Prospective study to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is rising problem along with sedentary lifestyle and increased longevity of life. Most patients are able to manage conservatively but a large number of patients with debilitating disease are referred to specialist surgeon for further management. Long-term survival of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) depends on patient selection, implant design, surgical technique, soft-tissue balancing, and peri-operative care. Robotic TKA is newer technique and present study proposed to find functional and radiological outcome of robotic TKA. Methods: This is a Prospective observational study conducted at our institute after obtaining the ethical clearance from institutional ethical committee. A total 100 adult patients between 18-90 years undergoing Primary TKA for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other degenerative diseases, having a mechanical axis of the lower limb between 20 degrees varus and 10 degrees valgus were included as a study participant. Data was collected by verbal communication, physical examination and radiographic features. Final assessment was done at 5 years follow-up period as per Radiological and functional evaluation criteria. Results: The majority of the patients (n=74) were in age range of 51-70yrs with mean age of 61.37+7.8yrs (range-45-82yrs). Female : Male ratio was 2.7:1. Osteoarthritis (99%) was the most common reason for TKA. On Post-operative follow up it was observed that all coronal and sagittal alignment were within normal range. There was statistically significant difference in mean value of HKA, KSS, WOMAC score and ROM in pre- and post-operative follow up (p<0.05). Conclusion: Robotic-assisted TKA was associated with improved postoperative limb alignment and clinical function at final follow-up suggesting that potential radiographic improvements are mirrored into functional outcomes