Understanding economic analysis and cost–effectiveness of CT scan-guided, 3-dimensional, robotic-arm assisted lower extremity arthroplasty: a systematic review

Abstract

Aim:

The overall goal of this review was to examine the cost-utility of robotic-arm assisted surgery versus manual surgery.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review of all health economic studies that compared CT-based robotic-arm assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty with manual techniques. The papers selected focused on various cost-utility measures. In addition, where appropriate, secondary aims encompassed various clinical outcomes (e.g., readmissions, discharges to subacute care, etc.). Only articles directly comparing CT-based robotic-arm assisted joint arthroplasty with manual joint arthroplasty were included, for a resulting total of 21 reports.

Results:

Almost all twenty-one studies demonstrated a positive effect of CT scan-guided robotic-assisted joint arthroplasty on health economic outcomes. For studies reporting on 90-day episodes of costs, 10 out of 12 found lower costs in the robotic-arm assisted groups.

Conclusion:

Robotic-arm assisted joint arthroplasty patients had shorter lengths of stay and cost savings based on their 90-day episodes of care, among other metrics. Payors would likely benefit from encouraging the use of this CT-based robotic technology.

Plain language summary

What is this article about?

We reviewed all health economic studies that examined partial and total knee replacements as well as hip replacements that were performed with the robotic-arm assistance and a preoperative computerized tomography scan compared with traditional techniques for performing these procedures. This led to an evaluation of 21 studies.

What were the results?

We found that the robotic-arm assisted joint replacement patients had shorter lengths of stay and cost savings. Almost every study in this review found economic advantages to using this new technology.

What do the results of the study mean?

Payors would likely benefit from encouraging the use of CT-based robotic technology.

Tweetable abstract

A systematic review finds that robotic-arm assisted joint arthroplasty patients compared with manual techniques had shorter lengths of stay and cost savings based on their 90-day episodes of care, among other metrics.