New and evolving technologies for knee arthroplasty—computer navigation and robotics: state of the art

New technology: Custom made implants, patient-specific alignment, and navigation - How to convince my hospital it's worth it: Current concepts

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) faces significant challenges, including lower survival rates and higher revision rates than total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To address these issues, technological advancements like custom-made implants (CMI), patient-specific alignment (PSA), and computer-assisted systems (CAS) are being explored. These innovations aim to tailor procedures to individual joint morphology, soft tissue balance, and limb alignment, moving away from the traditional "one size fits all" approach. Early studies suggest that CMI may improve survival rates and patient-reported outcomes, though conclusive evidence is lacking. PSA shows potential for restoring pre-surgical alignment; however, its long-term benefits are uncertain. CAS improves implant placement precision and ligament balance; nevertheless, long-term survival data remain inconclusive. Moreover, economic and implementation challenges, such as cost and the need for specialized training, remain underexplored. While promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term efficacy and practical application of these technologies in UKA.

Progress in Computer-Assisted Navigation for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis with Extra-Articular Deformity

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. However, in patients with concomitant extra-articular deformities, conventional TKA techniques may lead to unsatisfactory outcomes and higher complication rates. This review summarizes the application of navigated TKA for treating knee osteoarthritis with extra-articular deformities. The principles and potential benefits of computer navigation systems, including improved component alignment, soft tissue balancing, and restoration of mechanical axis, are discussed. Research studies demonstrate that navigated TKA can effectively correct deformities, relieve pain, and improve postoperative joint function and quality of life compared with conventional methods. The advantages of navigated TKA in terms of surgical precision, lower complication rates, and superior functional recovery are highlighted. Despite challenges like the learning curve and costs, navigated TKA is an increasingly indispensable tool for achieving satisfactory outcomes in TKA for knee osteoarthritis patients with extra-articular deformities.

Navigating the Divide: A Comprehensive Review of the Mechanical and Anatomical Axis Approaches in Total Knee Replacement

This comprehensive review explores the mechanical and anatomical axis approaches in total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, addressing the ongoing debate within the orthopedic community. Emphasizing the significance of TKR in alleviating knee-related disorders, this review underscores the pivotal role of accurate alignment in achieving optimal surgical outcomes. The purpose is to navigate the divide between the well-established mechanical axis approach, focusing on a straight-line alignment, and the anatomical axis approach, aligning with natural knee landmarks. The analysis delves into the advantages, disadvantages, and clinical implications of each approach, offering a nuanced perspective on their efficacy. The conclusion emphasizes a patient-centric approach, recommending the adoption of hybrid strategies and the incorporation of emerging technologies for enhanced precision. The future of TKR aligns with personalized medicine, leveraging advancements in computer-assisted navigation, robotics, and patient-specific implants. Ongoing professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for surgeons, and as the field evolves, innovations in artificial intelligence, imaging, and 3D printing are expected to shape the trajectory of TKR alignment approaches.

Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: historical perspectives and current innovations

Robotic assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (RAUKA) has emerged as a successful approach for optimizing implant positioning accuracy, minimizing soft tissue injury, and improving patient-reported outcomes. The application of RAUKA is expected to increase because of its advantages over conventional unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. This review article provides an overview of RAUKA, encompassing the historical development of the procedure, the features of the robotic arm and navigation systems, and the characteristics of contemporary RAUKA. The article also includes a comparison between conventional unicompartmental arthroplasty and RAUKA, as well as a discussion of current challenges and future advancements in the field of RAUKA.

Is combined robotically assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction a good solution for the young arthritic knee?

PURPOSE

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency can be a consequence or a cause of femoro-tibial osteoarthritis (OA). Several studies have published satisfactory outcomes of unicompartimental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and combined ACL reconstruction despite its absence classically being considered a contraindication. A major challenge in the ACL deficient knee is obtaining appropriate gap balancing and limb axis. Robotically assisted UKA allows for precise control of these factors; however, it's utilisation as a tool with combined ACL reconstruction and UKA has not been described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of robotically assisted UKA with combined ACL reconstruction.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single-centre study of ten patients operated by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2020. All surgery was performed using a cemented fixed bearing UKA prosthesis (Journey uni, Smith and Nephew®) (8 medial, 2 lateral) inserted with the assistance of an image-free robotic-assisted system (BlueBelt, Navio, Smith and Nephew®). All ACL reconstructions were performed using hamstring autograft. Clinical assessment included International Knee Score (IKS) score, Tegner score and patient satisfaction. Radiological assessment was performed to assess radiolucent lines, progression of OA in the other compartments, Hip-Knee-Ankle angle and Posterior Tibial Slope.

RESULTS

There were eight females (80%), mean age was 57 ± 7 [48-70], mean BMI was 26 ± 3 [22-31]. The mean follow-up was 45 months ± 13 months [24-66]. Mean post-operative IKS knee and function score were respectively 96 ± 4.5 [88-100] and 93 ± 8.2 [74-100], mean Tegner score was 4.5 ± 1.4 [3-6]. Nine patients (90%) returned to sport; one patient (10%) was dissatisfied because of residual pain preventing a return to a desired level of sport. 100% of the radiological objectives were achieved. No radiolucent lines were seen at the last follow-up. There were two re-operations (20%) for stiffness requiring arthroscopic arthrolysis at two and three months respectively following surgery, with full recovery of the flexion at the last follow-up in both cases. No other complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Robotic UKA associated with ACL reconstruction provides satisfactory early patient outcomes and accurate implant positioning. The first results in terms of return to sports were promising.

Computer-Assisted Technologies in Arthroplasty: Navigating Your Way Today

Computer-assisted technologies that are used in arthroplasty include navigation, image-derived instrumentation (IDI), and robotics. Computer-assisted navigation improves accuracy and allows for real-time assessment of component positioning and soft-tissue tension. It is not clear whether the implementation of these technologies improves the clinical outcome of surgery. High cost and time demands have prevented the global implementation of computer-assisted technologies.

Trends in Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Developing Region: A Survey of Latin American Orthopaedic Surgeons

INTRODUCTION

A number of different total knee arthroplasty techniques are available. There is also a degree of surgeon preference for these, and the variation across orthopaedic surgeons in Latin America is currently unknown.

METHODS

A survey on members of Sociedad Latinoamericana de Artroscopia, Rodilla y Deporte was performed, with questions based on categories within worldwide national joint registries. In total, 315 Sociedad Latinoamericana de Artroscopia, Rodilla y Deporte members received the survey via e-mail, and the return answers were compared with the latest worldwide national joint registry annual reports.

RESULTS

The survey was completed in full by 262 surgeons (83%). It was answered that 19% of surgeons perform less than 10 total knee arthroplasties per year, 54% perform less than 30, and only 9% perform more than 100. Seventy-three percent of surgeons use a posterior stabilized total knee replacement, 18% use a cruciate retaining total knee replacement, and 9% use a medial pivot design. Forty-nine percent of surgeons resurface the patella, 27% never resurface it, and 24% choose to resurface it based on an individual case scenario. Ninety-eight percent of surgeons use cemented fixation in the femur and tibia, with the remaining 2% choosing hybrid fixation and 1% using fully noncemented fixation.

CONCLUSION

This survey among Latin American surgeons has demonstrated important differences in surgical technique and implants choice compared with worldwide national registries.