Using Software to Implant Orthopaedic Hardware: Surgeon Intraoperative Confidence Increased with Latest Technological Updates.

Background: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been associated with improved accuracy and precision of implant placement, protection of soft tissue, and improved patient-reported postoperative outcomes when compared to manual TKA techniques. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of surgical confidence throughout the learning curve when adopting robotic-assisted platforms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the confidence and efficiencies of surgeons when utilizing computed tomography (CT)-based robotic TKA technology.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted with 20 arthroplasty-trained surgeons with prior experience in both manual TKA and robotic-assisted TKA techniques. The surgeons completed an initial learning period, with new software, during various stages of their experience. The new TKA software upgrade builds on the prior software version with new features. A Net Promoter Score (NPS), the measurement of a respondent's likelihood to recommend a product or service to others, was used during the analysis of survey questions. A NPS over 50 indicates a positive score.

Results: When compared to manual TKA techniques, 95% of surgeons reported that their overall intraoperative confidence increased with the new software upgrade for CT-based robotic technology and had an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 for their intraoperative confidence with the new software upgrade. Additionally, 100% of surgeons reported that they were more confident when performing intraoperative implant adjustments with the new software upgrade when compared to manual TKA. Surgeons determined that the overall use of the new software upgrade was intuitive (8.4 of 10 average rating) and were satisfied with the overall use of the new software upgrade (9 of 10 average rating). Also, surgeons reported that they would recommend the new software upgrade for CT-based robotic technology to colleagues (NPS of 85), as well as being used as a research tool (NPS of 85) or for a training and education tool in a fellowship program (NPS of 90).

Conclusion: As new technology continues to enter the field of orthopedics, it is important to ensure upgrades and advancements continue to serve surgeons and provide efficiencies in the operating room. For established robotic surgeons, the new robotic technology assessed in this study provided increased confidence when compared to manual TKA. Based on these results, the new software upgrade demonstrated value during various stages of a TKA procedure and is highly recommended for use by others in the field of orthopedics.