Robotic Arm-Assisted Versus Manual (ROAM) Total Knee Replacement: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Description

In this presentation, Nick Clement, a surgeon from Edinburgh, introduces the ROAM study at the RADAR group. He acknowledges his team members from Newcastle who contributed to the study and discusses the key objectives, methodology, and results related to robotic knee surgery versus manual knee replacements. The study aimed to evaluate functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and quality of life, specifically focusing on patients receiving a robotic knee replacement for varus knees.



Clement explains that the primary outcome was measured using the WOMAC score and that the study encountered challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately recruiting 100 patients. He shares the results, noting that while there were some improvements in pain relief at two months with robotic surgery, there were no significant differences in overall functional outcomes between the two groups. He reflects on the study's design, particularly the difficulty in establishing meaningful clinical significance with the current MCID (Minimal Clinically Important Difference) standards.



Towards the end, Clement hints at future work involving one-year outcomes, gait analysis, and cost-effectiveness, while also inviting contributions for an edition on hip fractures he is editing. He wraps up the presentation with a brief mention of a separate study on patient waiting lists conducted by his colleague, Luke Farrell.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-240686

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