Initial Learning Curve for Robot-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Dedicated Orthopedics Center

Abstract

Background and objectives: Our study aimed to assess the learning curve for robot-assisted (RA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in our hospital, compare operative times between RA-TKAs and manual TKAs, and assess the early complications rate between the two approaches. Methods: We included 39 patients who underwent RA-TKA and 45 control patients subjected to manual TKA in the same period and operated on by the same surgical staff. We collected demographic and patient-related data to assess potential differences between the two groups. Results: No statistical differences were recorded in regard to age, BMI, sex, Kellgren–Lawrence classification, or limb alignment between patients undergoing RA-TKA and manual TKA, respectively. Three surgeons transitioned from the learning to the proficiency phase in our study after a number of 6, 4, and 3 cases, respectively. The overall operative time for the learning phase was 111.54 ± 20.45 min, significantly longer compared to the average of 86.43 ± 19.09 min in the proficiency phase (p = 0.0154) and 80.56 ± 17.03 min for manual TKAs (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was recorded between the global operative time for the proficiency phase TKAs versus the controls. No major complications were recorded in either RA-TKA or manual TKA groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that experienced surgeons may adopt RA-TKA using this platform and quickly adapt without significant complications.

Etiology of Total Knee Arthroplasty Revisions: A Two-Decade Institutional Perspective

“…These main factors were also identified in our patient lot, either alone or combined; however, the analysis of the clinical parameters and risk factors was outside the scope of this paper. Nevertheless, while significant progress in rTKA indications, surgical planning and approach, robotic-assisted surgical options, management, and follow-up of patients has been recorded throughout the last 20 years, the definitive role and contribution of these improvements to primary TKA failure remain to be established [69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77].…”

Pitfalls with the MAKO Robotic-Arm-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty

“…Adequate training is required for all new systems and technologies. Studies have shown that the learning curve for RATKA ranges from 7 to 80 cases [20][21][22][23]. However, the majority of studies have revealed that the learning curve of RATKA in terms of surgical proficiency and surgeons' confidence levels is relatively short, ranging from 7 to 11 cases [20,21].…”

Beyond the Bony Fragment: A Review of Limbus Vertebra

“…If significant bone defects are present due to trauma or associated pathologies, vertebroplasty can be performed using adequate medical-grade compounds [66][67][68]. Robotic surgery can also be considered as it is emerging as a safe, reliable technique and is increasingly applied in all surgical areas [69][70][71].…”