Impact of Prior Computed Tomography-Based Navigation Experience on Cup-Placement Accuracy in Early Cases of Robotic Arm-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty via Direct Anterior Approach: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to examine the impact of prior experience of computed tomography-based navigated THA (CTN-THA) on the accuracy of cup placement in robotic arm-assisted total hip arthroplasty via direct anterior approach using the Mako system (Mako-THA).

METHODS

We evaluated the first 60 hips that underwent Mako-THA performed by surgeons with and without CTN-THA experience and compared the absolute error of pre-operative and post-operative cup placement using a three-dimensional template between the two groups.

RESULTS

The CTN-user group demonstrated significantly better results in radiographic inclination, y-(sagittal) axis placement, and z-(vertical) axis placement than the non-CTN-user group (CTN-user group: 1.0° ± 0.9°, 1.5 ± 1.4 mm, and 1.4 ± 1.1 mm, respectively; non-CTN-user group: 2.2° ± 1.8°, 2.3 ± 1.2 mm, and 2.4 ± 1.4 mm, respectively). There was no significant difference in radiographic anteversion (CTN-user group: 1.4° ± 1.4° vs. non-CTN-user group: 1.9° ± 1.8°).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons with prior CTN-THA experience achieved higher accuracy in cup placement than surgeons without CTN-THA experience.