Robotic-assisted (MAKO) Versus Manual Total Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis

Single-center, Randomized, Controlled, Double Blinded, 24-month Trial to Compare Robotic-assisted (MAKO) and Manual Total Knee Arthroplasty for Primary Osteoarthritis With 10 Year Follow-up for Complications

Background: Total knee arthroplasty is a golden standard procedure for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. However, up to 20% of the patients are not satisfied with the outcome. Recently, robotic-assisted TKAs have been developed to offer individual alignment and to achieve accuracy in positioning with more subtle soft-tissue handling, thus possibly leading into better outcome.

Hypothesis: The investigators hypnotize that, robotic-assisted TKA is superior to manual TKA for end-stage osteoarthritis in respect to functional outcome, short-term rehabilitation and cost-efficiency.

Trial desing: The investigators will conduct a single-center, randomized, controlled, double blinded superiority trial of 24-months to compare robotic-assisted and manual total knee arthroplasty in respect to functional outcome, implant positioning, short-term rehabilitation and cost-efficiency with up to 10 years follow-up for complications.

The principle outcome measure will be patient reported outcome measure (PROM) Oxford knee score (OKS) points (0-48 points) at two years after surgery. Minimal clinically important difference will be considered as 5 points. Other PROMS, patient satisfaction, short-term rehabilitation, implant positioning, knee range of motion, length of sick leave and cost efficiency will also be reported. Patients will be followed up to 10 years for complications (infection, manipulation and revisions).

This study will be conducted in Central Hospital of Satakunta (Satasairaala), Finland. The investigators will recruit 170 adult patients (aged 50-80), with end-stage (Kellgren-Lawrence grade IV) primary osteoarhritis. Patients will be randomly assingned to either robotic-assisted or manual TKA. Patients will be blinded by the intervention method used. Personnel and investigators assessing the patients and interpreting the data will also be blinded to the surgical method.

Inclusion criteria

• Age over 50 and below 80 years
• End-stage Kellgren-Lawrence grade IV KOA
• Failed conservative treatment

Exclusion criteria

• Post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous knee infections
• Previous knee surgery (other than diagnostic arthroscopy or meniscectomy)
• Knee range of motion within 15 to 100 degrees
• Mechanical axis over 15 degrees of varus or over 10 degrees of valgus
• Body mass index over 40 kg/m2
• Significant patellofemoral osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade III or IV)
• Diabetes treated with insulin
• Malignancy with ongoing treatment
• Systemic glukocorticosteroid or antimetabolite medication during the last 5 years
• Conditions that do not allow general anesthesia
• Patients' denial for operative treatment and/or participation in the trial