Robotic Hip Replacement

Robotic hip replacement surgery is a surgery that is performed to replace a patient’s hip, after suffering from arthritis or anther condition which has led to a degenerative joint disease within their hip.

The surgery itself is performed by a surgeon with the assistance of a robot with a built in computer system that allows for more precise calculations of where bony cuts need to be made in order to remove the arthritis fully from the patients hip. It also allows a slightly smaller incision size and slightly more conservative tissue dissection due to the highly precise nature of the robotic assistant.

Robotic Hip Replacement – Prognosis, Warning Signs and Causes

The vast majority of patients who suffer from hip osteoarthritis will be candidates to have robotic-assisted hip surgery. The indications for this are essentially the same as normal hip replacement surgery that is not assisted by a robot. Pain in the hip that is frequent, severe and debilitating. Ideally the patient should also have a full assessment by an orthopedic surgeon including an examination and assessment of plain-film radiographs.

Provided that the patient’s examination and plain-film radiographs demonstrate degenerative joint disease and the patient’s symptoms coincide with this, that patient will be considered a candidate for a hip replacement. The only contraindication to a patient receiving a hip replacement from procedure that uses robotic assistant would be severely abnormal anatomy or any other severe deformity that precludes the use of the sophisticated computer-navigating software.

Robotic Hip Replacement Materials and Equipment

The actual implants used in robotic hip replacement surgery are identical to the implants that are used in hip replacement surgeries that are not assisted by a robot. The way the equipment differs is that, rather than have the surgeon make bony cuts by hand using visual estimates, there is a sophisticated computer-navigation software built into the robot that allows the computer to build a 3D picture of the patient’s hip at the time of the surgery, based on information input into it by the surgeon.

Robotic Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement using robotic assistance.

Once this 3D picture has been constructed, the robot can then calculate the best positions to make the bony cuts necessary to remove the arthritis from the hip. This includes the depths, angle and exact position on the bone of the necessary cuts.

Robotic Hip Replacement Treatment Option

Unlike with knee arthritis there are, unfortunately, very few effective nonoperative treatment modalities of patients with advanced degenerative joint disease of the hip. Although physical therapy is beneficial in some patients, not all will respond to it. Use of gait aids such as a cane or walkers is an option for some patients, but not all.

Joint injections can be performed, however, these usually involve the patient going to see an interventional radiologist who will use imaging techniques to identify exactly where the hip joint is before injecting it. It is not able to be done in the orthopedic surgeons office in the same way a knee injection is.

As such, if the patient is experiencing hip pain then a complete and thorough assessment by an orthopedic surgeon is usually the best step – they will also be able to counsel you with regards to your treatment options or whether you are unlikely to benefit from nonoperative treatment modalities of your hip condition.

Who is a  good candidate of Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery?

The vast majority of hip arthritis patients would be good candidates for robotic hip replacement surgery. The only patients who would not be suitable for a hip surgery that is assisted by a robot would be those with severely abnormal anatomy or some of the other severe deformity that may preclude the computer navigation software from building an accurate picture of the 3D anatomy in this type of patient.

Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery Procedure

The procedure of replacing a patient’s hip using robotic assistance is broadly similar in terms of the surgical approach and equipment that is used. The procedure will involve bringing in a robot to calculate the position and depth of the bony cuts necessary in order to complete the surgery successfully. The robot itself does not complete the entire surgery and is under the control of the surgeon the entire time.

The parts of the procedure such as closure of tissue planes and closure of the skin incision are still up to the surgeon to do on his/her own.

Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery Success Rate

Due to the fact that robotic-assisted surgery is relatively new technological advancement in the field of orthopedic surgery, there is not a great deal of long-term followup literature to guide us as to whether there are significant benefits in the long term for patients who have their hips or knees replaced using robotic-assisted techniques. There are some early studies to suggest that, in terms of their accuracy with regards to the bony cuts made and the implant positions subsequent to the cuts being made are improved with the aid of a robot, but at this stage we simply do not know if there is any other major advantage or whether in 20 years time patients will be faring significantly better than those who have had hip replacements without the use of a robot.

With that being said, there is certainly no data to suggest that hip replacements performed with the assistance of robot are any less successful than other hip replacement patients, that is to say that success rates are likely to be in the order of 95% to 98%.

Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery Risks

The risks of hip replacement surgery are virtually the same whether assisted by a robot or assisted by humans. Risks such as periprosthetic infection, neurovascular injury, leg length discrepancy, dislocation, heart attack, blood clot and stroke are all still important risks that the patient needs to be made aware of. There is some suggestion that due to the smaller incision used and more precise tissue dissection in robotic assisted surgery that there is decreased blood loss when using a robot to assist in hip replacement surgery, although this is yet to be proven with a high quality and scientifically robust research studies.

Robotic Hip Replacement Recovery & Timeframe

Recovering from a hip replacement that has been performed with the assistance of a robot is no different from recovering from any other type of hip replacement. Although some surgeons believe that robotic hip replacement surgery patients recover quicker due to the smaller amount of dissection that these patients usually undergo and therefore the smaller of the insult to the surrounding muscle tissue, this is yet to be proved with any high quality or scientifically robust research studies.

In any case, your recovery should follow the same path of any other hip replacement patient and that postoperative pain should subside within two weeks, with your ability to weight bear being essentially immediate and usually postop day 1 for most people.

By around 6 weeks, your pain should be significantly improved and the strength in your hip should be increasing with continued physiotherapy and regular exercise. By 3 months, most patients have fully recovered from hip replacement and are close to their baseline (although this may be slightly longer in more elderly patients).

Robotic Hip Replacement Exercises that help

The most important exercise to regularly undertake is walking given that this uses a complex series of muscular contractions at different times during the gait cycle, it is important that all of these muscles get a regular workout in order for the patient to be able to walk normally and without pain.

Your physical therapist may recommend different exercises depending on the surgical approach that was used to complete a hip replacement (for example, if you received a lateral approach then they will request you work on abductor strengthening exercises such as clamshells or active abduction against the wall).

Robotic Hip Replacement Exercises to avoid

You may be instructed to follow hip precautions, which include no active adduction and no flexion beyond 90 degrees for a period of up to 3 months. Not all hip replacement patients are given these restrictions and this will largely be dictated by the surgical approach used to perform in hip replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your physical therapist or your orthopedic surgeon.

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.

Conclusions

Given that most patients who suffer from hip arthritis and who would like to pursue a hip replacement as a treatment option would likely be candidates for robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery, it is something that you can ask your orthopedic surgeon or healthcare provider about. We will be happy to discuss the possibility of you receiving a hip replacement assisted by a robotic device and answer any questions or concerns you have with regards to this particular treatment option.

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5.0
Based on 107 reviews
Dr. Nakul Karkare is awesome! And patriotic! Thank you, Dr. Karkare for displaying the American Flag in your waiting room, honoring and mourning our military personnel, this Memorial Day, who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Dave
00:52 30 May 23
Excellent and skilled orthopedic practice specializing in joint replacements. Dr Karkare was trained at the Hospital for Special Surgery and has excellent results, as do his associates!! Would gladly refer family members to the practice!!
Eclectic54
00:24 30 May 23
I had such a wonderful experience with Complete Orthopedics in Stony Brook. Not only did Dr. Kuo fix my broken wrist with such kindness and care, but the office staff, including Billing, Reception and the X-Ray Technician, was always so helpful, going out of their way to ensure that each patient felt welcome, answering any questions with a smile, and ensuring any issues with insurance/billing were handled with the utmost professionalism. I highly recommend their practice!
Victoria DeMatteo
19:49 10 May 23
I'm very happy St. Catherine's sent me to this office for treatment after I broke my collar bone! Unfortunately the break was too severe to repair on its own and I had to have it rebuilt a week after the injury. Dr. Vaksha did a great job fixing it. I'm three months out, and I have full use of the arm and shoulder. The whole office staff is very professional, accommodating, and welcoming. I hope to not need orthopedic services again, but Dr. Vaksha will be my number one choice if I or anyone in family suffers such am injury.
Tina Rivera
20:42 08 May 23
No one likes going to the doctor. But these people make it painless. I go for knees, hips and shoulders. At almost 70 Complete Orthopedics keeps my active life style running smoothly. Whether chasing my Grandson and even surfing again, I highly recommend them!!
Thomas Slavin
15:02 02 Mar 23
Dr. Kuo knowledgeable and competent surgeon- very good experience and more importantly great result.
Joseph McCoy
21:23 25 Feb 23
Dr Vaksha was so kind and helpful. He took extra time with us and explained things so thoroughly. Highly recommend. Office very clean.
Susan Bosinius
20:20 19 Feb 23
Dr Vaksha, is a great doctor very professional knows what he talking about. Treat patient with upmost respect. Thank You
Troy Spencer
16:46 19 Jan 23
Dr. Karkare is an amazing doctor, very caring and attentive, the girl at the front desk is very kind and helpful. .elizabeth .thank you so much .
blanca ventura
21:32 26 Oct 22
Been going to this place before my accident and after I had my knee surgery. So happy how I been treated and how well I am getting. Thank you all and specially Dr. VAKSHA for everything and getting back on track.
Ita Opico
19:01 25 Oct 22
Love this place From the minute I called I was treated kindly. When I arrived The Dr saw me right away he was compassionate and ordered the appropriate tests for me. I came back in for my follow up and had the same great experience.
Christine Rostock
21:28 23 May 22
Dr Vaksha and Dr karkare are 2 of the best orthopedic doctors around my wife Susan had a very serious broken ankle in March of 2019 she didn't think she was going to walk again Dr vaksha did an excellent surgery on her ankle he said it was his toughest he ever did he put a lot of hardware in her ankle and told her she would be alright she made remarkable recovery thanks to his surgery as of now she regained 100 percent use of her ankle she would highly recommend him to anyone. My own experience with Dr karkare has been wonderful he takes his time with you listens to what you have to say and prescribes various treatments and is very caring I would highly recommend him to anyone I would give both doctors a 10 plus rating we are very happy with them the best.
Harry Jones
23:31 19 May 22
Complete orthopedics is a wonderful place to go when you hurt or injured a great staff and wonderful doctors very knowledgeable and helpful I would recommend this place to all of my family and friends that is in me of orthopedic care I give them 10 thumbs up
Wayne Pemberton
17:39 18 May 22
The staff is very professional and helpful. Dr. Vaksha is excellent. He takes time to listen and offer suggestions to help you get better. I’m very thankful and happy to be a patient here at Complete Orthopedics.
Phoenix Rising
19:54 16 May 22
Dr.Karkare is the best. He listens to everything and explains everything I recommend him to everyone. I am so happy he is my doctor.
Myrna James
00:48 13 May 22
Dr.Kuo is amazing very attentive,caring,and passionate and staff is awsome too.Thank you for everything Dr.kuo.
Erick Murillo
23:17 12 May 22
I was in a car accident November 1 I was referred to Dr. Vaksha For shoulder surgery . I he was amazing he made me feel very comfortable and explained everything that was going to happen from surgery all the way through my physical therapy highly recommend Dr. Vaksha
Yolanda Ojeda
19:37 09 May 22
My appointment with Dr. Vaksha was amazing. Dr. Vaksha was very thorough and kind. I would refer this office to anyone who needs a great orthopedic doctor.
John Senechal
19:54 05 May 22
Scheduling my appointment was quick and easy. The staff was super friendly and down to earth. I was seen on time. The appropriate test, “x-rays” were taken before the conversation with doctor, something I really liked, test for analysis and conversation was done upfront. Dr. V had a great personality and was no BS, straight forward diagnosis and a play on next steps. I am happy I found them and would refer them to friends and family.
Sam
00:46 03 May 22
I have seen Dr. Kuo two times already and he's awesome along with his staff. Very friendly office and I'm glad to be a patient here.
Camaris A
20:01 28 Apr 22
Amazing team!! Very caring, profesional, and friendly!! Dr. Kevin Kuo, you are the best, very passionate, caring, and helping thank you for getting me better and being so kind to me! Elizabeth you the best thank you for you help always and you big smile and positive actitud❤️🙏🏼
breidy valerio
19:01 22 Apr 22
The staff is truly exceptional, they make you feel comfortable and welcomed. The doctors are amazing,always professional, compassionate and great listeners.
Elizabeth Collado
03:25 09 Apr 22
What a great place! The place is clean and organized.The staff is wonderful. Setting up physical therapy is right there as well.I'm so glad I found this place.
Donna Anne
22:45 05 Apr 22
This was my 1st time breaking something in my 27 years on this planet. I was recommended here by a friend Dr. Vashka helped me from day 1 and still continues to check in on me and my healing ankle. Would highly recommend
tyron davis
16:06 01 Apr 22
Brand new office, same great doctors! Rooms are clean, plenty of parking, physical therapy attached, Dr. Karkare and his staff are awesome. Thank you!
Emily B
02:49 24 Mar 22
Dr.VAksha is the best, I love the way he treats me as his patient, he is caring,understanding and very attentive to my needs
Mirna Caballero
14:53 03 Mar 22
Great staff. Dr. Vaksha is awesome and takes the time to listen to his patients. He is very compassionate. I would highly recommend this office.
Bebe Doyle
01:24 23 Feb 22
After suffering from a severe ankle injury Dr. V was able to help me heal and return back to work completely to a job where I stand for 12 hours a day. The office is very clean and I appreciated the reminders of my appointments via phone call and through text. The patient portal made it easy for me to access all my documents including work notes. The office staff is wonderful and Rebecca was able to schedule me with a busy schedule and awesome at answering all of my questions including referring me to a great physical therapy office. I highly recommend this office to anyone who’s looking for knowledgeable and kind orthopedic office.
Elizabeth Birchwell
21:31 28 Jan 21
The staff here are great, I was seen at the time of my appointment and was well taken care of!
Shaun Berry
18:14 07 Jan 21
They are an excellent practice. The front and back office people are amazing and so helpful. Rebecca is such a kind and understanding person. I had an issue with paperwork and she cleared it right up. Dr. Karkare is very knowledgeable, helpful, and caring.
Matt S.
19:31 18 Nov 20
Rebecca K. - What a true burst of sunshine. Very friendly and definitely an asset to the practice!
Laura Aston
18:17 17 Nov 20
Great experience, the Doctor is nice but the staff is incredible. I worked with Linda, who was profession and assisted me beyond what any person has done at other practices. Complete Ortho should be complimented for having such a person on their staff.I highly recommend this place!!!
Joe Allen
17:26 17 Nov 20
Linda and Becca they are so good ever time I come they are very nice I would tell everyone I no to come to this office..
Barbara Victor
16:45 17 Nov 20
I was rear ended in an auto accident , Dr Vashka was recommended by a friend of mine .I was experiencing Back , neck , and shoulder pain . After a thorough examination and given exercises to do at home , I am feeling much better , and I ended up avoiding surgery . The staff at Complete Ortho is extremely attentive and show great care when making an appointment and are very friendly and i never waited more than 5 minutes for my appointment . So I would strongly recommend Complete Orthopedics for any aches and pains that one might be experiencing.....
Bill Becht
04:44 17 Nov 20
It was the afternoon of Friday Sept. 24. We were in Pt. Jefferson and my wife, Mary Ann, broke her hip. We went to Mather Hospital and it was determined that she would have to have an operation to have it repaired. This would be her third time under the knife in the past year. It just so happened that we were very fortunate enough to have Dr. Karkare, who was on standby, perform the surgery. He put in a rod and two screws in her hip. She spent a few days in the hospital and then went to Gurwin rehabilitee for another few weeks.It has now been almost six weeks and we both worked the election the other day. If it wasn’t for Dr. Karkare’s expertise she never would have been able to work. She is able to walk with a walker and is doing physical therapy three times a week.We can not thank the doctor enough for the compassion and dedication that he puts into his work. It allows Mary Ann do the things that she likes to do, even on a limited basis for a while. I know that with her will, perseverance and the great work that the surgeon performed she will be back on her feet in no time.Sincerely:John V. PlumpEast Northport, NY 11731
Jack Harris
14:36 06 Nov 20
In the year of 2018 I was referred to Dr. Karkare because I was experiencing severe knee joint pain. After exhausting physical therapy and trying to labor through the pain, I had to make a quality of life decision. Total knee replacement was the only viable option. Dr. Karkare made my decision easy as he walked me through the whole process from surgery to recovery.On 12/13/19 ( Friday the 13th) I enter Lenox Hill Hospital in great hands. From the time I entered Dr. Karkare’s office for the first time until now, his staff has been amazing. Andrea the medical coordinator walked me through all the paper work and necessary preparations for the surgery. Courtesy and kind would be an understatement. Dr. Karkare went over and beyond from the wellness checks and phone calls all to assure me that I was important to him. This was the right decision no pain and no limp. Complete Orthopedics should be your choice!
Kenneth Randolph
22:18 25 Sep 20
Dr. Vadshka has a great bedside manner. He really takes his time and explains treatment options.
T Lee
12:33 09 Sep 20
I suffered with pain in both knees for years. My orthopedic doctor kept recommending knee replacement . I fought it for years, as I was just afraid. When I had no choice and could barely walk , it was recommended I see Dr. Karkare. We set up a consultation and my wife and I left his office feeling totally confident and comfortable with moving ahead with the surgery. He explained everything to us, and the office staff set everything up for us and made the process easy. So about one month after our initial meeting I had the first knee done. I was up walking mere hours after the surgery, and on the workout machines the next morning. I went home two days after the surgery, and yes walked my daughter down the aisle at her wedding only one week after the surgery without even a cane! Three months later I had the other knee done and went home the very next day. Dr. Karkare put my fears to rest . I would highly recommend him. His expertise gave me my life back. Thank you Dr. Karkare.SincerelyVito Congro
Ethel Congo
23:58 12 Aug 20
Dr Rhodin really cares for his patients. When I see him he makes sure to review my progress in detail.
Micki Cahill
15:03 08 Feb 20
My mom had a total hip replacement by dr karkare. He is the BEST orthopedic doctor.Her incision is almost invisable.She is going back for her other hip next week. The office staff is the best, love Andrea.You wont find a better doctor.
Ryan Brigandi
21:06 13 Jul 18
There is no better Orthopedic doctor you will find. Broke my ankle three places on a Saturday. Called Dr. Karkare. He had is team ready at the hospital and operated on me within 6 hours after my injury. Now After 3 months of great care by him and his staff, I am walking to normalcy.
Spacecom Tel
04:13 23 Mar 18
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My name is Dr. Suhirad Khokhar, and am an orthopaedic surgeon. I completed my MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery) at Govt. Medical College, Patiala, India.

I specialize in musculoskeletal disorders and their management, and have personally approved of and written this content.

My profile page has all of my educational information, work experience, and all the pages on this site that I've contributed to.