Clinical Benefit of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty over Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty When Using Mobile-Bearing Implants

Abstract

Background and Objectives: As a treatment modality for advanced knee osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty is well established and has been performed on many patients over time. To improve surgical outcomes, fixed-bearing implant insertion with robotic-assisted TKA has been introduced; however, the insertion of mobile-bearing (MB) implants with the same method is challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term postoperative follow-up outcomes of MB implant insertion using a robotic-assisted TKA system and conventional TKA. Materials and Methods: We investigated functional improvement in the knees of 60 patients who underwent the insertion of MB implants using either robotic-assisted TKA or conventional TKA. Isokinetic muscular function, range of motion, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Knee Society Score (KSS) were measured 6 months after surgery. The statistical analysis of outcome measurements was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Some isokinetic muscular functions, as well as Knee Society Scores (pain and function) and VAS scores, were significantly higher in patients who underwent MB insertion with robotic-assisted TKA than in those who underwent conventional TKA. Conclusions: When an MB implant is inserted using a robotic-assisted TKA system, a better surgical outcome can be expected.