A robotic hip replacement is a standard hip replacement done with the help of a robotic arm and guided by computer software. Before and during surgery, the system builds a 3D picture of your hip and calculates exactly where to make the bone cuts. The precise depth, angle, and position is ensured by the robot.
This precision can allow a slightly smaller incision and a bit less disturbance to the surrounding tissue. One key point: the robot doesn’t perform the surgery. Your surgeon is in control the entire time and does the work, including all the closing up. The robot is a high-tech planning and guidance tool.
The artificial parts that go in are identical to those used in non-robotic surgery. Robotic assistance is still a newer technology, so while early results are encouraging, its long-term advantages are still being studied. There are not negative consequences found to date.
This page explains who it’s for, how it works, and what to expect.
What condition does robotic hip replacement treat:
Like any hip replacement, this treats a hip joint that’s been worn down by arthritis or another condition that’s damaged the joint (often called degenerative joint disease). When the smooth cushioning in the joint breaks down, the bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness that makes everyday movement hard.
The robotic version treats the same conditions as a regular hip replacement. However, the difference is in how precisely the surgery is planned and carried out.
When should you consider surgery:
The signs that point toward a hip replacement are the same here as for any hip replacement: frequent, severe, debilitating hip pain, along with an orthopedic surgeon’s exam and X-rays showing joint damage that matches your symptoms.
Unlike knee arthritis, hip arthritis has relatively few effective non-surgical treatments. Physical therapy can help some patients, gait aids like a cane can help, and joint injections are possible but usually require a specialist using imaging to guide the needle.
Because of this, a thorough assessment by an orthopedic surgeon is the best first step. They can tell you whether non-surgical options are likely to help you or not.
Most people with hip arthritis are good candidates for the robotic approach. The main exception is someone with severely abnormal hip anatomy or a major deformity that prevents the computer software from building an accurate 3D picture.
What happens during surgery:
The surgical approach and equipment are broadly the same as a regular hip replacement. The robot is added to handle the planning and guidance.
During the operation, the surgeon feeds information into the robotic system, which builds a 3D model of your hip. This then calculates the best position, depth, and angle for each bone cut needed to remove the arthritis and fit the implant.
The surgeon uses that guidance to make precise cuts and place the parts, but stays in full control throughout and does the rest of the surgery, including stitching everything closed.
The implants themselves are the same metal, ceramic, and plastic parts used in any hip replacement. however now we can ensure accuracy and precision in placing them.
What does recovery look like:
Recovery follows the same path as any hip replacement. Most people can put weight on the leg almost immediately, usually the day of surgery. Post-surgery pain typically eases within about two weeks. By around six weeks, pain is significantly better and your hip is getting stronger with continued physical therapy and exercise. By three months, most people have largely recovered and are close to their normal selves. It can take a bit longer for older patients.
Walking is the single most important exercise, since it gently works all the muscles needed for a normal stride. Your physical therapist may add specific exercises based on the surgical approach used.
Depending on that approach, you may also be given “hip precautions”. These are temporary limits on certain movements (like not crossing the leg inward or bending the hip past 90 degrees) for up to three months. Not everyone gets these restrictions; your surgeon or therapist will tell you what applies to you.
Some surgeons believe robotic patients recover a bit faster because of the smaller amount of tissue disturbance, but that hasn’t yet been proven in high-quality studies. It’s fair to expect a recovery similar to any hip replacement, perhaps slightly quicker.
What are the major risks and complications:
The risks are essentially the same whether the surgery is robot-assisted or not, and your surgeon will make sure you understand them. They include:
- Infection around the implant and in the joint.
- Blood clots, which can be dangerous if one travels to the lungs.
- Dislocation, where the new ball slips out of the socket.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury.
- A difference in leg length after surgery.
- Major medical events like a heart attack or stroke, as with any major surgery.
There’s some suggestion that the smaller incision and more precise technique may mean less blood loss, but that hasn’t been firmly proven yet. It is thought the risk of leg length differences, and dislocation is lower with robotics. But this has yet to be proven.
What if you don’t have surgery:
Surgery is always a personal choice. But it’s worth knowing that hip arthritis, unlike knee arthritis, has fewer effective non-surgical options. Physical therapy, gait aids, and injections help some people but don’t work for everyone. Additionally, none of these non operative options address underlying joint damage.
Arthritis tends to keep progressing, so for many people the pain and stiffness slowly worsen and daily activities get harder over time. It’s also worth remembering that “robotic” is just a method for doing a hip replacement, not a separate decision about whether to have one.
If you decide on surgery, you can ask your surgeon whether robotic assistance is a good fit for you. When and whether to proceed is a decision to make together, based on your symptoms and how much your hip is affecting your life.
Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery Cost
As with any new technology, there is an increased cost to using a robot to assist with your total hip replacement. Because it is an emerging technology, there is high variability in health insurance company policies and whether robotic hip surgery is covered. If you have any concerns with regards to what your policy will and will not cover, speak to your provider directly or consult with one of our orthopedic surgeons and they will discuss your options with you and would be happy to find a satisfactory solution to any of your hip replacement questions.
How Medicare Covers Robotic Hip Replacement
If you have Medicare, your healthcare provider may bill for CPT Code 27130 — this refers to a total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty). When performed with robotic assistance, advanced imaging and robotic tools help the surgeon plan and position the hip implant with improved precision. Although the technology is different, the billing code is the same as a traditional hip replacement.
“What Will It Cost You?”
If you don’t have secondary insurance, here’s what you can expect:
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost for Robotic Hip Replacement (27130): $303.45
“For example, hypothetical patient, Ellen, needed a robotic hip replacement after severe arthritis limited her mobility. Her surgery included 1 procedure: total hip replacement with robotic assistance (27130). Thanks to Medicare, her total out-of-pocket cost was about $303.45. Her secondary insurance then covered it completely!”
Do you have more questions?
Can robotic hip replacement surgery correct leg length discrepancies caused by hip arthritis or deformities?
Yes, robotic hip replacement surgery can help correct leg length discrepancies by precisely positioning the implants to restore proper joint alignment and function.
Are there any restrictions on bathing or showering after robotic hip replacement surgery?
Patients can typically shower or bathe as soon as the wound is dry and healed, usually within a few days after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on wound care and bathing.
How soon after robotic hip replacement surgery can I return to work?
Most patients return to desk jobs around 4-6 weeks after surgery. Heavy manual labor job may require 3-4 months of recovery before you are able to return.
Will I need to wear compression stockings after robotic hip replacement surgery?
Compression stockings may be recommended after robotic hip replacement surgery to help prevent blood clots and improve circulation in the legs during the recovery period.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have osteoporosis or weak bone density?
Yes. Patients with osteoporosis or weak bone density may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but additional measures such as bone grafting or specialized implants may be necessary to ensure implant stability.
How does the risk of dislocation after robotic hip replacement surgery compare to traditional surgery?
The risk of dislocation after robotic hip replacement surgery may be slightly lower compared to traditional surgery due to the precise positioning of the implants and the use of techniques to optimize stability.
Will I need to wear a brace or immobilizer after robotic hip replacement surgery?
Generally, no. The use of a brace or immobilizer after robotic hip replacement surgery depends on factors such as the surgeon’s preference, the patient’s anatomy, and the stability of the implant. Your surgeon will provide guidance on postoperative bracing if needed.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of hip infections or complications?
Patients with a history of hip infections or complications may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative evaluation and management are essential to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Will I need to undergo physical therapy before robotic hip replacement surgery?
Ideally, yes. Preoperative physical therapy may be recommended to optimize strength, flexibility, and mobility in preparation for robotic hip replacement surgery, especially for patients with existing hip limitations or muscle weakness.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have metal implants from previous surgeries?
Yes. Patients with metal implants from previous surgeries may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but additional precautions may be taken to minimize the risk of complications such as metallosis or interference with the robotic system.
How does the recovery experience of robotic hip replacement surgery differ for older patients compared to younger patients?
Older patients may experience a slightly longer recovery period after robotic hip replacement surgery due to factors such as decreased bone density and muscle strength, but outcomes are generally favorable across age groups.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of blood clotting disorders or other medical conditions?
Yes. Patients with a history of blood clotting disorders or other medical conditions may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but thorough preoperative evaluation and management are essential to minimize the risk of complications such as thrombosis.
How soon after robotic hip replacement surgery can I resume normal household activities, such as cooking and cleaning?
Patients can typically resume light household activities within a 2-4 weeks after robotic hip replacement surgery, but it is important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous movements until cleared by the surgeon.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of allergic reactions to anesthesia or medications?
Yes. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to anesthesia or medications may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but precautions will be taken to minimize the risk of allergic complications during the procedure.
How does the risk of complications such as nerve damage or blood vessel injury compare between robotic hip replacement surgery and traditional surgery?
Robotic hip replacement surgery may have a slightly lower risk of complications such as nerve damage or blood vessel injury compared to traditional surgery due to the enhanced precision and control provided by the robotic system.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a BMI (Body Mass Index) above a certain threshold?
Generally, Yes. Patients with a BMI above a certain threshold may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but obesity can increase the risk of complications such as infection and implant failure, so weight management may be recommended before surgery.
How does the risk of implant wear and loosening differ between robotic hip replacement surgery and traditional surgery?
Robotic hip replacement surgery aims to optimize implant positioning and stability, potentially reducing the risk of wear and loosening compared to traditional surgery, but long-term outcomes may vary depending on factors such as patient activity level and implant design.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of hip dysplasia or other congenital hip conditions?
Yes. Patients with a history of hip dysplasia or other congenital hip conditions may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative planning and assessment of bone structure and alignment are essential for optimal outcomes.
How does the risk of leg length inequality after robotic hip replacement surgery compare to traditional surgery?
Robotic hip replacement surgery aims to minimize leg length inequality by providing precise implant placement and alignment, potentially reducing the risk compared to traditional surgery where alignment may be less accurate.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of chronic pain or fibromyalgia?
Yes. Patients with a history of chronic pain or fibromyalgia may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative assessment and management of pain symptoms are important to ensure a successful outcome.
How does the risk of complications such as infection or implant failure change over time after robotic hip replacement surgery?
The risk of complications such as infection or implant failure after robotic hip replacement surgery is generally highest in the immediate postoperative period but decreases over time with proper wound care, rehabilitation, and adherence to postoperative instructions.
How does the risk of intraoperative complications such as bone fractures or soft tissue damage compare between robotic hip replacement surgery and traditional surgery?
Robotic hip replacement surgery aims to minimize intraoperative complications such as bone fractures or soft tissue damage by providing real-time feedback and guidance to the surgeon, potentially reducing the risk compared to traditional surgery where visualization and precision may be less precise.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes. Patients with a history of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative evaluation and management of disease activity are important to minimize the risk of complications and optimize outcomes.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of hip fractures or trauma to the hip joint?
Yes. Patients with a history of hip fractures or trauma to the hip joint may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative assessment and planning are essential to address any existing bone loss or deformity and optimize implant fixation.
How does the risk of complications such as thrombosis or pulmonary embolism differ between robotic hip replacement surgery and traditional surgery?
Robotic hip replacement surgery aims to minimize the risk of complications such as thrombosis or pulmonary embolism by promoting early mobilization and implementing measures to prevent blood clots, potentially reducing the risk compared to traditional surgery where immobility may be prolonged.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of autoimmune diseases or compromised immune function?
Yes. Patients with a history of autoimmune diseases or compromised immune function may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative evaluation and coordination with other healthcare providers may be necessary to minimize the risk of complications and optimize outcomes.
Can robotic hip replacement surgery be performed if I have a history of neurological conditions or musculoskeletal disorders affecting mobility?
Patients with a history of neurological conditions or musculoskeletal disorders affecting mobility may still be candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery, but careful preoperative assessment and planning are important to address any specific needs or considerations related to mobility and functional outcomes.
