Robotic surgery in hip and knee arthroplasty.

This article provides an overview of current use of robotics in hip and knee arthroplasty. Several studies have reported radiographic improvements in joint alignment using robotic-assisted arthroplasty surgery. The economic case made for introducing robotics in joint arthroplasty largely focuses on the hypothesis of reduced hospital stay and reduction in the rate of revisions. This awaits robust data from long-term studies along with the documentation of clinical benefits that will follow the larger implementation of robotic-assisted surgery. However, modern robotic systems offer an opportunity for reproducible implementation of a preoperative plan, with low complication rates. Growing clinical use may in future present robust data demonstrating an appreciable clinical benefit that justifies the large scale clinical use of robotic technology.