Low rate of iatrogenic complications during unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with two semiautonomous robotic systems.

Abstract

Intraoperative complications due to utilization of robotic assistance during unicompartmental knee arthroplasty have not been reported. While inadvertent soft tissue injury has been reported during total knee and hip arthroplasty with autonomous style robotic systems, the incidence of these problems with semiautonomous (i.e. surgeon-driven) systems is unknown. We report on a series of 1064 consecutive unicompartmental knee arthroplasties performed by one surgeon with either one of two commercially available semiautonomous robotic systems. There were no soft tissue, bone injuries or other complications related to the use of the robotic bone preparation method. Six complications related to the use of standard computer navigation pins occurred (0.6%) - one pseudoaneurysm of a branch of the tibialis anterior artery, one tibial metaphyseal stress fracture, and four areas of pin site irritation/superficial infection that resolved with a short course of oral antibiotics. Current semiautonomous robotic methods are safe, with few complications using meticulous surgical techniques.