MAKO Robot-Assisted TKA Shows Superior Early Outcomes Over Conventional Methods: Study

Researchers have found that MAKO robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (MA-TKA) provides better short-term clinical efficacy and alignment planning compared to conventional manual total knee arthroplasty (CM-TKA) for patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A study was recently published in the International Orthopedics journal by Nanshan Ma and colleagues. This retrospective study analyzed the efficacy and safety of these two surgical techniques during the early postoperative period.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common and effective procedure for alleviating pain and improving function in patients with KOA. With advancements in technology, robot-assisted TKA has been introduced, promising more precise surgical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the early postoperative results of MAKO robot-assisted TKA with conventional manual TKA.

From April 2023 to July 2023, a total of 48 patients with KOA were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 22 patients underwent MAKO robot-assisted TKA (MA-TKA) and 26 patients underwent conventional manual TKA (CM-TKA). Various parameters were recorded and compared, including hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), American Knee Society Score (AKSS), Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), visual analogue scale (VAS), and postoperative complications.

Both surgical groups successfully completed the procedures without major intraoperative complications. Key findings include:

Radiographic Parameters:

  • Postoperative LDFA and HKA were significantly lower in the MA-TKA group compared to the CM-TKA group (P < 0.05).

  • At the one-month follow-up, 86.4% of patients in the MA-TKA group had an HKA less than 3°, compared to 76.9% in the CM-TKA group.

Clinical Outcomes:

  • VAS scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours postoperatively were lower in the MA-TKA group both at rest and during activity.

  • AKSS Function Scores and FJS-12 scores at one month and three months postoperatively were significantly higher in the MA-TKA group compared to the CM-TKA group (P < 0.05).

Postoperative Complications:

  • No complications were reported in the MA-TKA group.

  • One patient in the CM-TKA group experienced postoperative knee stiffness, which resolved after physical therapy.

The findings suggest that MAKO robot-assisted TKA offers superior early postoperative outcomes compared to conventional manual TKA. The improved radiographic parameters and higher functional scores indicate better alignment and overall clinical efficacy with the robot-assisted technique. The absence of complications in the MA-TKA group further supports the safety of this advanced surgical method.

This study concludes that MAKO robot-assisted TKA demonstrates better short-term clinical efficacy, improved alignment planning, and maintains good safety compared to conventional manual TKA. These results may encourage the adoption of robotic assistance in TKA procedures, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

Reference:

Ma, N., Sun, P., Xin, P., Zhong, S., Xie, J., & Xiao, L. (2024). Comparison of the efficacy and safety of MAKO robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty versus conventional manual total knee arthroplasty in uncomplicated unilateral total knee arthroplasty a single-centre retrospective analysis. International Orthopaedics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-024-06234-0

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