Robotically Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty with a Handheld Image-Free Sculpting Tool

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a successful procedure for the treatment of focal arthritis or osteonecrosis of the medial or lateral compartments of the knee. Although unicompartmental knee arthroplasty may pose lower risk of perioperative complications and achieve better functional outcomes than total knee arthroplasty, a high degree of accuracy of implant positioning and soft tissue balance are required to optimize durability and implant survivorship. First-generation robotic technology improved substantially implant position compared with conventional methods; however, high capital costs, uncertainty regarding the value of advanced technologies, and the need for preoperative computed tomography scans were barriers to broader adoption. This article reviews the next-generation robotic technology-an image-free handheld robotic sculpting tool-which offers an alternative method for optimizing implant positioning and soft tissue balance without the need for preoperative computed tomography scans and with price points that make it suitable for use in an outpatient surgery center.