Robotic Knee Arthroplasty

Robot-Assisted Arthroplasty Procedures

Robotic technology is used in a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, offering greater precision and faster recovery. Specifically, it can be applied in:

• Total knee arthroplasty
• Partial knee arthroplasty (unicompartmental)
• Total hip arthroplasty

What Is Robotic Knee Arthroplasty?

Robotic knee arthroplasty is the most modern development in the surgical treatment of osteoarthritis and other knee conditions. With the assistance of the ROSA robotic system, the surgeon plans and performs the procedure with exceptional accuracy. Preoperatively, X-rays or CT scans are uploaded into specialised software, which creates a three-dimensional digital model of the knee. This allows the creation of a personalised surgical plan that leads to improved implant positioning, a smaller incision, and faster recovery.

Robotic Knee Arthroplasty – Fast Track

Robotic knee arthroplasty is combined with fast track – rapid recovery protocols, which aim for immediate patient mobilisation and a quick return to daily activities. Thanks to precise implant positioning and minimally invasive techniques, pain is significantly reduced, the wound heals faster, and the patient is able to stand and walk within the first hours after surgery. Hospital stay is usually limited to less than 24 hours, while physiotherapy begins immediately with an individualised programme.

Robotic Knee Arthroplasty – Procedure

Preoperative Preparation

The patient undergoes radiological assessment, which is processed through specialised software to create a three-dimensional digital model of the knee. Based on this, a personalised surgical plan is developed.

Admission & Anaesthesia

Admission takes place on the day of surgery. Regional anaesthesia is administered, ensuring the absence of postoperative pain and allowing immediate mobilisation, without the need for general anaesthesia.

Duration of Surgery

The procedure lasts approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the case.

Incision

With robotic technology, the incision is smaller compared to conventional techniques, contributing to a better cosmetic result and faster recovery.

When Is Robotic Knee Arthroplasty Indicated?

The procedure is indicated in patients with:

• Advanced osteoarthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, when conservative treatment (medication, physiotherapy, injections) no longer provides sufficient results.

Advantages Compared to Conventional Techniques

The use of robotic technology allows the surgeon to plan and perform the procedure with exceptional accuracy, minimising the margin of error. This translates into less surgical trauma, faster recovery, and improved quality of life for the patient. The main advantages include:

• Maximum accuracy in implant positioning
• Smaller incision – better cosmetic result
• Minimal damage to surrounding tissues
• Bloodless technique – transfusion is rarely required
• No or minimal postoperative pain
• Fast track – immediate mobilisation within <24 hours
• Faster recovery and return to activities

Recovery After Robotic Knee Arthroplasty

With the fast track protocol, the patient usually stands and walks on the same day. Physiotherapy begins immediately with an individualised programme, allowing faster return to daily activities without pain.

Robotic Knee Arthroplasty: What Is the Cost?

The cost depends on each case, the type of implant, and the materials used. It includes the implant, hospitalisation expenses, and the surgical team’s fee. Accurate information requires an individualised assessment.

Why Is Choosing the Surgeon Important for Robotic Knee Arthroplasty?

Robotic knee arthroplasty requires not only the most advanced technology but also a specialised surgeon with experience and knowledge in its use. The accuracy of the robotic system is combined with the surgeon’s clinical experience and surgical expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes. Orthopaedic Surgeon Andreas Leonidou, with extensive training and specialisation in the United Kingdom and current Director of the Minimally Invasive Orthopaedic Surgery Department at the Athens Medical Center, has the necessary experience and expertise for the safe and successful application of this technique. Would you like to learn more about knee arthroplasty? Read about the indications, procedure, and recovery here.