Computer-Assisted and Virtual Reality-Based Robotic Knee Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review

Knee arthroscopy (KA) is an outpatient procedure in high demand, with many finding it a potential beneficiary of robotic minimally invasive surgery. This literature study focuses on computer-assisted platforms used to aid KA, emphasizing intraoperative tools, computer navigation, and virtual simulations. A literature search on IEEE Xplore and PubMed was done. Findings indicate that semi-automatic KA uses various technologies to assist surgeons intraoperatively. Working tools can be patient-specific but need to be more ergonomic. Surgeons benefit from robust localization and path planning techniques of computer-assisted navigation intraoperatively. Virtual KA platforms somewhat mirror the actual procedure but need to integrate more surgical actions and procedures. Augmented virtuality enables anatomic 3D planning of the procedure, giving the surgical team adequate clarity and freedom. There is grand potential for robotic KA in the future, and future research should ensure its reliability and clinical adaptability.