What to Expect During Robot-Assisted Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement is major surgery. However, more than 95% of people who undergo a hip replacement procedure experience relief from their chronic hip pain.

If you’re suffering from severe osteoarthritis or another chronic pain condition, a hip replacement could be the solution you’ve been seeking. It’s one of the most commonly performed joint replacement procedures in the United States, with about 300,000 hip replacements done each year.

Chris Boone, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon in the Seattle area, and he brings the latest in robot-assisted hip replacement surgery to his patients. If you’re considering hip replacement, it’s time to find out what you can expect before and during your procedure.

Preparing for hip replacement surgery

Joint replacement surgery might sound scary, but the truth is that it can actually relieve the pain caused by advanced osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions. If you’re living with hip pain, Dr. Boone discusses the benefits of hip replacement surgery with you.

People with severe joint deterioration, either from osteoarthritis, hip fracture, or avascular necrosis, are often good candidates for hip replacement surgery. The procedure involves removing damaged bone and tissue and replacing it with a custom-made prosthetic joint.

The benefits of robot-assisted hip replacement surgery

Dr. Boone brings the latest surgical technology to patients. Our team is highly trained in several of the leading robot-assisted surgical systems, including Stryker Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology, Smith & Nephew NAVIO™ Surgical System, and OrthAlign® Surgical System.

Each system has its benefits, and Dr. Boone chooses the best surgical technique for your unique needs. Robot-assisted surgery combines the unparalleled precision of robotics with the experience and knowledge of a doctor for the best possible results.

Robot-assisted procedures help ensure that your prosthetic joint fits perfectly. Other benefits include smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and better results than traditional open surgery.

What happens during robot-assisted joint replacement

On the day of your surgery, our team begins by preparing you for the procedure. You’re put under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and you can expect surgery to take one to two hours.

Dr. Boone typically uses an anterior approach in hip replacement, which means he makes a small incision at the front of your hip to avoid muscles and tendons.

The robotic system provides real-time feedback and enhanced flexibility as it carefully removes damaged bone and tissue. When it’s time to insert your prosthetic joint, he utilizes robotic technology to ensure the best possible placement within your hip.

Once your new hip joint is in place, our team closes the incision with stitches and moves you to a recovery room. Most patients spend one to three days in the hospital following a robot-assisted hip replacement, and you can expect to start physical therapy soon after surgery.

You don’t have to live with chronic hip pain. Robot-assisted joint replacement offers effective, long-lasting relief, so you can get back to enjoying your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Boone to find out if you could benefit from a hip replacement.