Successful clinical outcomes following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) depend on component positioning, soft tissue balance and lower limb alignment, all of which can be difficult to achieve using manual instrumentation. A new robotic-guided technology has been shown to improve postoperative implant positioning and lower limb alignment in UKA but so far no studies have reported clinical results of robotic-assisted medial UKA. Goal of this study therefore was to assess outcomes of robotic-assisted medial UKA in a large cohort of patients at short-term follow-up. This multicenter study with IRB approval examines the survivorship and satisfaction of this robotic-assisted procedure coupled with an anatomically designed UKA implant at a minimum of two-year follow-up. A total of 1007 patients (1135 knees) underwent robotic-assisted surgery for a medial UKA from six surgeons at separate institutions in the United States. All patients received a fixed-bearing metal backed onlay implant as the tibial component between March 2009 and December 2011 (Figure 1). Each patient was contacted at minimum two-year follow-up and asked a series of five questions to determine implant survivorship and patient satisfaction. Survivorship analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and worst-case scenario analysis was performed whereby all patients were considered as revision when they declined study participation. Revision rates were compared in younger and older patients (age cut-off 60 years) and in patients with different body mass index (body mass index cut-off 35 kg/m2). Two-sided chi-square tests were used to compare these groups.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BKA) is an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for degenerative joint disease when present in only two compartments. BKA spares the cruciate ligaments and preserves bone in the healthy compartment, possibly leading to better knee kinematics and clinical outcomes when compared to TKA. While BKA is a technically demanding procedure when performed with manual instrumentation, robotic assistance allows for accurate implant placement and soft tissue balancing of the joint. Robotic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has shown favorable clinical outcomes and survivorship at short term (2 year) follow up compared to manual UKA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short term functional outcomes and survivorship of patients undergoing robotically assisted BKA. 45 patients (48 knees) were identified in an initial and consecutive single surgeon series receiving robotically assisted BKA to correct disease in the medial and patellofemoral compartments. As part of an IRB approved study, every patient in the series was contacted at a minimum two year (±2 months) follow up and asked a series of questions to determine implant survivorship and functional outcomes (using the patient portion of the Knee Society Score). 9 patients were lost to follow up and 1 patient was deceased. 35 patients (38 knees) at a minimum two year follow up enrolled in the study for an enrollment rate of 79%. There are 22 male patients and 13 female patients; the average age at time of surgery is 67.0 ± 6.8 and the average BMI is 29.5 ± 4.6. Five patients in this series also qualified for a 5 year follow up assessment.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Preoperative templating of femoral and tibial components can assist in choosing the appropriate implant size prior to TKA. While weight bearing long limb roentograms have been shown to provide benefit to the surgeon in assessing alignment, disease state, and previous pathology or trauma, their accuracy in size prediction is continually debated due to scaling factors and rotated views. Further, they represent a static time point, accounting for boney anatomy only. A perceived benefit of robotic-assisted surgery is the ability to pre-operatively select component sizes with greater accuracy based on 3D information, however, to allow for flexibility in refining based on additional data only available at the time of surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference of pre-operative plans in size prediction of the tibia, femur, and polyethylene insert. Eighty four cases were enrolled at three centers as part of an Investigational Device Exemption to evaluate a robotic-assisted TKA. All patients had a CT scan as part of a pre-operative planning protocol. Scans were segmented and implant sizes predicted based on the patients boney morphology and an estimated 2mm cartilage presence. Additional information such as actual cartilage presence and soft tissue effects on balance and kinematics were recorded intra-operatively. Utilizing this additional information, surgical plans were fine tuned if necessary to achieve minimal insert thickness and balance. Data from the Preoperative CT plan sizing and final size were compared to determine the percentage of size and within one size accuracy.Introduction
Methods
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using conventional instrumentation has been shown to be a safe and effective way of treating end stage osteoarthritis by restoring function and alleviating pain. As robotic technology is developed to assist surgeons with intra-operative decision making such as joint balancing and component positioning, the safety of these advancements must be established. Furthermore, functional recovery and clinical outcomes should achieve comparable results to the gold standard of conventional instrumentation TKA. Eighty-seven subjects (89 knees) underwent robotic arm assisted TKA by one of three investigators as part of an FDA and IRB approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE). To achieve the primary endpoint of intra-operative patient safety using a robotic arm assisted cutting tool, the investigators completed questionnaires to assess a series of complications related to soft tissue damage associated with conventional TKA. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Knee Scores (KSS) were collected pre-operatively and at three month follow-up.Introduction
Methods
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well established treatment option for patients with end stage osteoarthritis. Conventional TKA with manual instruments has been shown to be a cost effective and time efficient surgery. While robotic-assisted operative systems have been shown to have benefits in surgical accuracy, they have also been reported to have longer surgical times. The purpose of this work was to determine surgical time and learning curve for a novel robotic-assisted TKA platform. Eighty-five subjects underwent robotic-assisted TKA by one of three investigators as part of an FDA and IRB approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE). All patients received a cruciate retaining total knee implant system. Intra-operative safety, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Scores (KSS) were collected pre-operatively and at three month follow-up. In addition, surgical times were collected as part of a TKA work flow. To identify activities related to surgical steps required for robotic procedures specific time stamps were determined from the system. Capture of the hip center to final bone cut was used to define case time and identify robotic learning curve. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results.Introduction
Methods
Bi-compartmental knee arthroplasty (BKA) is an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for degenerative joint disease when present in only two compartments. BKA spares the cruciate ligaments and preserves bone in the healthy compartment, possibly leading to better knee kinematics and clinical outcomes when compared to TKA. While BKA is a technically demanding procedure when performed with manual instrumentation, robotic assistance allows for accurate implant placement and soft tissue balancing of the joint. Robotic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has shown favourable clinical outcomes and survivorship at short term (2 year) follow up compared to manual UKA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short term functional outcomes and survivorship of patients undergoing robotically assisted BKA. 45 patients (48 knees) were identified in an initial and consecutive single surgeon series receiving robotically assisted BKA to correct disease in the medial and patellofemoral compartments. As part of an IRB approved study, every patient in the series was contacted at a minimum two year (±2 months) follow up and asked a series of questions to determine implant survivorship and functional outcomes (using the patient portion of the Knee Society Score). 9 patients were lost to follow up and 1 patient was deceased. 35 patients (38 knees) at a minimum two year follow up enrolled in the study for an enrolment rate of 79%. There are 22 male patients and 13 female patients; the average age at time of surgery is 67.0 ± 6.8 and the average BMI is 29.5 ± 4.6. Five patients in this series also qualified for a 5 year follow up assessment.Introduction
Methods
High BMI has been classically regarded as a contraindication for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) as it can potentially lead to poor clinical outcomes and a higher risk of failure. In recent years, UKA has increased in popularity and, as a result, patient selection criteria are beginning to broaden. However, UKA performed manually continues to be technically challenging and surgical technique errors may result in suboptimal implant positioning. UKA performed with robotic assistance has been shown to improve component positioning, overall limb alignment, and ligament balancing, resulting in overall improved clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of high BMI in patients receiving UKA with robotic assistance. 1007 patients (1135 knees) were identified in an initial and consecutive multi-surgeon multi-center series receiving robotically assisted medial UKA, with a fixed bearing metal backed onlay tibial component. As part of an IRB approved study, every patient in the series was contacted at a minimum two year (±2 months) follow up and asked a series of questions to determine implant survivorship and satisfaction. 160 patients were lost to follow up, 35 patients declined to participate, and 15 patients were deceased. 797 patients (909 knees) at a minimum two year follow up enrolled in the study for an enrollment rate of 80%. 45% of the patients were female. The average age at time of surgery was 69.0 ± 9.5 (range: 39–93). BMI data was available for 887 knees; the average BMI at time of surgery was 29.4 ± 4.9. Patients were stratified in to five categories based on their BMI: normal (< 25; 16%), overweight (25–30; 46%), obese class I (30–35; 25%), obese class II (35–40; 11%) and obese class III (>40; 2%).Introduction
Methods
Bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BKA) is an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for degenerative joint disease when present in only two compartments. BKA spares the cruciate ligaments and preserves bone in the healthy compartment, possibly leading to better knee kinematics and clinical outcomes when compared to TKA. While BKA is a technically demanding procedure when performed with manual instrumentation, robotic assistance allows for accurate implant placement and soft tissue balancing of the joint. Robotic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has shown favorable clinical outcomes and survivorship at short term (2 year) follow up compared to manual UKA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short term functional outcomes and survivorship of patients undergoing robotically assisted BKA. 45 patients (48 knees) were identified in an initial and consecutive single surgeon series receiving robotically assisted BKA to correct disease in the medial and patellofemoral compartments. As part of an IRB approved study, every patient in the series was contacted at a minimum two year (±2 months) follow up and asked a series of questions to determine implant survivorship and functional outcomes (using the patient portion of the Knee Society Score). 9 patients were lost to follow up and 1 patient was deceased. 35 patients (38 knees) at a minimum two year follow up enrolled in the study for an enrollment rate of 79%. There are 22 male patients and 13 female patients; the average age at time of surgery is 67.0 ± 6.8 and the average BMI is 29.5 ± 4.6. Five patients in this series also qualified for a 5 year follow up assessment.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Successful clinical outcomes following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) depend on component positioning, soft tissue balance and overall limb alignment which can be difficult to achieve using manual instrumentation. Recently, robotically guided technology has been used to improve post-operative implant positioning, and limb alignment in UKA with the expectation that this will result in greater implant longevity. This multi-center study examines the survivorship of this robotically guided procedure coupled with a novel, anatomically designed UKA implant at two years follow up. This study examines the two year survivorship and patient satisfaction of an anatomically designed UKA implant using a new robotically guided technology that has been shown to improve implant positioning and alignment.INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
Bicompartmental osteoarthritis involving the medial tibiofemoral and the patellofemoral compartments is often treated with total knee replacement. Improved implants and surgical techniques have led to renewed interest in bicompartmental arthroplasty. This study evaluates the radiographic and early clinical results of bicompartmental arthroplasty with separate unlinked components implanted with the assistance of a robotic surgical arm. In addition, we examine the amount of bone resected using unlinked bicompartmental components compared to total knee replacement. Finally, a retrospective review of total knee cases examines the applicability of this early intervention procedure. 97 patients received simultaneous but geometrically separate medial tibiofemoral and patellofemoral arthroplasties with implants specifically designed to take advantage of a new bone and tissue sparing implantation technique using haptic robotics. These patients came from four surgeons at four different hospitals. The average follow-up was 9 months. Pre- and post-operative radiographs were taken. ROM, KSS and WOMAC scores were recorded. The patients had an average age of 67 yrs (range: 45-95), BMI of 29 ± 4kg/m2. 47% of the patients were male. We retrospectively reviewed pre and post operative notes from 406 consecutive TKA patients from a single surgeon. Intraoperative data included the integrity of the three compartments and the ACL.Introduction
Methods
Successful clinical outcomes following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) depend on accurate component alignment, which can be difficult to achieve using manual instrumentation. A new technology has been developed using haptic robotics that replaces traditional UKA instrumentation. This study compares the accuracy of UKA component placement with traditional jig-based instrumentation versus robotic guidance. Forty-four UKAs performed using standard manual instrumentation were compared to 33 performed with a robotically guided implantation system without instrumentation. Each was performed using a minimally invasive surgical approach. The two groups were identical in terms of age (p=0.74), gender (p=0.65) and BMI (p=0.72). The coronal and sagittal alignment of the tibial components were measured on pre- and post-operative AP and lateral radiographs. Postoperative tibial component alignment was compared to the pre-operative plan. For both techniques, the surgical objective was to match the natural tibial posterior slope. The RMS error of the tibial slope was 3.5° manually compared to 1.4° robotically. In addition, the variance using manual instruments was 2.8 times greater than the robotically guided implantations (p<
0.0001). In the coronal plane, the goal of the manual technique was to implant the tibial component perpendicular to the anatomic tibial axis, while the robotic implantations attempted to match the natural varus of the medial compartment. The average error was 3.3 ± 1.8° more varus using manual instruments compared to 0.1 ± 2.4° when implanted robotically (p<
0.0001). Tibial component alignment in UKA is significantly more accurate and less variable using robotic guidance compared to manual, jig-based instrumentation. By enhancing component alignment, this novel technique provides a potential method for improving outcomes in UKA patients.
Potential benefits of an inlay design of UKA compared to onlay components include less post-operative pain and quicker recovery due to a lower volume of bone removed, in particular preservation of the densely innervated periosteum and medial tibial plateau periphery. This study assesses the clinical consequences of removing less tibial bone in UKA. Seventy-nine UKA patients from a single surgeon were included in this study, 45 patients receiving a standard onlay UKA and 34 receiving an inlay UKA implanted using a robotically guided system. A radiographic technique was developed to measure the depth of resection of tibial bone stock relative to the initial medial joint line. All patients received the same pain management and rehabilitation protocol and the length of hospital stay was measured. The average depth of medial tibial plateau resection was significantly less with inlay tibial components (3.7 ± 0.8mm) relative to onlay tibial components (6.5 ± 0.8mm, p<
0.0001). While the average length of hospital stay was the same for both onlay (LOS = 1.0 ± 0.2days) and inlay (LOS = 0.9 ± 0.5days) UKA procedures, a significantly higher percentage of inlay patients went home the day of surgery (18% vs. 2%, p<
0.0001). The depth of medial tibial plateau resection with a typical fixed bearing onlay UKA design is twice as much as an inlay tibial UKA. This has significant consequences for potentially using only primary components at future conversion to total TKA. Likely due to the less invasive (from a host bone perspective) nature of inlay UKA, a significantly higher percentage of these patients are able to be treated as outpatients.
While novel surgical technologies offer potential for improved outcomes, the new techniques they require create concerns regarding the acquisition of new skills and clinical outcomes during the initial period of relative inexperience. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term clinical outcomes of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) performed with a conventional technique versus a novel tactile-guided robotic technique. Eighty-one medial UKA’s were performed by a single surgeon for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis, 45 with a standard minimally invasive technique using an implant system with which the surgeon had significant prior experience. The other 36 were performed using a new haptic-guided technique with which the surgeon had no prior experience. Knee society scores (KSS) were collected preoperatively and at three, six, and twelve week follow-ups. Marmor ratings were also determined for each follow-up. There was no significant difference in terms of average KSS, change in KSS, or Marmor rating between the two groups at any of the three follow-ups. At twelve weeks, for example, the average increase in the combined KSS was 83.6 in the conventional group and 79.7 in the haptic-guided group (p = 0.66). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the measures that comprise these scores, such as range of motion, pain, and use of assist devices (p >
0.05). Clinical results of an initial series of UKA’s using a new haptic-guided surgical technique are comparable to those using established techniques, thus alleviating concerns regarding the acquisition of a new skill set and inferior outcomes at the beginning of the learning curve.
