Objective:

To assess the evolution and current trends of Intelligent Assistance Operative Adjuncts (IAOA) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and identify future research directions, emphasizing the role of IAOA in enhancing surgical outcomes.

Key Findings:

• UKA is a successful treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, offering advantages over total knee arthroplasty, such as reduced recovery time and improved functional outcomes.
• Intelligent Assistance Operative Adjuncts (IAOA) include navigation systems, patient-specific instruments (PSI), and robotic systems that enhance surgical precision and may lead to better patient outcomes.
• There is a steady global increase in UKA studies, with emerging trends in navigation surgery and robotics, indicating a shift towards more technologically advanced surgical methods.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the need for a unified framework to assess the impact of various adjunct technologies on UKA outcomes and patient satisfaction, suggesting a comprehensive approach to evaluating their effectiveness.

Limitations:

• The clinical value of emerging technologies remains debated and requires more high-quality studies, particularly those that provide robust evidence of their effectiveness.
• Previous bibliometric analyses indicated that much of the existing research is of low-level evidence, such as case reports and expert opinions, which may not adequately support clinical decision-making.

Conclusion:

The study aims to provide evidence-based insights to support clinical innovation and the integration of personalized, precision-based care in UKA, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.