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 .
No difference between computer-assisted and conventional total knee arthroplasty: five-year results of a prospective randomised study
Purpose The use of computer-assisted surgery ( CAS ) in total knee arthroplasty ( TKA ) results in better limb and implant alignment compared to conventional TKA ; however , it is unclear whether this translates to better mid- to long-term clinical outcome . This prospect i ve r and omised study comparing CAS and conventional TKA reports the functional and patient perceived outcomes at a follow-up of 5 years . The hypothesis was that there would be a difference in functional outcome or quality of life after mid-term follow-up . Methods Sixty-seven patients were available for physical and radiological examination at 5 years .  The Knee Society Score ( KSS ) was used to describe functional outcome and the Euroquol question naire for quality of life . Results The mean total KSS for the CAS group improved from 91.1 ( SD 22.3 ) points preoperatively to 157.4 ( SD 21.9 ) and 150.2 ( SD 30.4 ) points at 2 and 5 years , respectively . In the conventional group , the mean total KSS was 99.6 ( SD 18.6 ) points preoperatively and 151.1 ( SD 26.0 ) and 149.0 ( SD 28.0 ) points at 2 and 5 years , respectively . The mean quality of life score improved from 48.2 ( SD 16.5 ) points preoperatively to 67.4 ( SD 16.3 ) and 66.8 ( SD 22.2 ) points at 2 and 5 years in the CAS group , and from 52.2 ( SD 17.1 ) points preoperatively to 65.6 ( SD 14.6 ) and 61.7 ( SD 19.3 ) points at 2 and 5 years , respectively , in the conventional TKA group . These differences were not statistically significant . There were radiolucent lines up to 2 mm in 11 knees ( four CAS , seven conventional ) , but there were no changes in implant position . Conclusions There were no significant differences in functional or patient perceived outcome after mid-term follow-up in this study .Level of evidence
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 .