Image-Free Handheld Robot for Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Early Functional Recovery Compared with Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether it is advantageous in robotic-assisted TKA (RA-TKA) compared with conventional TKA throughout a 14 postoperative days (PODs). A total of 113 knees (100 patients) were reviewed and divided into the control group (55 knees) and the RA-TKA group (58 knees). We assessed postoperative pain intensity using a visual analogue scale at rest (rVAS) and during movement (mVAS), evaluated lower extremity functional recovery through quadriceps muscle strength and knee range of motion (ROM), preoperatively and on PODs 3, 7, 10, and 14. We also assessed the rescue analgesia intake and postoperative implant coronal alignment. The mean rVAS and mVAS scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. Muscle strength recovery was significantly faster in the RA-TKA group than in the control group on every PODs. ROM recovery was better in the RA-TKA group than in the control group on POD 10. The amount of postoperative analgesia was significantly lower in the RA-TKA group than in the control group. Attainment of a β angle <2° significantly better in RA-TKA. This study demonstrated better functional recovery in RA-TKA, particularly for muscle strength and ROM. RA-TKA reduced rescue drug intake and provided better implant positioning.