The robot could
change that dynam-
ic. "It gives sur-
geons a much high-
er comfort level in
performing the tech-
nical aspects of par-
tial knees," says Dr.
Fillingham. "That's
certainly a big
potential upside of
using the technolo-
gy, because we
know there's a difference in implant failure rates between high-vol-
ume surgeons and the 'average' surgeon. Robotics could level the
playing field between these groups."
That means facilities investing in robotics could tap into a currently
underserved market. Still, there are drawbacks to performing partial
knees. "Two-thirds of the joint's bones remain and can develop arthri-
tis," points out Dr. Fillingham. "Partial knee replacements also have a
slightly higher implant failure rate than total knees."
Performing partial knees on suitable candidates often comes down
to considering an individual patient's risk-averse profile, according to
Dr. Fillingham. "Just because a robot lets more surgeons perform par-
tials successfully doesn't mean every patient who's indicated for one
will choose to have it done."
Robotic assistance can also impact the continuing trend of moving
knee replacements to outpatient ORs. Surgeons who use robotic
assistance can make cuts without direct visualization, less exposure
and less soft tissue dissection and tissue trauma, factors that have the
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 2 5
• THINKING AHEAD Robotic platforms let surgeons map out surgical plans that
remove guesswork and high-stakes decision-making in the OR.
