[ROBODOC--a path into the future of hip endoprosthetics or an investment error?].
OBJECTIVE
The Orthopaedic Department of Martin-Luther-University has been using computer-guided, robot-assisted surgery in cementless total hip arthroplasty since June 1997. The goal of the present paper is to critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the ROBODOC system when using two different femoral components and the employment of the system in orthopaedics in general.


METHODS
Between June 1997 and August 1999 87 procedures have been performed using the ROBODOC system. 48 ABG stems and 39 OSTEOLOC stems manufactured by HOWMEDICA were used. The results are based on a prospective study.


RESULTS
The main advantage of the system is the excellent three-dimensional preoperative planning and the precise execution of the preoperative plan during surgery. Problematic situations of the proximal femur can be evaluated and the optimal position of the femoral component can be guaranteed. Investigations on cadaver femurs showed significant differences in the bone-implant contact. The first results let us expect some advantage in congenital and acquired femoral deformities.


CONCLUSIONS
The ROBODOC system has to be critically considered as an alternative to hand implantation. In our opinion, it should be used only under certain circumstances considering the current technical progress. Only in these cases the potential of the system can be used beneficially.
Birke
A
A
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. andreas.birke@medizin.uni-halle.de
Reichel
H
H
Hein
W
W
Schietsch
U
U
Hube
R
R
Bernstein
A
A
Krüger
T
T
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012371:Robotics / Q000639:trends*; D012984:Software; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical