A Cost Analysis of Traditional Versus Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed With an Imageless, Second-generation Robotic System

Background This study compared perioperative outcomes as well as encounter and 90-day costs between patients undergoing traditional vs robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). Materials and Methods A total of 430 TKAs (215 rTKAs, 215 traditional) were retrospectively reviewed. All rTKAs were performed with an imageless, second-generation robotic system. Cohorts were propensity score matched by age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Perioperative data and 90-day complications were subsequently compared. Cox regression analyses evaluated survival to all-cause revisions. Univariable analyses compared total cost of care for the initial encounter and 90-day postoperative period. Multivariable regression analyses were then performed to evaluate associations with increased encounter and 90-day costs. Results Patients undergoing rTKA had a higher incidence of discharge home (86.5% vs 60.0%; P <.001). The rTKA cohort trended toward a lower incidence of 90-day emergency department visits, and there was a significantly lower percentage of 90-day readmissions (4.2% vs 13.5%; P =.001). Cox hazard ratio demonstrated no difference in survival to all-cause revisions (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.5–3.7; P =.64). The cost of surgery was significantly higher in the rTKA cohort ($9292 vs $8392; P <.001); however, there was no difference in cost of encounter ($10,356.86 vs $10,396.44; P =.110) or at 90 days postoperatively ($11,103.89 vs $11,040.13; P =.739). rTKA did not have a significant association with increased cost at 90 days postoperatively (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.90–1.02; P =.180). Conclusion rTKA had a higher intraoperative cost compared with traditional TKA. However, with increased home discharges and fewer 90-day readmissions, rTKA was not associated with increased cost at 90 days. [ Orthopedics . 2024;47(6):365–371.]