How Robotic Technology Is Transforming Hip & Knee Replacement Surgery

If you or someone you love has been told that a hip or knee replacement is the next step, you may be weighing your options carefully. One of the most significant advances in joint replacement over the past decade has been the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery — a technology that allows orthopedic surgeons to plan and execute procedures with a level of precision that was simply not possible before.

At Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery in Torrance, California, we use the Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted System to perform total hip and total knee replacements. In this article, we want to walk you through what robotic joint replacement actually means, why it matters, and what you can expect as a patient.

What Is Robotic-Assisted Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is the medical term for a full joint replacement — most commonly of the knee or hip. During this procedure, a surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the joint and replaces it with an artificial implant designed to restore smooth, pain-free movement.

In traditional joint replacement surgery, the surgeon relies primarily on manual instruments and pre-operative X-rays to guide implant placement. Robotic-assisted surgery adds a powerful new layer to this process. Before your operation, a CT scan of your joint is used to create a precise, three-dimensional virtual model of your unique anatomy. This becomes the foundation for your personalized surgical plan.

During surgery, the Mako™ robotic arm works as an intelligent extension of the surgeon's hands. It provides real-time feedback and physical boundaries — called "haptic" guidance — to ensure that every cut is made exactly as planned. The surgeon remains fully in control at every moment; the robotic system simply ensures that movements stay within the safe zone that was defined for your specific anatomy.

"Robotic-assisted technology doesn't replace the surgeon — it amplifies precision. Every patient's anatomy is different, and this system allows us to honor that difference in a way that translates directly into better outcomes."

Why Precision Matters in Joint Replacement

One of the most important factors in a successful joint replacement is implant alignment and fit. Even small deviations in the angle or position of the implant can affect how the joint feels after surgery, how naturally it moves, and how long it lasts.

Research consistently shows that robotic-assisted procedures result in more accurate implant placement compared to conventional techniques. A 2024 study published in Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery found that robotic assistance was associated with better joint outcomes compared to conventional approaches in total hip arthroplasty. An analysis of over 163,000 patients published in 2026 in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research demonstrated improved mechanical outcomes in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty at scale.

For you as a patient, this translates to a joint that feels more natural — what surgeons refer to as improved joint awareness. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that robotic-assisted arthroplasty improved joint awareness across all follow-up periods in both hip and knee replacement patients.

Benefits Patients Can Expect

A Personalized Surgical Plan

Your surgery begins long before you enter the operating room. Using your pre-operative CT scan, the surgical team builds a 3D model of your joint and maps out exactly where implants will be placed, how bone will be prepared, and how soft tissue balance will be maintained. No two plans are identical — yours is built for you alone.

Greater Accuracy During Surgery

The Mako™ system continuously tracks the position of your bone in real time, automatically adjusting the surgical plan if you move. This means the plan adapts to you throughout the procedure, not just before it. The result is implant positioning that reflects both your pre-operative plan and the reality of your anatomy on the table.

Improved Soft Tissue Balance

Getting the ligaments and soft tissues around a new joint properly balanced is just as important as implant position. Robotic systems allow surgeons to assess and fine-tune soft tissue tension in real time, helping ensure the joint feels stable and moves fluidly after surgery.

Potentially Faster Recovery

Because the surgical plan is so precise, there is typically less disruption to surrounding bone and tissue. Many patients undergoing robotic-assisted joint replacement experience less post-operative pain and a faster return to daily activities compared to traditional approaches.

Is Robotic Joint Replacement Right for Everyone?

Robotic-assisted surgery is suitable for most patients who are candidates for total hip or knee replacement. However, the best way to know whether it is the right approach for you is through a thorough consultation with your orthopedic surgeon. Your doctor will review your X-rays, discuss your symptoms, activity goals, and overall health to help you make an informed decision.

Patients who are considering joint replacement often ask how they will know when the time is right. Generally, surgery is recommended when conservative treatments — such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections — are no longer providing adequate relief, and when joint pain is significantly limiting your quality of life.

Life After Robotic Joint Replacement

Most patients are up and moving — often the same day as surgery. Physical therapy begins quickly and progresses over several weeks to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence in your new joint. Most people return to low-impact activities within a few weeks and many resume more vigorous pursuits within a few months.

The goal of every joint replacement is a life with less pain and greater freedom of movement. With robotic assistance, we are better equipped than ever before to help patients achieve exactly that.

Why Choose Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery?

Dr. Shaun E. Chandran is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with expertise in joint reconstruction and robotic-assisted surgery. Serving patients throughout the South Bay — including Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and the greater Los Angeles area — our practice combines advanced technology with individualized, conservative care.

We believe that every patient deserves a surgical plan as unique as their anatomy. That commitment is why we invest in and train extensively with the Mako™ robotic system.