Robotrac in total knee arthroplasty. The silent assistant.

This article describes a new prerobotic device (Robotrac) that may be used effectively in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This device holds the femur in any position, allowing the surgeon to situate the knee in any position of flexion that may be necessary during the course of TKA. Using this device, it often is possible to perform TKA without any additional assistant surgeons. To date, we have used Robotrac in more than 200 consecutive total knee replacements without any untoward effects. With the use of this device, it is possible to save about $142 Canadian per total knee replacement. The literature concerning the use of robotics in medicine is reviewed.