Early experience with force-space navigated robotics for glenoid implantation during total shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose: Glenoid replacement is an integral component of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA); however, glenoid component loosening, and premature wear can result from poor glenoid bone preparation and initial implant placement. Surgical robots have been used in some arthroplasty procedures to improve accuracy, but not in TSA. Moreover, arthroplasty robotics has very low acceptance rates due to increased complexity compared to traditional surgical instrumentation, and diffi culty incorporating optical tracking systems into the surgical workfl ow. This study introduces a novel robot navigation system based on reaction force feedback, and its implementation in TSA.