# Variability in Alignment and Bone Resections in Robotically Balanced Total Knee Arthroplasties

## TL;DR

This study examines how robotically assisted knee surgery varies based on preoperative knee alignment, showing differences in implant placement and bone resections.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific trends in implant alignment and bone resection metrics across different preoperative coronal knee alignments in robotically assisted TKA.

## Key findings

- Planned limb alignment becomes increasingly varus as preoperative alignment progresses from valgus to neutral to varus.
- Varus knees showed higher variability in planned resections compared to valgus and neutral knees.
- Significant differences in tibial resections were observed between the valgus, neutral, and varus groups.

## Abstract

Image-based robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) allows three-dimensional surgical planning informed by osseous anatomy, with intraoperative adjustment based on a dynamic assessment of ligament laxity and gap balance. The aim of this study was to identify ranges of implant alignment and bone resections with RA-TKA. We retrospectively reviewed 484 primary RA-TKA cases, stratified by preoperative coronal alignment. Demographics and intraoperative data were collected and compared using Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Planned limb, femoral, and tibial alignment became increasingly varus in a progressive order from valgus to neutral to the highest in varus knees (p < 0.001). Planned external transverse rotation relative to the TEA was lowest in the valgus cohort; relative to the PCA, whereas the varus cohort was highest (p < 0.001, both). Planned resections of the lateral distal femur and of the medial posterior femur were greater in the varus group compared to neutral and valgus (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between cohorts in planned tibia resections, laterally and medially. Varus knees demonstrated higher variability, while valgus and neutral had more metrics with low variability. This study demonstrated trends in intraoperative planned alignment and resection metrics across various preoperative coronal knee alignments. These findings contribute to the understanding of RA-TKA and may inform surgical decision-making.