In the September issue of the Journal of Arthroplasty, authors Hanson, et al, published an article describing their experience with a group of matched patients who underwent partial or uni-compartmental knee replacement.
Hanson, et al compared two groups. The first using robotic assistance and the other using standard instruments. They found that both techniques resulted in reproducible and excellent outcomes with low complication rates.
The results demonstrated little or no clinical or x-ray difference in outcome between the 2 groups. The average operative time, or how long it took to do the surgery, was approximately 20 minutes longer using the robotic-assisted partial knee replacement technique.
The authors argued that the minimal clinical or radiographic differences between the groups did not justify the routine use of an expensive robotic technique for partial knee replacement. Obviously, other articles on this subject will need to be evaluated to determine if the use of robotic techniques leads to better outcomes and is justified from a cost-benefit basis in light of the ever shrinking healthcare dollars that are available.
Join Dr. Barrett's free Doc Talk: Hip and Knee Replacement Seminar on February 26 at 6pm (seating begins at 5:30) in Renton, WA. Register here.