Robotics in Knee Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established surgical procedure for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Despite its success, variability in implant alignment, soft-tissue balancing, and component positioning can influence functional outcomes and implant longevity. Robotic-assisted TKA has emerged as an advanced technological adjunct aimed at improving surgical precision and reproducibility. This narrative review focused on the collection of information related to the role of robotic surgery in TKA from peer-reviewed orthopedic literature, clinical studies, and systematic reviews addressing robotic-assisted TKA. Emphasis was placed on studies evaluating accuracy, functional outcomes, complications, and learning curves. The literature shows that robotic systems in TKA utilize preoperative imaging or intraoperative mapping to create a three-dimensional model of the knee. This enables precise planning of bone resections, implant sizing, and alignment. Intraoperatively, robotic guidance provides real-time feedback and haptic control, reducing the risk of errors beyond planned boundaries. Studies consistently demonstrate improved accuracy of component positioning and limb alignment with robotic assistance. Early functional outcomes, reduced soft-tissue injury, and more consistent gap balancing have been reported. However, long-term implant survivorship data remain limited. Challenges include increased operative time during the learning phase, higher initial costs, and the need for specialized training. Robotic-assisted TKA represents a significant technological advancement with clear benefits in surgical precision and consistency. While short-term outcomes appear promising, long-term clinical superiority and cost-effectiveness over conventional TKA require further robust evaluation. Careful patient selection and surgeon expertise remain crucial for optimal results.
Authors: Vivek Kumar Tiwari, Anuj Rastogi, Sabeel Ahmad
Institution: Integral University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204648847