A literature review of robotic systems showed that these systems can , similarly to computer navigation , reliably improve lower leg alignment , component positioning and soft tissues balancing .
Findings in this study suggest that computer navigation or robotic assistance may help managing these multiple variables and could improve outcomes .
Recently , there is a growing interest in surgical variables that are intraoperatively controlled by orthopaedic surgeons , including lower leg alignment , component positioning and soft tissues balancing .
Since more tight control over these factors is associated with improved outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) , several computer navigation and robotic-assisted systems have been developed .
Although mechanical axis accuracy and component positioning have been shown to improve with computer navigation , no superiority in functional outcomes has yet been shown .
This could be explained by the fact that many differences exist between the number and type of surgical variables these systems control .
Most systems control lower leg alignment and component positioning , while some in addition control soft tissue balancing .
Finally , robotic-assisted systems have the additional advantage of improving surgical precision .
Manually controlling all these surgical variables can be difficult for the orthopaedic surgeon .
Influence of computer navigation on TKA revision rates
Purpose We performed this study to determine whether the use of imageless navigation reduces revision rates after total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) . Methods Data of 1,121 consecutive primary TKA with a follow-up of one to six years were retrospectively analysed . Following the conversion of the st and ard technique from conventional to navigated procedures , these data included the last 342 conventional and first 779 navigated procedures performed in our clinic . Demographic and perioperative covariates were recorded . All patients were asked by post to report instances of revisions . Results Data of 1,054 patients ( 94 % ) were complete . Mean follow-up was 3.9 years for conventional and 2.4 years for navigated operations .  Cumulative revision rate averaged 4.7 % for conventional and 2.3 % for navigated procedures . Cox ’s proportional hazard model was used to assess the effect of covariates on survival , result ing in significantly lower revision rates for older patients ( p < 0.001 ) and for the navigated technique ( p = 0.012 ) . The reduced revision rate for navigated operations was mainly caused by a significantly reduced rate of aseptic implant loosening ( 1.9 % vs. 0.1 % , p = 0.024 ) . Conclusions Our study showed lower revision rates when computer navigation was used . However , due to the retrospective uncontrolled design , further prospect i ve trials will be necessary to further evaluate this effect
A literature review of robotic systems showed that these systems can , similarly to computer navigation , reliably improve lower leg alignment , component positioning and soft tissues balancing .
Findings in this study suggest that computer navigation or robotic assistance may help managing these multiple variables and could improve outcomes .
Recently , there is a growing interest in surgical variables that are intraoperatively controlled by orthopaedic surgeons , including lower leg alignment , component positioning and soft tissues balancing .
Since more tight control over these factors is associated with improved outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) , several computer navigation and robotic-assisted systems have been developed .
Although mechanical axis accuracy and component positioning have been shown to improve with computer navigation , no superiority in functional outcomes has yet been shown .
This could be explained by the fact that many differences exist between the number and type of surgical variables these systems control .
Most systems control lower leg alignment and component positioning , while some in addition control soft tissue balancing .
Finally , robotic-assisted systems have the additional advantage of improving surgical precision .
Manually controlling all these surgical variables can be difficult for the orthopaedic surgeon .