Work

Image‐based robotics enhance precision and efficiency in lateral UKA: A comparative study of 135 UKAs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Robotic-assisted lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains technically demanding due to the complex biomechanics of the lateral compartment. Image-based (IBRA) and imageless (ILRA) robotic systems have both demonstrated superior accuracy compared to conventional mechanical instrumentation, but have not yet been directly compared in lateral UKA. This study aimed to evaluate their respective accuracy and surgical efficiency. METHODS: This retrospective study included 135 patients who underwent lateral UKA using either IBRA or ILRA systems. Post-operative radiographic outcomes included hip-knee-ankle (HKA) alignment, posterior tibial slope (PTS) and joint line (JL) restoration. Surgical time was assessed as a secondary outcome. Target zones were HKA 180°-185°, PTS 2°-8° and JL ± 2 mm. RESULTS: IBRA showed higher rates of HKA inliers (94.9% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.011) and JL restoration (76.2% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001) compared to ILRA. PTS accuracy was similar between groups (p = 0.30). Operative time was significantly shorter with IBRA (61.6 ± 13.5 vs. 81.9 ± 26.1 min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IBRA outperformed ILRA in terms of alignment accuracy and surgical duration. These findings support the added value of IBRA systems in lateral UKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series study.

Source: Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy

DOI: 10.1002/ksa.70012

Authors: Clément Favroul, Cécile Batailler, Elsayed Ahmed Abdelatif, Elvire Servien, Sébastien Lustig

Institutions: Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 1 Université, Minia University, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité

Language: English

Topic: Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,300