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 .
Short-Term Outcome after Computer-Assisted versus Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose . To compare the short-term functional outcome after computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty ( TKA )  versus conventional TKA . Methods . 23 men and 67 women aged 48 to 80 years were r and omised to undergo ( 1 ) conventional TKA using an intramedullary guide , ( 2 ) conventional TKA using an extramedullary guide , or ( 3 ) computer-assisted TKA . Two senior surgeons performed all the TKAs using the same TKA system and the st and ard anteromedial arthrotomy with eversion of the patella . Patients were assessed by physiotherapists before and 6 months and 2 years after TKA using the Short Form-36 Health Survey , Oxford Knee Score , and Knee Society Score . Results . Of the 90 patients , 67 and 70 were assessed at 6 months and 2 years after TKA , respectively . No patient developed deep infection or required revision surgery . Functional outcomes of the 3 groups did not differ significantly at the corresponding follow-ups . Conclusion . Significant improvement in the functional outcome was not shown in patients treated with  computer-assisted TKA  , compared with conventional TKA . Thus , computer-assisted TKA has limited additional short-term benefits . Further studies with longer follow-up are required to examine the benefits of computer-assisted TKA
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 .