F. Granata , F. Nasca , C.D. Cobisi , M.G.L. Bellia , C. Burgio , F. Bosco
{"title":"Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty for post-traumatic osteoarthritis following tibial plateau fractures: A narrative review","authors":"F. Granata , F. Nasca , C.D. Cobisi , M.G.L. Bellia , C. Burgio , F. Bosco","doi":"10.1016/j.jcot.2026.103375","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) following tibial plateau fractures constitutes a demanding indication for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) because of residual deformities, altered joint biomechanics, soft-tissue imbalance, and the potential presence of retained hardware. Conventional TKA in this setting is associated with higher rates of intraoperative complications, suboptimal implant positioning, and increased revision risk. Robotic-assisted (RA) technologies have emerged as potential tools to enhance accuracy, restore alignment, and improve reproducibility in complex knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to summarize and critically appraise the current evidence on RA-TKA for PTOA after tibial plateau fractures, highlighting advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus for clinical studies evaluating RA-TKA in the setting of prior tibial plateau fractures. Relevant case series, cohort studies, and comparative analyses were reviewed and synthesized. Preliminary evidence suggests that robotic-assisted TKA may improve the accuracy and reproducibility of component positioning; however, most quantitative accuracy data are derived from primary osteoarthritis cohorts, with limited PTOA-specific evidence currently available. Robotic platforms may also facilitate intraoperative soft-tissue balancing in anatomically distorted knees. However, available literature remains limited to small case series with heterogeneous patient cohorts and short follow-up durations. Functional outcomes and complication rates are inconsistently reported, and robust comparative data are lacking. RA TKA appears to be a promising approach for managing PTOA after tibial plateau fractures. Despite encouraging early results, current evidence is still preliminary. High-quality prospective studies, ideally multicenter with long-term follow-up, are required to substantiate the clinical, functional, and economic benefits of robotics in this challenging population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":53594,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma","volume":"74 ","pages":"Article 103375"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0000,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0976566226000421","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/2/10 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"Medicine","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) following tibial plateau fractures constitutes a demanding indication for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) because of residual deformities, altered joint biomechanics, soft-tissue imbalance, and the potential presence of retained hardware. Conventional TKA in this setting is associated with higher rates of intraoperative complications, suboptimal implant positioning, and increased revision risk. Robotic-assisted (RA) technologies have emerged as potential tools to enhance accuracy, restore alignment, and improve reproducibility in complex knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to summarize and critically appraise the current evidence on RA-TKA for PTOA after tibial plateau fractures, highlighting advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus for clinical studies evaluating RA-TKA in the setting of prior tibial plateau fractures. Relevant case series, cohort studies, and comparative analyses were reviewed and synthesized. Preliminary evidence suggests that robotic-assisted TKA may improve the accuracy and reproducibility of component positioning; however, most quantitative accuracy data are derived from primary osteoarthritis cohorts, with limited PTOA-specific evidence currently available. Robotic platforms may also facilitate intraoperative soft-tissue balancing in anatomically distorted knees. However, available literature remains limited to small case series with heterogeneous patient cohorts and short follow-up durations. Functional outcomes and complication rates are inconsistently reported, and robust comparative data are lacking. RA TKA appears to be a promising approach for managing PTOA after tibial plateau fractures. Despite encouraging early results, current evidence is still preliminary. High-quality prospective studies, ideally multicenter with long-term follow-up, are required to substantiate the clinical, functional, and economic benefits of robotics in this challenging population.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (JCOT) aims to provide its readers with the latest clinical and basic research, and informed opinions that shape today''s orthopedic practice, thereby providing an opportunity to practice evidence-based medicine. With contributions from leading clinicians and researchers around the world, we aim to be the premier journal providing an international perspective advancing knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. JCOT publishes content of value to both general orthopedic practitioners and specialists on all aspects of musculoskeletal research, diagnoses, and treatment. We accept following types of articles: • Original articles focusing on current clinical issues. • Review articles with learning value for professionals as well as students. • Research articles providing the latest in basic biological or engineering research on musculoskeletal diseases. • Regular columns by experts discussing issues affecting the field of orthopedics. • "Symposia" devoted to a single topic offering the general reader an overview of a field, but providing the specialist current in-depth information. • Video of any orthopedic surgery which is innovative and adds to present concepts. • Articles emphasizing or demonstrating a new clinical sign in the art of patient examination is also considered for publication. Contributions from anywhere in the world are welcome and considered on their merits.