Tracking Pin Site Fractures and Measures to Overcome During Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing use of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RATKA), pin-related complications are uncommon, but can be distressing to both the surgeon and patient. We encountered two cases of tracking pin-related distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures and treated them surgically. Case Report: Two patients developed fractures in the postoperative period following RATKA. A 67-year-old female presented with a minimally displaced tibial fracture, which was treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a narrow plate. A 69-year-old female developed a minimally displaced femoral fracture and underwent internal fixation with a broad plate. Conclusion: At the latest follow-up, the fractures healed completely. After changing the position of the tracking pin from the diaphysis of the femur and tibia to the metaphyseal area of the distal femur and proximal tibia using a 3.2 mm diameter pin, we have not yet encountered any more pin site fractures.