The Learning Curve Associated with Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

There are no reports examining the learning curve during the adoption of robotic assisted THA. The purpose of this study was to examine the learning curve of robotic assisted THA as measured by component position, operative time, and complications. The first 105 robotic-assisted THAs performed by a single surgeon were divided into three groups based on the order of surgery. Component position, operative time, intra-operative technical problems, and intra-operative complications were recorded. There was a decreased risk of acetabular component malpositioning with experience (P<0.05). Operative time appeared to decrease with increasing surgical experience (P<0.05). A learning curve was observed, as a decreased incidence of acetabular component outliers and decreased operative time were noted with increased experience.