Methodenbewertung in der Orthopädie am Beispiel Robodoc®

Abstract

AIM: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.