.org/10.1002/jeo2.70239joint linemid‐flexion instabilityrobotic‐assistedtotal knee arthroplasty
spellingShingle Keisuke Maeda
Tomoharu Mochizuki
Shigeru Takagi
Go Omori
Noriaki Yamamoto
Koichi Kobayashi
Hiroyuki Kawashima
Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics
joint line
mid‐flexion instability
robotic‐assisted
total knee arthroplasty
title Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study
title_full Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study
title_fullStr Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study
title_full_unstemmed Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study
title_short Image‐free robotic‐assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid‐flexion instability: A prospective cohort study
title_sort image free robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with joint line distalization and improves mid flexion instability a prospective cohort study
topic joint line
mid‐flexion instability
robotic‐assisted
total knee arthroplasty
url https://doi.org/10.1002/jeo2.70239
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