scholarly journals Less Iatrogenic Soft Tissue Damage Utilizing Robotic Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty when Compared with a Manual Approach: A Blinded Assessment

10.29007/v7g9 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Hampp ◽  
Nipun Sodhi ◽  
Laura Scholl ◽  
Matthew Deren ◽  
Zachary Yenna ◽  
...  

While manual total knee arthroplasty (MTKA) has demonstrated excellent clinical results, occasionally intraoperative damage to soft tissues can occur. Robotic-arm assisted technology is designed to constrain a sawblade in a haptic zone to help ensure that only the desired bone cuts are made. The objective of this cadaver study was to quantify the extent of soft tissue damage sustained during TKA through a robotic-arm assisted (RATKA) haptically guided approach and conventional MTKA approach. Four surgeons each prepared 3 RATKA and 3 MTKA specimens for cruciate retaining TKAs. RATKA was performed on one knee, with MTKA on the other. Postoperatively, 2 additional blinded surgeons, assessed and graded damage to 14 key anatomic structures. A Kruskal-Wallis hypothesis test was performed to assess for statistical differences of soft tissue damages between RATKA and MTKA cases. A p-value <0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance, and p-values were adjusted for ties. Significantly less damage occurred to the PCL in the RATKA than the MTKA specimens (p<0.0001). RATKA specimens had less damage to the dMCL (p=.149), ITB (p=0.580), popliteus (p=0.248), and patellar ligament (p=0.317). The results of this study indicate that RATKA may result in less soft-tissue damage than MTKA, especially to the PCL.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 495-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Hampp ◽  
Nipun Sodhi ◽  
Laura Scholl ◽  
Matthew E. Deren ◽  
Zachary Yenna ◽  
...  

Objectives The use of the haptically bounded saw blades in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA) can potentially help to limit surrounding soft-tissue injuries. However, there are limited data characterizing these injuries for cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA with the use of this technique. The objective of this cadaver study was to compare the extent of soft-tissue damage sustained through a robotic-assisted, haptically guided TKA (RATKA) versus a manual TKA (MTKA) approach. Methods A total of 12 fresh-frozen pelvis-to-toe cadaver specimens were included. Four surgeons each prepared three RATKA and three MTKA specimens for cruciate-retaining TKAs. A RATKA was performed on one knee and a MTKA on the other. Postoperatively, two additional surgeons assessed and graded damage to 14 key anatomical structures in a blinded manner. Kruskal–Wallis hypothesis tests were performed to assess statistical differences in soft-tissue damage between RATKA and MTKA cases. Results Significantly less damage occurred to the PCLs in the RATKA versus the MTKA specimens (p < 0.001). RATKA specimens had non-significantly less damage to the deep medial collateral ligaments (p = 0.149), iliotibial bands (p = 0.580), poplitei (p = 0.248), and patellar ligaments (p = 0.317). The remaining anatomical structures had minimal soft-tissue damage in all MTKA and RATKA specimens. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that less soft-tissue damage may occur when utilizing RATKA compared with MTKA. These findings are likely due to the enhanced preoperative planning with the robotic software, the real-time intraoperative feedback, and the haptically bounded saw blade, all of which may help protect the surrounding soft tissues and ligaments. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:495–501. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2019-0129.R1.


10.29007/vbqh ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raga Rajaravivarma ◽  
Sally Liarno ◽  
Tatyana Kaverina ◽  
Sonia Donde ◽  
Emily Sneddon

The use of haptic-based robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty (hRATKA) has demonstrated a decrease in soft tissue damage. Hampp et al. [4] compared the soft tissue damage in a cadaveric study between manual total knee arthroplasty (MTKA) and hRATKA and found that the hRATKA specimens had significantly less damage to the PCL than the MTKA specimens [4]. The purpose of this study is to look at the effect of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on kinematics, as defined by anterior-posterior (AP) tibial translation, during stair climb. Using a 6 degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) joint motion simulator, the stair climb profile was run on four cadaveric knee specimens with the PCL intact and the PCL cut. In the PCL deficient condition, there was more posterior tibial motion than when the PCL was intact, and this was more noticeable during the high flexion portion of the profile. These findings speak to the importance of soft tissue preservation, and the development of haptic-based robotic-arm assisted TKA can help prevent soft tissue damage to the PCL.


2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (10) ◽  
pp. 1324-1330
Author(s):  
Stijn Herregodts ◽  
Mathijs Verhaeghe ◽  
Rico Paridaens ◽  
Jan Herregodts ◽  
Hannes Vermue ◽  
...  

Aims Inadvertent soft tissue damage caused by the oscillating saw during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) occurs when the sawblade passes beyond the bony boundaries into the soft tissue. The primary objective of this study is to assess the risk of inadvertent soft tissue damage during jig-based TKA by evaluating the excursion of the oscillating saw past the bony boundaries. The second objective is the investigation of the relation between this excursion and the surgeon’s experience level. Methods A conventional jig-based TKA procedure with medial parapatellar approach was performed on 12 cadaveric knees by three experienced surgeons and three residents. During the proximal tibial resection, the motion of the oscillating saw with respect to the tibia was recorded. The distance of the outer point of this cutting portion to the edge of the bone was defined as the excursion of the oscillating saw. The excursion of the sawblade was evaluated in six zones containing the following structures: medial collateral ligament (MCL), posteromedial corner (PMC), iliotibial band (ITB), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon (PopT), and neurovascular bundle (NVB). Results The mean 75th percentile value of the excursion of all cases was mean 2.8 mm (SD 2.9) for the MCL zone, mean 4.8 mm (SD 5.9) for the PMC zone, mean 3.4 mm (SD 2.0) for the ITB zone, mean 6.3 mm (SD 4.8) for the LCL zone, mean 4.9 mm (SD 5.7) for the PopT zone, and mean 6.1 mm (SD 3.9) for the NVB zone. Experienced surgeons had a significantly lower excursion than residents. Conclusion This study showed that the oscillating saw significantly passes the edge of the bone during the tibial resection in TKA, even in experienced hands. While reported neurovascular complications in TKA are rare, direct injury to the capsule and stabilizing structures around the knee is a consequence of the use of a hand-held oscillating saw when making the tibial cut. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(10):1324–1330.


2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (24) ◽  
pp. 2209-2215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ta-Wei Tai ◽  
Chih-Wei Chang ◽  
Kuo-An Lai ◽  
Chii-Jeng Lin ◽  
Chyun-Yu Yang

10.29007/8bxp ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Hampp ◽  
Manoshi Bhowmik-Stoker ◽  
Laura Scholl ◽  
Jason Otto ◽  
David Jacofsky ◽  
...  

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) typically addresses end-stage osteoarthritis. While TKA procedures have demonstrated clinical success, occasionally intraoperative complications can occur. This cadaver study examined the potential benefits of soft tissue protection in robotic-arm assisted TKA (RATKA). Six cadaver knees were prepared using RATKA by a single surgeon from a high-volume TKA joint center with no former clinical robotic experience, and compared to seven manually performed cases as a control. The presence of soft tissue disruption was assessed by having the surgeon perform visual evaluation and palpation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and the patellar ligament after the procedures. The amount of tibial subluxation and patellar eversion was recorded for each case.For all RATKA cases, there was no visible evidence of disruption of any of the ligaments. All RATKA cases were successfully left with a bone island on the tibial plateau, which protected the PCL. Tibial subluxation and patellar eversion were not required for visualization. In two of the seven MTKA cases, there was slight disruption noted of the PCL, although this did not lead to any apparent change in the functional integrity of the ligament. All MTKA cases required tibial subluxation and patellar eversion to achieve optimal visualization.Aspects of soft tissue protection were noted in this cadaver study for RATKA. Standard retraction techniques during cutting are recommended. This is the first study to have soft tissue injury parameters assessed for RATKA, and may serve as a platform for future studies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantin Mayer ◽  
Alexander Franz ◽  
Jan-Frieder Harmsen ◽  
Fina Queitsch ◽  
Michael Behringer ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 925-927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assem A. Sultan ◽  
Nicolas Piuzzi ◽  
Anton Khlopas ◽  
Morad Chughtai ◽  
Nipun Sodhi ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 974-980
Author(s):  
Richard J. Allom ◽  
Jil A. Wood ◽  
Darren B. Chen ◽  
Samuel J. MacDessi

Aims It is unknown whether gap laxities measured in robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) correlate to load sensor measurements. The aim of this study was to determine whether symmetry of the maximum medial and lateral gaps in extension and flexion was predictive of knee balance in extension and flexion respectively using different maximum thresholds of intercompartmental load difference (ICLD) to define balance. Methods A prospective cohort study of 165 patients undergoing functionally-aligned TKA was performed (176 TKAs). With trial components in situ, medial and lateral extension and flexion gaps were measured using robotic navigation while applying valgus and varus forces. The ICLD between medial and lateral compartments was measured in extension and flexion with the load sensor. The null hypothesis was that stressed gap symmetry would not correlate directly with sensor-defined soft tissue balance. Results In TKAs with a stressed medial-lateral gap difference of ≤1 mm, 147 (89%) had an ICLD of ≤15 lb in extension, and 112 (84%) had an ICLD of ≤ 15 lb in flexion; 157 (95%) had an ICLD ≤ 30 lb in extension, and 126 (94%) had an ICLD ≤ 30 lb in flexion; and 165 (100%) had an ICLD ≤ 60 lb in extension, and 133 (99%) had an ICLD ≤ 60 lb in flexion. With a 0 mm difference between the medial and lateral stressed gaps, 103 (91%) of TKA had an ICLD ≤ 15 lb in extension, decreasing to 155 (88%) when the difference between the medial and lateral stressed extension gaps increased to ± 3 mm. In flexion, 47 (77%) had an ICLD ≤ 15 lb with a medial-lateral gap difference of 0 mm, increasing to 147 (84%) at ± 3 mm. Conclusion This study found a strong relationship between intercompartmental loads and gap symmetry in extension and flexion measured with prostheses in situ. The results suggest that ICLD and medial-lateral gap difference provide similar assessment of soft-tissue balance in robotic arm-assisted TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(11):974–980.


Author(s):  
Ponky Firer ◽  
Brad Gelbart

IntroductionPatient satisfaction, after mechanically aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is only 80%-85%. There is an inabilty to consistently get perfect soft tissue balance with this technique. It is postulated that soft tissue balance within 2° can be achieved by the boney cuts (Bone Balancing) without soft tissue releases, accepting whatever coronal mechanical alignment (CMA) this produces; that the alignment produced would be similar to natural (constitutional) alignment and that balanced knees would improve patient satisfaction.MethodsWe report on 914 consecutive TKAs using Bone Balancing: the femoral rotation for the flexion gap; the distal femoral cut and valgus angle for the extension gap are adjusted to give equal gap sizes with soft tissue balanced within 2° of medio-lateral laxity. Long leg X-rays were used to measure post-operative coronal alignment. Satisfaction beyond 1 year post operation was assessed by an independent researcher, using a question on satisfaction and a VAS score.Results782(85.5%) TKAs with satisfactory x-rays were available at 2-7 years follow up. Their CMA had a similar distribution profile to reported natural alignment studies. Of these, 672 (86%) had a CMA of 0°±3° (’aligned' group). Overall patient satisfaction was 92.8%, with satisfied patients having a mean (range) VAS score of 9.53 (7.3-10.0) and the dissatisfied patients 3.78 (0.0-6.3) (p<0.0001). There was no difference in satisfaction between ’aligned' knees (92.7%) and those ’outliers', whose CMA was >±3° (93.6%) (p=0.853). All balance measurements were within 3° with 92.2% being ≤2°. Gap size difference between extension and 90° flexion was ≤2mm in 98.7% of cases. Midflexion (45° flexion) balance was within 3° in all cases and the gap size difference was ≤2mm in 89%.ConclusionBalancing by bone cuts is able to achieve accurately balanced soft tissues without the need for soft tissue releases. The coronal alignment profile produced matches that of the normal population. This technique improves satisfaction compared to the literature for mechanically aligned TKAs. Acurate and measured soft tissue balancing needs further consideration in TKAs.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.


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