Robotic-Assisted Hip and Knee Replacement
Advances in robotic technology, surgical planning and implant materials are changing how joint replacement is performed. In Adelaide, Dr David Kitchen uses Mako robotic-assisted technology and patient-specific planning to support individualised hip and knee replacement.
If ongoing hip or knee pain is affecting your daily life, ask your GP about a referral to Dr David Kitchen to discuss your treatment options.
What is robotic-assisted joint replacement?
Robotic-assisted joint replacement uses advanced imaging, computer-based planning and robotic guidance to help an orthopaedic surgeon plan and perform hip or knee replacement with more precision.
Systems such as Mako SmartRobotics, which Dr Kitchen uses for hip and knee replacement, create a detailed 3D model of the patient’s joint from a CT scan. This allows Dr Kitchen to plan the implant’s size, position and alignment around each patient’s individual anatomy.
During surgery, the Mako system provides real-time measurements and visual guidance to help Dr Kitchen assess joint alignment, guide precise bone preparation and position the implant according to the surgical plan. Haptic feedback also helps keep surgical instruments within the planned boundaries and Dr Kitchen remains in control throughout the procedure.
How is robotic-assisted surgery changing joint replacement?
Joint replacement has previously relied on standard surgical instruments, anatomical landmarks and the surgeon’s experience to guide implant positioning. Robotic-assisted surgery adds another level of precision by assisting with detailed 3D planning, implant positioning and real-time feedback for adjustments to the surgical plan when needed.
By tailoring the procedure to each patient’s anatomy, the technology supports more accurate implant positioning and alignment, which are important for joint movement, function and longevity.
Dr Kitchen uses robotic-assisted technology as one of the tools available to support individualised hip and knee replacement, with treatment decisions based on each patient’s joint condition, anatomy and activity goals.
What is patient-specific joint replacement?
No two hips or knees are exactly the same. Previous injuries, bone shape, joint alignment and earlier surgery can all influence how a replacement should be planned. Patient-specific planning uses detailed imaging to create a 3D model of the joint to plan implant positioning and alignment around the patient’s anatomy.
Custom surgical guides can also be produced for selected patients to match the shape of their bone surfaces, and custom-manufactured implants may be used in complex cases. This can be useful for patients with unusual bone geometry, previous fractures or significant joint deformity.
Patient-specific planning and robotic-assisted surgery are different techniques. Both can support individualised surgical planning, but not every patient requires either approach.
What are minimally invasive techniques in orthopaedics?
Minimally invasive techniques help reduce disruption to healthy muscles, tendons and surrounding tissues during hip or knee replacement surgery.
These techniques use smaller incisions and use surgical approaches that preserve as much healthy tissue as possible without compromising access to the joint or accurate implant positioning. For suitable patients, this could mean less post-operative pain, earlier mobility and a quicker initial recovery period.
Minimally invasive surgery is different from robotic-assisted surgery, which uses technology to support surgical planning and precision, although the two approaches can be used together.
Are modern joint replacement implants lasting longer?
Advances in implant materials are another important development in hip and knee replacement. Highly cross-linked polyethylene, a specialised medical-grade plastic, offers greater wear resistance than earlier generations of conventional polyethylene. Ceramic bearing surfaces are also used in hip replacement, providing a low-wear alternative for selected patients.
These improvements, together with more accurate implant positioning supported by robotic-assisted surgery, may help reduce wear over time. Less wear means fewer particles that can contribute to inflammation and loosening of the replacement.
Your age, activity level, bone quality and implant selection still influence how long your replacement may last. For younger and more active patients, the possibility of revision surgery later in life remains an important part of the treatment discussion.
What do all these advances mean for your hip or knee replacement?
If you’re considering hip or knee replacement, you want to know how well your new joint will function, how long it might last and when you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Advances in robotic surgery, surgical planning and implant materials give Dr Kitchen more options to tailor your operation to your joint, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
But not everyone needs robotic-assisted surgery or patient-specific implants. Dr Kitchen will review your imaging, assess your joint and discuss your lifestyle and goals before recommending the treatment that suits you.
Robotic joint replacement FAQs
Will a robotic hip or knee replacement last longer?
Robotic assistance helps Dr Kitchen position and align the implant more precisely, which is important for how your new joint moves and wears over time. It can support long-term implant performance, but there is not yet enough long-term evidence to say that robotic-assisted replacements last longer than conventional replacements.
Will I recover faster after robotic joint replacement?
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery helps reduce unnecessary disruption to healthy bone and surrounding tissues, which may mean less pain and an easier early recovery. You will still need time to heal, rebuild strength and regain movement. Dr Kitchen will discuss what to expect from recovery based on your procedure, general health and activity goals.
Can I request robotic-assisted hip or knee replacement?
Yes, you can ask about robotic-assisted surgery during your consultation. Robotic assistance is not required for every joint replacement though and Dr Kitchen will review your imaging, assess your joint and explain which surgical options may be suitable for you.
Robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement in Adelaide
Dr David Kitchen is an Adelaide Orthopaedic Specialist with Australian orthopaedic training and subspecialty fellowship experience in complex hip and knee surgery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in the UK.
He provides total, partial, robotic-assisted and revision joint replacement, alongside patient-specific knee replacement and consults privately at sportsmed Stepney, sportsmed Henley Beach and The Specialist Clinic in Port Pirie.
Specialist assessment for knee and hip pain
Is hip or knee pain affecting your mobility, work or everyday activities? Speak with your GP about a referral to Dr David Kitchen for specialist orthopaedic assessment and treatment options in Adelaide.
*This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All surgical procedures carry risks and results vary between individuals. Consult with Dr David Kitchen MBBS MA (Cantab) BA Hons PhD FRACS FAOrthA (MED0001951664), Orthopaedic Specialist, for a personalised treatment plan.
References:
Lewis, P. L., Campbell, D. G., Du, P., Oakey, H., de Steiger, R. N., & Smith, P. N. (2026). Association of antioxidant-added highly cross-linked polyethylene on revision risk: a registry-based study of 198,073 total hip replacements from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry between 2014 and 2023. https://actaorthop.org/actao/article/view/45181
Mater Health. (2019). Robotic assisted surgery: Smart surgery with robot guidance. https://www.mater.org.au/health-services/our-services/orthopaedics/robotic-assisted-surgery
Mostafa, O., Malik, M., Qayum, K., Ishaq, U., Khan, A. M., Wasim, A. S., Alsoud, Z., & Quraishi, S. (2025). Robotic-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of alignment accuracy and clinical outcomes. https://www.ovid.com/jnls/annals-of-medicine-and-surgery/fulltext/10.1097/ms9.0000000000002919~robotic-assisted-versus-conventional-total-knee-arthroplasty