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Is Robotic Knee Replacement Right for You? What Patients in Torrance Should Know

Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery Blog Is Robotic Knee Replacement Right for You? What Patients in Torrance Should Know

Knee pain that limits your ability to walk, climb stairs, or sleep comfortably can be life-altering. For millions of Americans, total knee replacement is the procedure that restores function and eliminates pain when other treatments stop working. But not all knee replacements are performed the same way — and advances in robotic-assisted surgery are giving patients better results than ever before.

If your doctor has mentioned knee replacement, you may be wondering: Is robotic surgery an option for me? How is it different from traditional surgery? What does recovery look like? This guide addresses those questions directly.

When Is Total Knee Replacement Recommended?

Knee replacement is generally considered when the cartilage in your knee joint has worn away to the point where bone is rubbing against bone — most commonly due to osteoarthritis. At this stage, the knee loses its natural cushioning, causing significant pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

Your orthopedic surgeon will typically recommend conservative treatments first, including:

When these measures no longer provide sufficient relief and your quality of life is significantly impacted, total knee replacement becomes the next appropriate step.

How Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Works

The Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted System begins with imaging — specifically a CT scan of your knee — which is used to create a three-dimensional model of your joint. From this model, Dr. Chandran develops a fully customized surgical plan tailored to your exact bone shape, alignment, and anatomy.

1
Pre-Operative CT Scan

Your knee is imaged to produce a precise 3D digital model. This becomes the foundation of your individual surgical plan.

2
Personalized Surgical Planning

Dr. Chandran uses the model to plan exactly where the implant will be positioned, how bone will be removed, and how your joint's alignment will be restored.

3
Robotic-Guided Execution

During surgery, the Mako™ arm provides real-time guidance, keeping instruments within the boundaries of your plan. If you shift slightly on the table, the system adjusts in real time — ensuring accuracy throughout.

4
Soft Tissue Balancing

The surgeon uses the system's sensors to evaluate and optimize the balance of the ligaments around your new joint, helping it feel stable and natural.

5
Implant Placement and Closure

The precisely sized and positioned implant is secured, the wound is closed, and your recovery begins — often with physical therapy starting the same day.

What Does the Research Say?

The evidence base for robotic-assisted total knee replacement has grown substantially. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that robotic-assisted arthroplasty produces greater alignment accuracy compared to conventional techniques. A major 2026 retrospective study analyzing over 163,000 patients found improved mechanical outcomes at scale in robotic-assisted total knee replacement.

Importantly, recent research has also shown that patients who receive robotic-assisted knee replacement report better joint awareness — the natural feeling that the new joint belongs to them — across multiple follow-up periods. This is a meaningful quality-of-life outcome that matters deeply to patients who want their replacement to feel as close to a natural knee as possible.

"The goal isn't just to give you a new knee — it's to give you the right knee for your body. Robotic assistance lets us achieve that with a level of consistency that benefits every patient."

Am I a Candidate for Robotic Knee Replacement?

Robotic-assisted total knee replacement is appropriate for most patients who are candidates for conventional knee replacement. Good candidates generally:

There are some situations — such as previous hardware around the knee or certain anatomical considerations — that your surgeon will evaluate during your consultation. Age is rarely a disqualifying factor; successful outcomes are common across a wide range of patient ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the surgery take?

Robotic-assisted total knee replacement typically takes between one and two hours. The robotic planning and guidance can add a small amount of operating time initially, but this is offset by the precision gained and does not negatively affect patient outcomes.

Will I need a hospital stay?

Many patients go home the same day or after a one-night hospital stay. Dr. Chandran will discuss the expected plan for your specific case during your consultation.

When can I walk again?

Most patients take their first steps with the help of a physical therapist on the day of surgery. Walking aids such as a walker or cane may be used for several weeks, but most patients are moving independently within four to six weeks.

How long does a robotic knee replacement last?

Modern knee implants are designed to last 20 years or more in the majority of patients. Proper alignment — which robotic assistance helps ensure — is one of the most important factors in implant longevity.

Does insurance cover robotic knee replacement?

In most cases, yes. Robotic-assisted knee replacement is covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when the procedure is medically indicated. Our office can help verify your benefits ahead of your appointment.

Taking the Next Step

The decision to pursue knee replacement is deeply personal. If you've been managing knee pain for months or years and feel that it's controlling your life rather than the other way around, you owe it to yourself to learn about all of your options — including the most advanced ones available.

At Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery, we start every joint replacement consultation by listening. Your goals, your lifestyle, and your concerns shape the care plan we build together.

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