Robotic surgery for hip and knee pain: a simple guide

Hip and knee pain can significantly affect daily life, making simple activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even resting uncomfortable. In recent years, robotic-assisted surgery has emerged as an advanced option for patients requiring joint replacement.

What is robotic hip and knee surgery?

Robotic surgery is a type of joint replacement in which a surgeon uses a specialised robotic system to assist during the procedure. It is important to note that the robot does not perform the operation independently. Instead, it enhances the surgeon’s precision and control.

Before surgery, detailed scans of the affected joint are used to create a personalised surgical plan. During the procedure, the robotic system guides the surgeon to place the implant accurately, tailored specifically to the patient’s anatomy.

How can robotic surgery help with hip and knee pain?

Hip and knee pain is often caused by arthritis, where the joint becomes worn and inflamed. When non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, or injections no longer provide relief, joint replacement may be considered.

Robotic surgery offers several key advantages:

• Greater precision: the robotic system guides the surgeon to place implants accurately, which can be difficult to achieve consistently with traditional methods.
• Personalised treatment: each procedure is planned based on the patient’s individual anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Restored joint function: accurate implant positioning helps improve movement and may reduce damage to surrounding tissues.
• Improved recovery: many patients experience less post-operative pain and can return to daily activities more quickly, though overall recovery depends on health and rehabilitation.

These factors combine to provide better joint function, potentially longer-lasting results, and a smoother recovery experience.

Who is suitable for robotic hip or knee surgery?

Robotic-assisted joint replacement may be suitable for patients with:

• Advanced arthritis of the hip or knee.
• Persistent pain affecting daily life.
• Limited improvement with non-surgical treatments.

It can be used for total hip replacements, total knee replacements, and in some cases, partial knee replacements. A thorough assessment by a specialist is essential to determine suitability.

What does recovery involve?

Recovery after robotic joint replacement is similar in many ways to traditional surgery but may be smoother for some patients.

Early movement

Patients are usually encouraged to stand and walk shortly after surgery, often on the same day or the following day.

Rehabilitation

A structured physiotherapy programme is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, and confidence in the joint.

Returning to normal activities

Most patients can return to everyday activities within a few weeks, although full recovery may take several months.

Robotic-assisted hip and knee surgery represents an important development in orthopaedics, offering a more precise and personalised approach to joint replacement. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it can provide excellent outcomes for carefully selected patients. 

Mr Ahmed has performed over 500 robotic hip and knee replacements and was the first surgeon in Edinburgh to carry out a robotic total knee replacement for osteoarthritis. Robotic surgery enables him to offer a more precise and personalised approach to joint replacement surgery.

Visit Mr Ahmed's Top Doctors profile if you are considering robotic hip or knee replacement.