Robotic-assistance and computer-navigation have similar rates of intraoperative fracture and return to the operating room within 1 year to fluoroscopy-only direct anterior total hip arthroplasty

Introduction: The use of technology in direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is expanding. Although the use of computer-navigation (CN-THA) and robotics (RA-THA) has previously demonstrated improved component positioning, it is important to understand whether its use is associated with differences in intraoperative complications or early return to the operating room when compared to fluoroscopy-only (manual-THA) DAA THA.

Methods: 3433 DAA THAs (226 RA-THA, 1007 CN-THA, 2200 manual-THA) performed at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Cohorts were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, femoral fixation, history of spine fusion, and Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weight (IPTW). Operative times were identified. Intraoperative fractures and re-operations within 1 year were identified via chart review.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative fracture among the cohorts (0.4% RA-THA, 0.4% CN-THA, 0.4% manual-THA; p > 0.529). There were also no statistically significant differences (p > 0.589) among the cohorts in rates of return to the operating room within 1 year for postoperative fracture (0.0% RA-THA, 0.4% CN-THA, 0.4% manual-THA), dislocation (0.0% RA-THA, 0.0% CN-THA, 0.1% manual-THA), infection (0.4% RA-THA, 0.7% CN-THA, 0.5% manual-THA), or other aetiologies (0.0% RA-THA, 0.2% CN-THA, 0.1% manual-THA).

Conclusions: This study did not find a statistically significant difference in intraoperative fracture or re-operations within 1 year between DAA THA performed with RA, CN, or manual techniques. The introduction of technology to THA is not associated with increase in reoperations within one-year.