Total Knee Arthroplasty With Robotic Surgical Assistance Results in Less Physician Stress and Strain Than Conventional Methods

Cemented and Cementless Robotic-Assisted versus Manual Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Single Center Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of our study was to determine whether a difference existed between cemented and cementless robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) and manual TKA with regard to revision rates and 90-day outcomes. We hypothesized these techniques would have similar results.

METHODS

A single center's data from the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative were queried for all primary TKAs from January 2012 to July 2023. The RA-TKA and manual cohorts were compared for revisions and 90-day complications, including emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and returns to the operating room Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical data, and t-tests for continuous data. Of the 7,417 cemented TKAs (mean age 67 ± 9.6 years, 70% women), 273 were RA-TKA and 7,144 were manual. Of the 2,407 cementless TKAs (mean age 65 ± 8.6 years, 53% women), 730 were RA-TKA and 1,677 were manual.

RESULTS

Cemented RA-TKA had more periprosthetic joint infection revisions, more 90-day ED visits, and readmissions for wound complications compared to cemented manual TKA. Cementless RA-TKA had more 90-day readmissions for wound complications, while manual TKA had more 90-day ED visits for postoperative pain. Cemented and cementless RA-TKA had longer surgical time, shorter length of stay, and shorter time to revision. There were 283 revisions performed on cemented manual TKA (nine RA-TKAs, 3.2%, 274 manual, 3.8%, (P = 0.87)). There were 56 revisions performed on cementless knees (13 RA-TKAs, 1.7%, 43 manual 2.5% (P = 0.303)). Cumulative percent revision at 5 years was 3.9% for cemented RA-TKA, 3.5% for cemented manual TKA, 1.8% for cementless RA-TKA, and 2.8% for cementless manual TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

Both RA-TKA and manual TKA have similar revision rates, while RA-TKA had more wound complications. Cementless RA-TKA may be beneficial in reducing postoperative pain.

Evaluating Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared to Conventional Methods: A Systematic Review of the Literature in the United States

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) offers a new method of surgical management for advanced arthritis of the knee. The objective of this review was to evaluate the current literature evidence comparing rTKA to conventional methods (cTKA) across multiple outcome measures.

METHODS

PubMed was used to perform a review of articles that discussed outcomes of primary rTKA. Forty-four articles were selected.

RESULTS

rTKA improves surgical precision and accuracy compared with cTKA, potentially leading to better functional outcomes and fewer complications. rTKA has longer intraoperative times and higher initial costs but leads to shorter hospital stays, lower readmission rates, reduced long-term costs and less revisions. Patient-reported outcomes for rTKA indicate less postoperative pain, reduced opioid use, and improved function.

CONCLUSIONS

rTKA may provide improved outcomes compared with cTKA. More robust clinical evidence from US-based multicenter prospective propensity matched trials is needed to fully delineate the long-term benefits and limitations of rTKA.

Evidence Versus Frenzy in Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review Comparing News Media Claims to Randomized Controlled Trial Evidence

BACKGROUND

Robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) has garnered increasing attention in recent years, both clinically and in the media. The purpose of this study was to compare the volume of and messaging in published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) versus media reports on the topic of rTKA.

METHODS

This was a systematic review of RCTs and media articles on rTKA. PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched for RCTs; Factiva was searched for media articles. The number of publications of each type per year was recorded. Media articles were classified on the basis of their primary information source, their general tone toward rTKA, and the benefits and drawbacks of rTKA discussed. The volume, tone, and specific messaging around rTKA were compared between media articles and RCTs.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs and 460 media articles, published between 1991 and 2023, were included. The rates of both publication types increased over time, with more rapid increases in recent years. Ninety-five percent of media publications highlighted at least 1 benefit of rTKA. The most commonly cited benefits were more precise implant positioning (82.6%) and faster recovery (28.7%). Fewer than 7% of media publications (n = 30) mentioned downsides to rTKA. Overall, 89.3% of media articles presented a favorable view of rTKA. Ninety percent of RCTs reported that rTKA significantly outperformed manual TKA in terms of component positioning. Four of 6 RCTs reported significantly longer operative times with rTKA. Most RCTs found no significant differences in functional outcomes, opioid use, or complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of publications on rTKA has increased substantially in media sources and peer-reviewed journals, with the volume of media articles far outpacing RCTs on the topic. More precise component positioning was the most consistently reported benefit of rTKA in RCTs. However, media sources also reported a range of other, less well-supported benefits, and employed overwhelmingly positive tones regarding rTKA, more so than is supported by mixed clinical results. Efforts to ensure that patients and health-care providers receive accurate and evidence-based information about new health technologies are critical.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study demonstrates a clear disparity between news media coverage of rTKA and the best clinical evidence available. This information can help to guide discussions between patients and surgeons regarding the use of rTKA.

Accuracy and Outcomes of a Novel Cut-Block Positioning Robotic-Arm Assisted System for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The primary objective of this study was to determine the accuracy and precision of component positioning of the ROSA Robotic System for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis systematic review was conducted using 4 electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library) to identify all clinical and radiological studies reporting information about the use and results of the ROSA system. The criteria for inclusion were published research articles evaluating the accuracy of component positioning, learning curve, component alignment, complications, and functional outcomes in adults who underwent robotic-assisted TKA. The National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the quality of all the included studies.

Results

A total of 26 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 17 met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies reported on the accuracy and precision of component positioning. The ROSA platform for TKA had a cutting error of less than 0.6° for all coronal and sagittal parameters. Pooled analysis demonstrated accuracy within 0.61-1.87° and precision within 0.97-1.34° when the final intraoperative plan was compared to postoperative radiographs with fewer outliers. Four studies reported improved functional scores with ROSA-assisted TKA than conventional TKA within 1 year of surgery. There was no difference in overall complication rates when compared to conventional TKA.

Conclusions

The ROSA system is both highly accurate and precise, with fewer outliers when analyzed at various time points, including postoperative standing radiographs. Future studies with robust methodology and longer follow-up are required to demonstrate whether these findings have any clinical benefits in the long term.

Surgeons Experience Greater Physiologic Stress and Strain in the Direct Anterior Approach Than the Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have advantages and disadvantages, but their physiologic burden to the surgeon has not been quantified. This study was conducted to determine whether differences exist in surgeon physiological stress and strain during DAA in comparison to PA.

METHODS

We evaluated a prospective cohort of 144 consecutive cases (67 DAA and 77 PA). There were 5, high-volume, fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons who wore a smart-vest that recorded cardiorespiratory data while performing primary THA DAA or PA. Heart rate (beats/minute), stress index (correlates with sympathetic activations), respiratory rate (respirations/minute), minute ventilation (L/min), and energy expenditure (calories) were recorded, along with patient body mass index and operative time. Continuous data was compared using t-tests or Mann Whitney U tests, and categorical data was compared with Chi-square or Fischer's exact tests.

RESULTS

There were no differences in patient characteristics. Compared to PA, performing THA via DAA had a significantly higher surgeon stress index (17.4 versus 12.4; P < .001), heart rate (101 versus 98.3; P = .007), minute ventilation (21.7 versus 18.7; P < .001), and energy expenditure per hour (349 versus 295; P < .001). However, DAA had a significantly shorter operative time (71.4 versus 82.1; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons experience significantly higher physiological stress and strain when performing DAA compared to PA for primary THA. This study provides objective data on energy expenditure that can be factored into choice of approach, case order, and scheduling preferences, and provides insight into the work done by the surgeon.

Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgeon Marketing: Do Claims Align With the Literature?

Background

Robotic total knee arthroplasty (R-TKA) utilization and marketing continue to rise. We examined the marketing on surgeon websites regarding R-TKA benefits and sought to determine if the claims were supported by existing literature.

Methods

A Google search identified 10 physician websites from each of the 5 largest U.S. markets by population with the term "robotic total knee arthroplasty city, state." Claims on websites about R-TKA were categorized. Literature from 2012-2022 was reviewed for data "for" or "against" each claim. Level of evidence for each publication was collected.

Results

Fifty websites were captured that included 59 surgeons. A specific R-TKA platform was mentioned on 68% of websites. Website claims about robotics were placed into 8 major categories. Literature review supported the claims of more precise/accurate, reduced injury to tissue, and less pain with more literature "for" than "against" the claims.

Conclusions

Claims made on physician websites regarding the benefits of R-TKA are variable and not definitively supported by existing literature. Most available data can be categorized into levels of evidence III, IV, and V. There is a paucity of level I evidence to support the various marketing statements. Physicians should be cognizant of both the claims made on their websites and the literature that could be used to support or refute those specific claims.

Increased patient body mass index is associated with increased surgeon physiologic stress during total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

While increased body mass index (BMI) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases surgical complexity, there is a paucity of objective studies assessing the impact of patient BMI on the cardiovascular stress experienced by surgeons during THA. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of patient BMI on surgeon cardiovascular strain during THA.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated three fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons performing a total of 115 THAs. A smart-vest worn by the surgeons recorded mean heart rate, stress index (correlate of sympathetic activation), respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and energy expenditure throughout the procedures. Patient demographics as well as perioperative data including surgical approach, surgery duration, number of assistants, and the timing of the surgery during the day were collected. Linear regression was utilized to assess the impact of patient characteristics and perioperative data on cardiorespiratory metrics.

RESULTS

Average surgeon heart rate, energy expenditure, and stress index during surgery were 98.50 beats/min, 309.49 cal/h, and 14.10, respectively. Higher patient BMI was significantly associated with increased hourly energy expenditure (P = 0.027), mean heart rate (P = 0.037), and stress index (P = 0.027) independent of surgical approach. Respiratory rate and minute ventilation were not associated with patient BMI. The number of assistants and time of surgery during the day did not impact cardiorespiratory strain on the surgeon.

CONCLUSION

The physiologic burden on surgeons during primary THA significantly increases as patient BMI increases. This study suggests that healthcare systems should consider adjusting reimbursement models to account for increased surgeon workload due to obesity. Further surgeons should adopt strategies in operative planning and case scheduling to handle this added physical strain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

High Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Limited Evidence-based Ergonomics in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control defines work-related musculoskeletal disorders as disorders of the nerves, muscles, tendons, joints, spinal discs, and cartilage that are caused or exacerbated by the environment or nature of work. Previous meta-analyses have characterized work-related musculoskeletal disorders among interventionists, general surgeons, and other surgical subspecialties, but prevalence estimates, prognosis, and ergonomic considerations vary by study and surgical specialty.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What is the career prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons? (2) What is the treatment prevalence associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons? (3) What is the disability burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons? (4) What is the scope of orthopaedic surgical ergonomic assessments and interventions?

METHODS

A systematic review of English-language studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed in December 2022 and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies that presented prevalence estimates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders or assessed surgical ergonomics in orthopaedic surgery were included. Reviews, case reports, gray literature (conference abstracts and preprints), and studies with mixed-surgeon (nonorthopaedic) populations were excluded. The search yielded 5603 abstracts; 24 survey-based studies with 4876 orthopaedic surgeons (mean age 48 years; 79% of surgeons were men) were included for an analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and 18 articles were included for a descriptive synthesis of ergonomic assessment. Quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute Tool revealed that studies had a low to moderate risk of bias, largely because of self-reporting survey-based methodology. Because of considerable heterogeneity and risk of bias, prevalence outcomes were not pooled and instead are presented as ranges (mean I 2 = 91.3%).

RESULTS

The career prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in orthopaedic surgeons ranged from 37% to 97%. By anatomic location, the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the head and neck ranged from 4% to 74%; back ranged from 9% to 77%; forearm, wrist, and hand ranged from 12% to 54%; elbow ranged from 3% to 28%; shoulder ranged from 3% to 34%; hip and thigh ranged from 1% to 10%; knee and lower leg ranged from 1% to 31%; and foot and ankle ranged from 4% to 25%. Of orthopaedic surgeons reporting work-related musculoskeletal disorders, 9% to 33% had a leave of absence, practice restriction or modification, or early retirement, and 27% to 83% received some form of treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons experienced biomechanical, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and metabolic stress during procedures. Interventions to improve orthopaedic surgical ergonomics have been limited, but have included robotic assistance, proper visualization aids, appropriate use of power tools, and safely minimizing lead apron use. In hip and knee arthroplasty, robotic assistance was the most effective in improving posture and reducing caloric expenditure. In spine surgery, proper use of surgical loupes was the most effective in improving posture.

CONCLUSION

Although the reported ranges of our main findings were wide, even on the low end of the reported ranges, work-related musculoskeletal disability among orthopaedic surgeons appears to be a substantial concern. We recommend that orthopaedic residency training programs incorporate surgical ergonomics or work injury lectures, workshops, and film review (alongside existing film review of surgical skills) into their curricula. We suggest hospitals engage in shared decision-making with surgeons through anonymous needs assessment surveys to implement wellness programs specific to surgeons' musculoskeletal needs. We urge institutions to assess surgeon ergonomics during routine quality assessment of novel surgical instruments and workflows.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study.

Initial Learning Curve for Robot-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Dedicated Orthopedics Center

Background and objectives: Our study aimed to assess the learning curve for robot-assisted (RA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in our hospital, compare operative times between RA-TKAs and manual TKAs, and assess the early complications rate between the two approaches. Methods: We included 39 patients who underwent RA-TKA and 45 control patients subjected to manual TKA in the same period and operated on by the same surgical staff. We collected demographic and patient-related data to assess potential differences between the two groups. Results: No statistical differences were recorded in regard to age, BMI, sex, Kellgren-Lawrence classification, or limb alignment between patients undergoing RA-TKA and manual TKA, respectively. Three surgeons transitioned from the learning to the proficiency phase in our study after a number of 6, 4, and 3 cases, respectively. The overall operative time for the learning phase was 111.54 ± 20.45 min, significantly longer compared to the average of 86.43 ± 19.09 min in the proficiency phase (p = 0.0154) and 80.56 ± 17.03 min for manual TKAs (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was recorded between the global operative time for the proficiency phase TKAs versus the controls. No major complications were recorded in either RA-TKA or manual TKA groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that experienced surgeons may adopt RA-TKA using this platform and quickly adapt without significant complications.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Has Similar Rates of Prosthetic Noise Generation as Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Noise has been reported to occur with relatively high frequency after conventional total knee arthroplasty (C-TKA), and this may impact the incidence of patient satisfaction and function. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of patient-reported prosthetic noise generation after robotically-assisted TKA (RA-TKA) and C-TKA.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of unilateral primary RA-TKAs and C-TKAs performed between 2018 and 2021. Patients completed a survey consisting of 4 Likert scale questions related to prosthetic noise generation and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score Joint Replacement and Forgotten Joint Score were assessed prospectively preoperatively and at a minimum of 1-year of clinical follow-up. Statistical analysis was done utilizing T-tests and chi-square tests, with statistical significance defined as a P-value < .05.

Results

One hundred sixty-two RA-TKAs and 320 C-TKAs with similar baseline characteristics and functions were included. There were no significant differences in hearing or feeling grinding, popping, clicking, or clunking (40.7% vs 38.1%; P = .647) between groups. Most RA-TKAs and C-TKAs were not dissatisfied regarding noise generation (70.4% vs 73.1%; P = .596). In both cohorts, patients who reported noise generation had lower average Forgotten Joint Scores (45.5 vs 66.1; P < .001) and lower postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score Joint Replacement scores (72.0 vs 81.4; P < .001) than those who did not experience noise generation.

Conclusions

While RA-TKA may facilitate soft tissue balancing, there were no differences in prosthetic noise generation between RA-TKA and C-TKA. However, those who experience implant-generated noise have lower functional outcome scores.

UKA with a handheld robotic device results in greater surgeon physiological stress than conventional instrumentation

PURPOSE

Poor ergonomics and acute stress can impair surgical performance and cause work-related injuries. Robotic assistance may optimize these psychophysiological factors during UKA. This study compared surgeon physiologic stress and ergonomics during robotic-assisted UKA (rUKA) and conventional UKA (cUKA).

METHODS

Cardiorespiratory and postural data from a single surgeon were recorded during 30 UKAs, (15 rUKAs, 15 cUKAs). Heart rate (HR), HR variability, respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation and calorie expenditure were used to measure surgical strain. Intraoperative ergonomics were assessed by measuring flexion/extension/rotation of the neck and lumbar spine, and shoulder abduction/adduction.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 32.0 ± 7 min for cUKA and 45.9 ± 9 min for rUKA (p < 0.001). Mean neck flexion was - 23.4° ± 13° for rUKA and - 49.1° ± 18 for cUKA (p < 0.001), while mean lumbar flexion was - 20.3° ± 30° for rUKA and - 0.4° ± 68° for cUKA (p = 0.313). Mean lumbar flexion was similar; however, a significantly greater percentage of time was spent in lumbar flexion > 20° during cUKA. Bilateral shoulder abduction was significantly higher for rUKA. Mean calorie expenditure was 154 cal for rUKA and 89.1 cal for cUKA (p < 0.001). Mean HR was also higher for rUKA (88.7 vs. 84.7, p = 0.019). HR variability was slightly lower for rUKA (12.4) than for cUKA (13.4), although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). No difference in RR or minute ventilation was observed.

CONCLUSION

rUKA resulted in less neck flexion but increased shoulder abduction, heart rate, and energy expenditure. The theoretical ergonomic and physiologic advantages of robotic assistance using a handheld sculpting device were not realized in this study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Individualized alignment and ligament balancing technique with the ROSA® robotic system for total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Higher patient's expectations and dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty are well-documented phenomena. Despite the implications of different patients' related factors both modifiable and nonmodifiable, in the last decade a lot of emphasis has been focused on surgical technique, implant alignment and stability both as a cause and a potential solution of several problems.

METHODS

Different alignment and balancing techniques have been recently described and the introduction of new technologies such as computer and robotic-assisted surgery have been the basis for their optimization. In this paper, the surgical technique of the ROSA Knee System will be described focusing on the potential alignment options and the ligament balancing technique. The current literature available about the system will also be analyzed.

RESULTS

The ROSA® robotic system have been recently introduced in the market and presents specific and peculiar features to optimize ligament balancing and an individualized alignment of the implant in a three dimensional prospective.

DISCUSSION

The system is showing a favourable gap balancing technique and the possibility to create an individualized alignment. Preliminary results have now been shown in the literature both on the accuracy of the system and on clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results are promising both in terms of accuracy of the system and of clinical outcomes.

Moving beyond radiographic alignment: applying the Wald Principles in the adoption of robotic total knee arthroplasty

The use of robotics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is growing at an exponential rate. Despite the improved accuracy and reproducibility of robotic-assisted TKA, consistent clinical benefits have yet to be determined, with most studies showing comparable functional outcomes and survivorship between robotic and conventional techniques. Given the success and durability of conventional TKA, measurable improvements in these outcomes with robotic assistance may be difficult to prove. Efforts to optimize component alignment within two degrees of neutral may be an attainable but misguided goal. Applying the "Wald Principles" of rationalization, it is possible that robotic technology may still prove beneficial, even when equivalent clinical outcomes as conventional methods, if we look beyond the obvious surrogate measures of success. Robotic systems may help to reduce inventory, streamline surgical trays, enhance workflows and surgical efficiency, optimize soft tissue balancing, improve surgeon ergonomics, and integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into a broader digital ecosystem. This article explores these less obvious alternative benefits of robotic surgery in the field of TKA.

Achieving functional alignment in total knee arthroplasty: early experience using a second-generation imageless semi-autonomous handheld robotic sculpting system

PURPOSE

In order to minimize errors during achieving the targeted alignment of the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components, robotic-assisted surgery has been introduced with the aim to help surgeons to improve implant survival, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The primary goal of this paper is to highlight surgical tips and tricks on how to achieve functional alignment (FA) through intra-operative boney mapping, numeric gap, and alignment data, using the next generation of imageless robotic surgical systems.

METHOD

This retrospective case-series contains planned and achieved data on the FA and joint gap data obtained from 526 patients captured and assessed with use of a semi-autonomous imageless handheld robotic sculpting systems. All patients were operated upon by two experienced TKA surgeons.

RESULTS

The mean difference between planned and achieved alignment was 1.46° (≥ 7° varus group), 1.02° (< 7° varus group), 1.16° (< 7° valgus group), and 1.43° (≥ 7° valgus group). The mean observed planned and achieved extension and flexion gaps were below 1.47 mm for medial extension gaps, 1.12 mm for the lateral extension gaps, 1.4 mm for the medial flexion gaps, and 1.16 mm for the lateral flexion gaps.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of these first cases highlights the capability of the next generation of imageless robotic-assisted total knee replacement using a semi-autonomous handheld robotic sculpting to maintain accuracy of the desired alignment. The system allows the surgeon to choose freely their own alignment philosophy while maintaining efficiency.

Stress and Strain During Total Joint Arthroplasty Are Not Impacted by Hand Dominance or Operative Laterality in Orthopedic Surgeons

BACKGROUND

Orthopedic surgeons experience significant musculoskeletal pain and work-related injuries while performing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We sought to investigate the impact of operative extremity and surgeon limb dominance on surgeon physiologic stress and energy expenditure during TJA.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary academic practice. Cardiorespiratory data was recorded continuously in 3 high-volume arthroplasty surgeons using a smart garment that measured heart rate (HR), HR variability, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and energy expenditure (calories) during conventional total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

RESULTS

Surgeon 1 and 2 (right-handed) performed 21 right TKAs, 10 left TKAs, 13 right THAs, and 10 left THAs. Surgeon 3 (left-handed) performed 6 right TKAs, 9 left TKAs, 16 right THAs, and 10 left THAs. While performing TKA or THA, limb laterality had no significant impact on operative time and no significant differences existed in HR, HR variability, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, or energy expenditure for any right-handed or left-handed surgeons, regardless of the operative limb laterality. While performing TKA, consistently standing on the side of hand dominance was associated with decreased strain and stress, compared to always standing on the operative side.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that surgeon hand dominance and operative limb laterality do not impact energy expenditure or physiologic strain during TJA. However, consistently standing on the side of hand dominance in TKA may lead to decreased physiologic strain and stress during surgery. Further study utilizing wearable technology during TJA may provide orthopedic surgeons with information about modifiable factors that contribute to differences in physiological parameters during surgery.