Xi'an Honghui Hospital Performs World's First Robot-Assisted Total Ankle Replacement Surgery

Recently, a team led by Dr. Zhao Hongmou at the Foot and Ankle Surgery Center's Trauma and Degenerative Disease Department at Xi'an Honghui Hospital successfully completed the world's first robot-assisted total ankle replacement surgery.

The patient had been suffering from left ankle joint pain for more than ten years and had been receiving conservative treatment. Upon visiting the Trauma and Degenerative Disease Department of the Foot and Ankle Surgery Center at Xi'an Honghui Hospital, examinations revealed a left ankle joint varus deformity, with tenderness and positive pressure pain in the front, inner, and outer sides of the left ankle joint, as well as significant limitations in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the left ankle joint.

Surgical photos [Photo via Xi'an Honghui Hospital]

After rigorous preoperative assessment and planning, the hospital chose to use the Tianji orthopedic robot system in conjunction with the O-arm intraoperative fluoroscopy system to complete total ankle arthroplasty, which was a complete success. The number of effective intraoperative fluoroscopies was reduced to 28 times, nearly 60 percent fewer than with traditional methods; the time of lower limb tourniquet use was 74 minutes, about 30 minutes less than the average time in the past. Postoperative results showed good prosthetic alignment and positioning.

Surgical photos [Photo via Xi'an Honghui Hospital]

With the rapid development of orthopedic robot navigation technology, both the duration and accuracy of orthopedic surgeries have seen significant improvements. Compared to traditional ankle arthroplasty, using robots for positioning and selecting the optimal osteotomy guide plate position minimizes the number of intraoperative fluoroscopies and lower limb tourniquet use time indoors, making it a more suitable option. This innovative approach to total ankle replacement surgery aligns with the trend towards minimally invasive medical treatment, promoting a precise, intelligent, and safe medical experience.