Abstract
This study determined if robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA) allows
for more accurate and precise bone cuts and component position to plan compared with
manual total knee arthroplasty (MTKA). Specifically, we assessed the following: (1)
final bone cuts, (2) final component position, and (3) a potential learning curve
for RATKA. On six cadaver specimens (12 knees), a MTKA and RATKA were performed on
the left and right knees, respectively. Bone-cut and final-component positioning errors
relative to preoperative plans were compared. Median errors and standard deviations
(SDs) in the sagittal, coronal, and axial planes were compared. Median values of the
absolute deviation from plan defined the accuracy to plan. SDs described the precision
to plan. RATKA bone cuts were as or more accurate to plan based on nominal median
values in 11 out of 12 measurements. RATKA bone cuts were more precise to plan in
8 out of 12 measurements (p ≤ 0.05). RATKA final component positions were as or more accurate to plan based on
median values in five out of five measurements. RATKA final component positions were
more precise to plan in four out of five measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Stacked error results from all cuts and implant positions for each specimen
in procedural order showed that RATKA error was less than MTKA error. Although this
study analyzed a small number of cadaver specimens, there were clear differences that
separated these two groups. When compared with MTKA, RATKA demonstrated more accurate
and precise bone cuts and implant positioning to plan.
Keywords
robotic - total knee arthroplasty - accuracy - precision - alignment
