An progressive research at Marshall College revealed in ArthroplastyToday explores the usage of robotic-assisted joint substitute in revision knee eventualities, evaluating the pre- and post-revision implant positions in a sequence of revision complete knee arthroplasties (TKA) utilizing a state-of-the-art robotic arm system.
On this retrospective research, the orthopaedic group on the Marshall College Joan C. Edwards College of Drugs and Marshall Well being carried out 25 revision knee replacements with a robotic assisted laptop system. The process concerned inserting new implants on the finish of the thighbone and high of the shinbone with the pc’s assist to make sure the knee was steady 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 will help the surgeon predict what measurement implant to make use of in addition to assist to steadiness the knee for stability.
“Robotic-assisted surgical procedure has the potential to vary 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. In addition to an infection, knee replacements often fail as a result of they turn out 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 issue with actions of each day dwelling 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 rigidity which is essential for useful 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 embrace Micah MacAskill, M.D., resident doctor; Richard Peluso, M.D., resident doctor; Jonathan Lash, M.D., resident doctor; and Timothy Hewett, Ph.D., professor.
