Robot-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty: Clinical Outcomes and Complication Rate
Authors: Perets I, Walsh JP, Close MR, Mu BH, Yuen LC, Domb BG
Journal: Int J Med Robot. 2018 Aug;14(4):e1912.
DOI: 10.1002/rcs.1912 | PMID: 29761618
Background
This study evaluates clinical outcomes and complication rates of robotic-arm-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis.
Methods
A cohort of 181 patients undergoing primary robotic-arm-assisted THA was analyzed with follow-up for complications, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
Key Findings
- At 2 years, patients reported high satisfaction (mean 9.3/10).
- Harris Hip Scores improved significantly to 91.1.
- Complication rates were low: 3.7% intraoperative and 3.7% postoperative.
Conclusions
Robotic-arm-assisted THA yields favorable short-term functional outcomes and maintains a low complication profile relative to conventional THA.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Providers may consider robotic-arm assistance in THA to enhance surgical precision, potentially reducing complication rates and improving patient satisfaction. Incorporation of robotics requires appropriate training and patient selection but may optimize early postoperative outcomes.