Total knee replacement
The damaged joint surfaces are replaced when the pattern and extent of arthritis justify a total replacement. Robotic assistance can support planning and bone preparation.
Knee replacementKnee and hip surgery
Robotic-assisted joint replacement
Robotic assistance adds digital planning and guidance to selected knee and hip replacement procedures. The surgeon carries out the operation and makes the decisions; the system helps put the surgical plan into practice.
Individual planningSurgeon-controlled technologyRealistic expectations
The right indication comes before the technology
Joint replacement is considered when arthritis causes persistent pain and substantial limitations in daily life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. The decision brings together symptoms, examination, imaging and the patient's goals. The availability of a robotic system does not, on its own, mean an operation is needed.
Partial knee replacement
In selected patients with arthritis limited to one compartment and appropriate ligament function, a partial replacement may be an option. Choosing partial or total replacement is a separate decision from choosing robot-assisted or conventional surgery.
Partial or total knee replacement (In Greek)Total hip replacement
For a hip that needs replacement, robotic assistance can support the surgical plan and the preparation and positioning of components, depending on the platform. It does not determine the surgical approach or make every patient suitable for the same technique.
Hip replacement optionsHow does robotic assistance work?
The Mako system uses a pre-operative CT scan to create a three-dimensional model for planning the procedure. In theatre, registration links the patient's anatomy with the digital plan. The surgeon controls the instruments; the robotic arm provides guidance within the planned boundaries during bone preparation.
Other platforms work differently. The need for a CT scan, the instruments used, the procedures supported and the available implants vary. It is therefore useful to ask which system is proposed and why it is appropriate for the specific joint.
The plan is not a substitute for surgical judgement. Checking movement and stability, making adjustments and assessing the final result remain the surgeon's responsibility.
Precision is useful — but it is not a guarantee
Detailed planning and controlled execution are important features of robotic assistance. More precise measurements do not automatically mean less pain, a faster recovery or a longer-lasting implant for every patient.
The evidence needs to be considered separately for total knee, partial knee and hip replacement, and for the particular system being used. Findings from one operation should not be presented as proof for every robotic procedure. Conventional joint replacement remains an established option.
What we discuss at the consultation
Why an operation is being considered, the alternatives, what robotic assistance might add in this case, the team's experience, the possible risks and the full cost. A technology label alone is not enough to make an informed choice.
More detailed comparisons are available in the robotic versus conventional joint replacement guide (In Greek).
Rehabilitation remains part of the treatment
Robotic assistance does not remove the need for pain management, wound care, safe mobilisation or rehabilitation. The care team advises when and how to start walking, whether a walking aid is needed and how to progress exercises.
Discharge depends on safe mobility and the person's post-operative condition. Returning to work, driving and sport is individualised. The word “robotic” does not, by itself, define a fixed recovery date.
See the Patient Academy for practical preparation and recovery guidance, or explore the knee and hip hubs.
Risks and practical limitations
Joint replacement is still major surgery. Infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain and implant-related problems remain possible. The relevant risks depend on the procedure and the patient's health.
Robotic systems can introduce additional considerations, including the radiation from a CT scan where required and complications at the sites of navigation pins, such as infection or fracture. The platform and compatible implants may also limit the available choices. These issues, and any additional cost, belong in the discussion before surgery.
The aim is not to use the newest tool in every case, but to choose a suitable and clearly explained treatment plan.
When to seek urgent help after surgery
Fever, increasing pain, marked redness or discharge from the wound require prompt contact with the surgical team. New calf pain and swelling also need urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment.
Sudden breathlessness or chest pain, particularly with pain and swelling in the leg, requires emergency help. In Greece, call 166 or go to a hospital Emergency Department. Do not drive yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does the robot perform the operation on its own?
No. The surgeon performs the operation, controls the instruments and makes the decisions. The system supports planning and execution.
Is robotic assistance the same as a partial knee replacement?
No. Partial or total replacement describes how much of the joint is replaced. Robot-assisted or conventional surgery describes how the operation is planned and carried out.
Will I always need a CT scan?
It depends on the system. Mako uses a pre-operative CT scan for its three-dimensional plan. Other platforms may use a different planning process.
Will I definitely recover faster?
No such guarantee can be given. Recovery depends on the operation, the joint's condition, general health and rehabilitation, as well as the course after surgery.
Is robotic assistance suitable for everyone?
No. The indication for joint replacement is assessed first. The potential contribution of the technology, alternatives, risks and cost are then discussed for the individual patient.
Explore the individual procedures
Robotic-assisted knee replacement (In Greek) and robotic-assisted hip replacement (In Greek) provide more detailed information about each operation.
Medical editorial oversight: Georgios Petridis, MD, MSc
Orthopaedic Surgeon with a clinical focus on knee conditions, sports injuries, arthroscopy and joint replacement.
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