Available Robotic Platforms in Partial and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Knee arthroplasty typically relieves pain and restores function, but dissatisfaction and early revision occur at a frequency that places a significant burden on patients and the health care system. A new generation of computer and robotic systems has been developed to help orthopaedic surgeons enhance precision and accuracy, with the hope of making outcomes more reliable. Surgical robots can be active, semiactive, or passive. Each level of robot autonomy vs surgeon control has potential benefits and limitations. Currently available robotic platforms are discussed in the context of historical developments, published outcomes, and future directions.