Patient-reported outcomes of kinematically aligned robotic total knee replacement: a single center, single surgeon experience

Kinematic alignment (KA) aims to restore patients’ native knee anatomy, while robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) enhances surgical precision in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Limited evidence exists regarding patient-centered outcomes following robotic-assisted KA-TKA. This study evaluates postoperative pain, functional recovery, and patient satisfaction. A retrospective study was conducted on 94 patients undergoing kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty with robotic assistance at a single tertiary referral hospital with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Demographic and operative data were collected. Postoperative pain and satisfaction were assessed across daily activities, and joint awareness was evaluated using the Forgotten Joint Score-12. The cohort included 79 females and 15 males with a mean age of 63.9 years. Mean operative time was 120.8 min, and mean hospital stay was 2.56 days. Postoperative complications were infrequent, with 11 patients experiencing pain and three had edema. Most patients reported high satisfaction regarding pain relief during rest, daily, and leisure activities. Pain during demanding tasks such as stair climbing, prolonged standing, or exercise occurred in a minority. Patients exhibited very low joint awareness during multiple activities, with a mean Forgotten Joint Score-12 score of 86.5. Robotic-assisted kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty is associated with high patient satisfaction, effective pain control, and favorable functional recovery, with low complication and revision rates. These findings support the precision and clinical reliability of robotic-assisted kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty. Prospective, comparative studies with extended follow-up are warranted to validate long-term outcomes and further optimize patient-centered care.