Smart Implantable Device-Enabled Remote Monitoring Reduces Rates of Manipulation Under Anesthesia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

TL;DR

Smart implantable devices with remote monitoring significantly reduce the need for joint manipulation after knee replacement surgery.

Contribution

Demonstrates that smart implantable devices reduce manipulation under anesthesia rates after TKA through remote monitoring.

Findings

MUA incidence was 3.101% with traditional implants and 0.971% with SIDs.

Patients with SIDs were over three times less likely to require MUA.

Remote monitoring of gait metrics supports improved postoperative outcomes.

Abstract

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly successful procedure; however, postoperative joint stiffness remains a common complication, occasionally requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). This retrospective study aimed to compare MUA incidence between patients who received smart implantable devices (SIDs) and those with traditional components following TKA. We hypothesized that the use of SIDs through remote monitoring would result in decreased MUA incidence when compared to traditional knee implants.

Methods

This study included 806 patients who underwent primary TKA by a high-volume surgeon between July 2023 and December 2024. Of these patients, 500 received traditional implants, while 306 received SIDs. A power analysis was performed to determine the required sample size. The analysis indicated that a minimum of 431 patients would be required per group. Patients were followed for at least 90 days postoperatively, and MUA incidence was recorded. The demographic data and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR) measures were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of MUA was 3.101% for traditional implant recipients and 0.971% for SID recipients (p<0.05). Traditional implant recipients were over three times more likely to require MUA.

Conclusion

The use of SIDs in this study demonstrated a significant reduction in MUA incidence following TKA. SID implantation with remote monitoring led to a threefold decrease in the rate of MUA. This study highlights the potential of SIDs to significantly reduce the rate of MUA through remote monitoring of several gait metrics, such as functional range of motion, cadence, and step count, supporting their integration into TKA care protocols.

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