Comparison of Robotic-Assisted and Conventional Acetabular Cup Placement in THA: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study
Authors: Domb BG, El Bitar YF, Sadik AY, Stake CE, Botser IB
DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3253-7
Purpose
To evaluate whether robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) improves accuracy of acetabular cup placement compared to conventional manual techniques.
Methods
Fifty robotic-assisted THAs were matched with 50 conventional THAs performed via posterior approach. Placement accuracy was assessed using Lewinnek’s and Callanan’s “safe zones.”
Key Findings
- Robotic-assisted THAs had 100% of cups positioned within Lewinnek’s safe zone compared to 80% in conventional group (p = .001).
- 92% of robotic-assisted cups were within Callanan’s zone vs. 62% in conventional (p = .001).
Conclusion
Robotic assistance significantly enhances precision of acetabular cup positioning in THA.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Incorporating robotic assistance may reduce variability and improve implant positioning, potentially lowering risks for dislocation and abnormal wear.
- Providers should weigh costs and learning curve against potential benefits; long-term clinical outcome data are still needed.
- Patient-specific anatomy can be more reliably accommodated with robotic systems.