Early and delayed periprosthetic joint infection in robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter study

BackgroundRobot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) has significantly improved knee surgery outcomes in the last few years. However, its association with the periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rate remains debatable. This study investigates the incidence of early and delayed PJI in a multicentric cohort of patients who underwent RA-TKA, aiming to elucidate the risk associated with this procedure.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data from a consecutive series of patients who underwent RA-TKA using the NAVIO Surgical System (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, USA) between 2020 and 2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed individuals over 18 years of age with a minimum follow-up period of three months. The primary outcome was the incidence of early and delayed PJI, defined according to the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) diagnostic criteria. Secondary outcomes included the evaluation of postoperative complications.ResultsThe study included patients who underwent RA-TKA with the NAVIO system, achieving an average follow-up of 9.1 +/- 3.9 months. None of the patients met the EBJIS criteria for a likely or confirmed infection, indicating an absence of both early and delayed PJI cases. Two patients required subsequent surgical interventions due to patellar maltracking and prosthetic loosening, respectively. Additionally, three patients underwent passive manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).ConclusionThe findings indicate no evidence of early or delayed PJI in patients undergoing RA-TKA within the study period. The low complication rate further supports the reliability and safety of this surgical technique in short-term follow-up.Level of evidenceIV.