Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Smaller Acetabular Cup Size in Relation to the Femoral Head Size: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study
Authors
Suarez-Ahedo C, Gui C, Martin TJ, Chandrasekaran S, Lodhia P, Domb BG.
Hip Int. 2017 Mar 31;27(2):147-152. doi: 10.5301/hipint.5000418. Epub 2017 Mar 21.
Purpose
To compare acetabular cup size relative to native femoral head size between conventional total hip arthroplasty (CTHA) and robotic-arm assisted THA (RTHA) to assess acetabular bone preservation.
Methods
Patients with primary osteoarthritis undergoing THA from June 2008 to March 2014 were included. RTHA patients matched 1:1 with CTHA controls by femoral head size, age, gender, BMI, and surgical approach. Cup size relative to femoral head size used as surrogate for bone resection.
Key Findings
57 matched pairs included. No significant differences in demographics or absolute cup sizes, but cup size relative to femoral head was significantly smaller in RTHA group (p<0.02).
Conclusions
Robotic-arm assisted THA may better preserve acetabular bone stock compared to conventional THA.
What Does This Mean For Patients
Patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted hip replacement may benefit from less bone removal, which could improve long-term implant stability and options for future surgeries.