An revolutionary research at Marshall College printed in ArthroplastyToday explores using robotic-assisted joint substitute in revision knee eventualities, evaluating the pre- and post-revision implant positions in a collection of revision whole knee arthroplasties (TKA) utilizing a state-of-the-art robotic arm system.
On this retrospective research, the orthopaedic workforce on the Marshall College Joan C. Edwards College of Medication and Marshall Well being carried out 25 revision knee replacements with a robotic assisted pc system. The process concerned inserting new implants on the finish of the thighbone and high of the shinbone with the pc’s help to make sure the knee was secure and balanced all through the vary of movement. Researchers then rigorously in contrast the preliminary positions of the first implants with the ultimate deliberate positions of the robotic revision implants for every affected person, assessing the variations in millimeters and levels.
The evaluation discovered that exceedingly small adjustments in implant place considerably affect the operate of the knee substitute. Robotic help throughout revision surgical procedure has the potential to measure these slight variations. As well as, the pc system might help the surgeon predict what dimension implant to make use of in addition to assist to steadiness the knee for stability.
“Robotic-assisted surgical procedure has the potential to alter the way in which surgeons take into consideration revision knee substitute,” stated Matthew Bullock, D.O., affiliate professor of orthopaedic surgical procedure and co-author on the research. “The precision supplied by robotic-assisted surgical procedure not solely enhances the surgical course of but in addition holds promise for improved affected person outcomes. Apart from an infection, knee replacements often fail as a result of they grow to be free from the bone or as a result of they’re unbalanced resulting in ache and instability. When this occurs sufferers can have problem with actions of day by day residing reminiscent of strolling lengthy distances or negotiating stairs.”
The research underscores the significance of aligning the prosthesis throughout revision surgical procedure. The analysis additionally suggests potential benefits, together with appropriately sized implants that may influence the ligament pressure which is essential for practical knee revisions.
“These findings open new doorways within the realm of revision knee arthroplasty,” stated Alexander Caughran, M.D., assistant professor of orthopaedic surgical procedure and co-author on the research. “We proceed to gather extra knowledge for future research on affected person outcomes after robotic revision knee substitute. We anticipate that additional analysis and technological developments within the realm of synthetic intelligence will proceed to form the panorama of orthopaedic surgical procedure.”
Along with Bullock and Caughran, co-authors from Marshall College embody Micah MacAskill, M.D., resident doctor; Richard Peluso, M.D., resident doctor; Jonathan Lash, M.D., resident doctor; and Timothy Hewett, Ph.D., professor.
