Robotic-assisted partial knee surgery performances: A 10-year follow-up retrospective study.

Abstract

Purpose: Robotic surgery has emerged as an advanced technique for facilitating knee prosthesis implantation, especially in cases requiring high precision. However, due to the recent introduction and implementation of this approach, long-term data on its outcomes remain limited in the literature. This study aims to assess implant survival, complications and reoperation rates resulting from robotic arm-assisted partial knee arthroplasties, with a long-term follow-up period.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 236 patients who underwent robotic arm-assisted partial knee arthroplasty, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated, focusing on implant survival, complications, reoperation rates, and overall patient satisfaction. The study primarily examined medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS) Part 1 and KSS Function scores assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Results: Among the 236 patients, 212 were available at the last follow-up; satisfaction rates were overall positive, with 210 patients reporting being 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied'. Both WOMAC score and KSS showed statistically significant improvement postoperatively, both globally and in UKA patients specifically.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates excellent long-term satisfaction rates, improved clinical outcomes and implant survival with minimal surgical morbidity. These findings offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of robotic arm-assisted knee arthroplasty.

Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.