# Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Update

## TL;DR

Robotic total knee arthroplasty improves surgical accuracy and outcomes but faces challenges like high costs and longer surgery times.

## Contribution

The paper provides an updated overview of robotic TKA systems and their potential to enhance clinical outcomes.

## Key findings

- Robotic TKA improves bone cut accuracy and clinical outcomes.
- Newer robotic systems have increased the adoption of robotic surgery in TKA.
- Persistent challenges include high costs and prolonged operative times.

## Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a gold standard surgical procedure to improve pain and restore function in patients affected by moderate-to-severe severe gonarthrosis refractory to conservative treatments. Indeed, millions of these procedures are conducted yearly worldwide, with their number expected to increase in an ageing and more demanding population. Despite the progress that has been made in optimizing surgical techniques, prosthetic designs, and durability, up to 20% of patients are dissatisfied by the procedure or still report knee pain. From this perspective, the introduction of robotic TKA (R-TKA) in the late 1990s represented a valuable instrument in performing more accurate bone cuts and improving clinical outcomes. On the other hand, prolonged operative time, increased complications, and high costs of the devices slow down the diffusion of R-TKA. The advent of newer technological devices, including those using navigation systems, has made robotic surgery in the operatory room more common since the last decade. At present, many different robots are available, representing promising solutions to avoid persistent knee pain after TKA. We hereby describe their functionality, analyze potential benefits, and hint at future perspectives in this promising field.