Incidence and characteristics of noise generation in total hip arthroplasty with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings : a comparison between robotic-assisted surgery and conventional methods.

Aims: To evaluate the impact and risk factors of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) on noise generation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings in comparison to conventional (CON) manual methods.

Methods: A secondary analysis of a prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial - conducted from June 2021 to July 2022 - included 74 patients with CoC bearings, equally divided between RAS and CON groups. Noise incidence, characteristics, and duration were documented. Radiological assessments and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of noise or squeaking.

Results: The incidence of overall noise complaints was higher in the CON group compared to the RAS group, with a statistically significant difference observed at the early postoperative stage. Specifically, at 14 days post-surgery, 5.4% of patients in the RAS group and 32.4% in the CON group reported noises (p = 0.008), while at 24 weeks, the rates were 5.4% and 21.6%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.089). RAS showed superior alignment and precision in component placement. Logistic regression analysis identified conventional surgery as a significant predictor of noise complaints (odds ratio 7.10 (95% CI 1.51 to 33.33); p = 0.013). Additionally, the probability distributions of different acetabular alignment and abduction angles were plotted and analyzed. No differences in functional status or patient-reported outcomes were found between groups.

Conclusion: RAS in THA with CoC bearings reduces the incidence and severity of noise-related complications, and is likely due to more precise and appropriate component placement, which may improve outcomes.