Robotic Total Knee Replacement

How Does a Robot Help with Performing a Total Knee Replacement?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses advanced computer navigation and a robotic arm to enhance surgical accuracy.

• Preoperative Planning: A CT scan or X-ray of your knee is used to plan implant size, positioning, and alignment before surgery.

• Intraoperative Guidance: During surgery, the robotic system helps the surgeon perform real-time mapping of your knee and guides instrument placement with a high level of accuracy.

• Precision Bone Resection: Certain robots assist with cutting the bone and preserving surrounding soft tissues.

• Personalised Fit: Robotic guidance ensures optimal implant alignment and ligament balance, which can improve function, stability, and implant longevity.

It is important to note that the robot is simply a tool that helps your surgeon execute their desired operative plan.  There is currently limited evidence that robotic total knee replacements have improved outcomes or survivability compared to traditional techniques. 

• Hospital stay: Most patients stay 3 days in hospital working with physiotherapy.

• Weight bearing: You will walk on the operated leg immediately with gait aids.

• Brace: No braces are required after surgery.

• Range of motion: Early motion starts right away.   

• Ice and elevation: Used frequently to control pain and swelling.  You should ice for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day right after surgery.  An ice/compression machine can be hired from a 3rd party. 

• Assistive devices: You may use a walker or crutches for 2-4 weeks after surgery, progressing to a cane as comfort improves.  It can take up to 12 weeks before you can walk independently. 

• Bulky dressings will be taken down 1-2 days after surgery

• An underlaying waterproof dressing should be left on for 2 weeks

• Incisions typically heal within two weeks.

• Showers are permitted while the wounds are covered with waterproof dressings during the first 2 weeks.

• Do not submerge incisions in water (baths, pools, ocean) for 6 weeks.

• A wound check with your GP, allied health, or our clinic at the two-week mark is recommended.

• Absorbable sutures are typically used and do not require removal, though occasionally small remnants may naturally surface during healing.

Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) can occur after surgery.
You can reduce the risk by:

• Moving your foot and ankle regularly while resting.

• Walking early with assistance.

• Avoiding long periods of sitting or immobility.

• Wearing compression stockings for the first 4-6 weeks

• Wearing compression devices while in bed in hospital

• You will likely be instructed to take aspirin for 2-4 weeks to prevent DVT/PE. If you have a history of previous blood clots or have risk factors for developing one, you may be instructed to take a stronger blood thinner.

• If you are planning any long-distance trips during your first 6 weeks of recovery, you should inform our clinic so we can provide you with medication to reduce the risk of developing DVT/PE. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop calf pain, swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

• Your anaesthetist will discuss possible spinal or regional blocks to help with your pain during the first day of recovery.

• You may have a pain catheter in your knee after surgery which will be removed in the first 1-2 days after surgery.

• Local anesthetic medications will be injected in the knee at the end of surgery.

• Use ice regularly (20 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day).  You may hire an ice machine from a 3rd party.

• Take prescribed pain relief medications as directed.  Opioid medication can be used, but there are known side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dependence; thus, non-opioid medications should be prioritized when medically tolerated. 

• Use a compressive dressing on the knee for 6-12 weeks to help with swelling

• Begin gentle range-of-motion and muscle activation exercises as soon as recommended.

• Use walking aids to help with gait

You should contact your surgeon or clinic immediately if you notice:

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the wound.

• Persistent or worsening pain not controlled by medication.

• Fever, chills, or night sweats.

• Calf pain or swelling (possible blood clot).

• Acute injury to your operative extremity.

Prompt review allows early management of potential complications.

Return to activities depends on the nature and intensity of the recreation
This is a general guideline:

• Walking: Start right after surgery. 

• Bike: You can start stationary bike right away after surgery and is highly encouraged.  Road bikes can take 8-12 weeks

• Light gym lifting (pilates, pool, yoga): Can start at 6-8 weeks

• Sport (golf, tennis, skiing, etc): Typically, this depends on the intensity of the sport but on average it takes 4-6 months to return.

After surgery, it is important to know that you likely will not be able to run or participate in high-impact sports. This is because the implant and the function of the knee are not designed to perform repetitive high-impact activities. 

• You can usually drive when you can safely control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop comfortably.

• This is typically around 4–6 weeks after surgery for right knee surgery, and 2-3 weeks for the left knee.

You must not drive while taking strong pain medication (e.g., opioids).

Return to work depends on your occupation:

• Office or sedentary work: 1–2 weeks (once you can safely commute).

• Light manual work: 4–6 weeks.

• Heavy manual labour: 3–4 months or longer, depending on recovery.

Yes. Physiotherapy is essential for optimal recovery and long-term success after PLC reconstruction.  Your physiotherapist will:

• Guide you through a structured rehabilitation program.

• Focus on restoring range of motion, strength, balance, and neuromuscular control.

• Progress exercises gradually from early mobility to return-to-sport conditioning.

Most patients continue physiotherapy for 6–9 months to achieve full recovery, including returning to sport.

While modern total knee replacement is very safe, all surgery carries some risks. Possible complications include:

• Infection & Wound complication

• Blood clots (DVT/PE)

• Knee stiffness or limited motion

• Nerve/Vascular injury

• Compartment syndrome

• Persistent pain or swelling

• Implant loosening or wear over time

• Numbness or skin sensitivity near the incision

• Fracture or ligament injury during or after surgery (rare)

• Allergic reaction or intolerance to metal components (rare)

• Inability to kneel

• Extensor tendon injury

• Failure of implants

• Instability of knee

• Poor placement of implants

• Poor tracking of patella

• Arthritic progression of the patella when it is not resurfaced

It is important to know that about 20% of well-performed total knee replacements do not result in acceptable satisfaction with patients.