Technological Innovation in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Navigation, Robotics, and Customization

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent technological advances in total knee arthroplasty, including robotics, computer navigation, and customized implants, and discusses their potential to improve surgical outcomes.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations in TKA and highlights the need for long-term studies to validate their benefits.

Findings

Technological innovations like robotics and computer-assisted navigation are being integrated into TKA procedures.

Customized implants are being developed to better match individual patient characteristics.

More long-term studies are needed to confirm the clinical advantages of these new technologies.

Abstract

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the gold standard to treat degenerative knee joint conditions that do not improve with conservative treatment, and it yields excellent clinical and functional outcomes. However, a small proportion of patients report some dissatisfaction with their knees after surgery. Recently, TKA underwent significant technological development with the introduction of new biomechanical concepts and the incorporation of techniques to improve surgical procedures. Moreover, the evolution in implant designs optimized for the individual characteristics of the patients enables better surgical customization. The current article presents the concepts, advantages, and limitations to the development of customized implants, as well as TKA surgical techniques involving automation (robotics) and computer-assisted navigation. Although the medical literature showing promising outcomes with new TKA technologies is extensive, studies with longer follow-up and appropriate methodologies are required to contribute to the demonstration of advantages in knee arthroplasty outcomes.