The hip joint is among the most used areas of your body, which if it gets damaged can lead to extreme pain, discomfort, and immobilization. However, to improve function, hip replacement surgery is performed to remove the damaged sections of the hip joint and replace them with parts usually constructed of metal, ceramic, and very hard plastic. Also known as total hip arthroplasty, hip replacement surgery has now moved from a traditional one to robotic surgery, which is not just faster and innovative but has minimal invasion, impressive accuracy, and higher patient satisfaction.

However, there are often concerns raised for patients considering the procedure. “A common concern is that the technology is too new or has not been tested. However, robotic-assisted procedures have been conducted successfully for many years, with multiple studies proving their efficacy and safety,” Dr. Mayank Pathak, Consultant – Orthopedics, Joint Replacement Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, told Times Now.

According to Dr. Pathak, the latest technology aims to improve precision, allowing surgeons to plan and execute procedures with greater accuracy, potentially leading to better results and faster recovery.

Dr. Pathak says that most patients who need hip replacement surgery are worried about the possibility of complications like infection risk, bone fractures, compatibility of robotic technology, and implant performance. However, Dr. Pathak says, “Although there is always some risk related to surgery, the use of robotic assistance does reduce the chance of certain issues like irregular leg length or weak implant alignment.

Another widely believed issue is that robots could replace surgeons. However, experts say that a robot is just a tool that supports the surgeon, who maintains complete control of the process. “The technology gives real-time input and ensures that the replacement is placed in the best possible position, but the surgeon's experience leads the entire procedure,” he said.

A robotic hip replacement is just like a traditional hip replacement where the surgeon removes damaged tissue in your hip and replaces it with an artificial joint. The difference is that it's done with assistance from a robotic arm, which allows for greater precision.

“The robotic arm does not perform surgery on its own. Instead, it acts as a guide, helping your surgeon follow the plan laid out in advance. This means more precise incisions and optimal positioning,” said Dr. Pathak.

For those experiencing hip pain that interferes with daily activities and have not found relief through non-surgical options, robotic hip replacement surgery may be a suitable option. If a person qualifies for traditional hip replacement, they are likely a candidate for robotic-assisted hip replacement as well.

A few benefits of robotic hip replacement surgery include:

The accuracy of robotic intervention ensures that your new hip joint is placed exactly where it needs to be. According to experts, proper placement is crucial for the longevity of the prosthesis, helping it to function well for many years to come.

Since the robotic system is precise, the surgeon only needs to make minimal cuts, which means less bone and blood loss, making the surgery smoother and often resulting in a quicker recovery.

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