[Technique evaluation for orthopedic use of Robodoc].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the clinical benefit and rate of complications of robot-assisted primary total hip replacement.


METHODS
Electronic bibliographic databases, the reference lists of relevant articles and various health services research-related resources were analysed and selected studies were assessed using defined quality criteria.


RESULTS
57 publications and three HTA-reports were assessed. Only two prospective randomised controlled studies could be identified. There was no proof of clinical benefit but rather an increased incidence of complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients must be informed on the risks, complications, benefits and especially alternatives to a robot-assisted operation. The importance of HTA reports to evaluate new or established procedures will even increase in Germany especially in the recent medico-legal context.
Medizinischer Dienst der Spitzenverbände der Krankenkassen e. V., Essen. p.schraeder@mds-ev.de
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Schräder
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome