Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty demonstrates superior early functional outcomes compared with conventional total knee arthroplasty: a quasi-randomised controlled trial.
Filippo Migliorini, Luise Schäfer, Andrea Nobili et al.
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In 30 seconds
This quasi-randomised controlled trial compared 1-year outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in 845 patients treated with robotic-assisted or conventional workflows at one institution. Allocation followed surgeon assignment through the institutional scheduling system. At 1 year, 383 of 390 robotic-assisted and 445 of 455 conventional TKA patients completed follow-up. The robotic-assisted group had significantly better WOMAC outcomes, pain scores, Tegner activity scores, and functional and satisfaction measures (all reported as P < 0.001); walking-aid use did not differ. The findings concern a robotic-assisted, personalised alignment workflow, not robotic precision in isolation.
Key findings
- At 1 year, WOMAC outcomes and related subscales were significantly better after robotic-assisted TKA (P < 0.001).
- VAS pain and Tegner activity scores favoured robotic-assisted TKA (P < 0.001).
- Functional and satisfaction measures, including walking distance and perceived knee stability, favoured robotic-assisted TKA.
- Walking-aid use did not differ between groups.
Why it matters
Patient-reported function and pain are important outcomes after TKA, and this study found better 1-year results with a robotic-assisted personalised workflow. Its comparison also highlights that outcomes may reflect the broader surgical process enabled by robotic assistance, rather than technical accuracy alone. The findings add comparative clinical evidence but do not establish that robotics itself caused the observed differences.
What to keep in mind
Quasi-random allocation by surgeon assignment may leave room for selection or workflow-related differences. The study was conducted at one institution and reports outcomes at 1 year.