Optimization of Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Robotic Systems

Relevance: Robotic orthopedic surgery has been around for over twenty years and is becoming more relevant every day. Modern systems consist of a robotic arm, robotic cutting tools and robotic milling systems with a variety of navigation systems with using active, semi-automatic or passive control systems. In the analysis of clinical studies, it can be concluded that these robotic systems reduce variability and increase the accuracy of positioning and alignment of prosthesis components. A new generation of robotic systems is currently being actively introduced into the field of arthroplasty interventions, which can eliminate pain and improve the quality of life of patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the terminal stages of gonarthrosis is one of the most effective and technologically advanced operations. More than 700,000 surgeries are performed annually in the United States and the number continues to grow. According to the literature in Russia for 2011-2019. out of 27,906 TKAs, the proportion of primary arthroplasties was 92.3% (n = 25,759). It should be noted that the number of operations of primary knee arthroplasty increased almost 2 times - from 1678 in 2011 up to 3,730 in 2019. Therefore, TKA is attracting attention from many manufacturers of robotic surgical systems.

With the introduction of an active robotic system into clinical practice, a number of problems have arisen: high time costs of perioperative actions; the operation of an active robotic unit with high or low bone density, pronounced osteophytes; operation of an active robotic unit in bilateral TKA.

The novelty of the proposed topic: For the first time in Russia it is planned to create algorithms for working with a robotic system at different patient flow rates, optimize the use of computed tomography to assess bone density and pronounced osteophytes, develop an algorithm and tactics for treating bilateral osteoarthrosis of the knee joint using an active robotic system.

Aim and objectives of the research:

Aim: optimization of total knee arthroplasty using robotic systems and improvement of treatment outcomes.

Objectives: to develop algorithms for preoperative planning, surgical intervention using an active robotic system; to improve the technique of active robotic total knee arthroplasty in osteoporosis, osteosclerosis and pronounced osteophytes; to develop a tactic for the treatment of patients with bilateral osteoarthrosis of the knee joint using an active robotic system.

Type of new research: an open-label, retrospective and prospective observational clinical study in parallel groups.

Research object and number of observations: the study is planned to include 250 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint of stage 3-4 (according to Kellgren-Lawrence).

Methods of the research:

1. General clinical examination of patients (collection of complaints, examination, assessment of physical findings and local status);
2. Assessment of the range of motion in the knee joint before and after surgery;
3. Performing X-ray images and CT of the knee joint before and after surgery, with the determination of the angles: HKA, LDFA, MPTA, Q; Preoperative 3D planning on the TPLAN workstation; Surgical treatment. 1) Primary total knee arthroplasty using the active robotic surgical system TSolution One, TCAT.

Evaluation of patient treatment results according to scales: VAS, KSS, OKS, WOMAC, ASA, FJS-12.

Methods of statistical processing of the material: statistical processing of data is planned to be carried out on a personal computer using Excel software packages and using standard methods of variation statistics using SPSS 16 statistical software packages.

Estimated research result:

Algorithms of actions for preoperative planning and surgical intervention will be developed.

An approach will be developed for the diagnosis, classification and treatment of patients with pronounced areas of osteosclerosis of the knee joint during robotic total knee arthroplasty.

An approach will be developed for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with concomitant osteoporosis in robotic total knee arthroplasty.

A tactic for the treatment of patients with bilateral osteoarthritis of the knee joint of stage 3-4 (according to Kellgren-Lawrence) will be proposed.

The methodology developed and improved in the dissertation will be introduced into the work of the clinical bases of the Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Disaster Surgery.