Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is an advanced surgical approach that uses computer guidance and robotic technology to enhance the precision of knee resurfacing and replacement — giving the surgeon real-time, three-dimensional mapping of the patient’s unique knee anatomy to optimize implant positioning, alignment, and soft tissue balance with a level of accuracy that manual instrumentation alone cannot consistently achieve. The technology can be applied to both partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement — where only the damaged compartment of the knee is resurfaced while preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments — and total knee replacement, where all three compartments are replaced. Because robotic guidance allows the surgeon to work through a smaller incision with greater precision, patients typically experience less blood loss, less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and a more natural-feeling knee than with conventional replacement techniques. If you are considering your knee surgery options, robotic-assisted replacement represents the current state of the art for patients with arthritis that has progressed beyond the point where conservative treatment and joint-preservation procedures can provide adequate relief.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with over 30 years of experience treating knee arthritis across the full spectrum — from biologic therapies and joint-preservation procedures in earlier stages to robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement for advanced disease. What distinguishes Dr. Glashow’s approach to knee replacement is that he is not exclusively a replacement surgeon — his extensive background in arthroscopic surgery, cartilage restoration, osteotomy, and biologic therapies means that he has personally exhausted the non-replacement options with many of his patients before recommending a joint replacement, giving him a comprehensive understanding of which patients will benefit most from robotic replacement and which may still be candidates for joint-preserving alternatives. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000, he performs robotic knee replacement surgery at Midtown Surgery Center and at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
The FDA has approved the use of robotic guidance systems to assist orthopedic surgeons with removing and resurfacing the arthritic part of a knee without sacrificing your entire knee joint. This “minimally invasive” procedure is performed through a smaller incision and allows the orthopedic surgeons to preserve as much of your natural bone, tissue, ligaments, and cartilage as possible.
Benefits of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
- Faster recovery time
- Less invasive
- More predictable outcomes
- Augments surgical precision
With computer-assisted robotic knee replacement surgery, a robot acts as an extension of our Upper East Side, NYC orthopedic surgeon’s eyes and hands in a minimally invasive knee surgery to replace an arthritic knee. The robotics help our knee replacement surgeons operate more precisely through a smaller incision.
The ultimate goal of knee replacement surgery is to decrease pain and restore proper knee function. Although total knee replacement (also called “arthroplasty”) is an excellent option for older patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, other surgical options exist such as robotic knee replacement surgery.
Candidacy for Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
You are probably a good candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery if you are an adult with early to mid-stage arthritis in no more than two of the following compartments of the knee: Medial (inner) Patellofemoral (top) Lateral (outer). Specifically, the ideal candidate for robotic knee replacement surgery has mid-stage osteoarthritis, with significant damage confined to a specific part of the knee. Dr. Jonathan Glashow, our top NYC knee surgery specialist orthopedic surgeon can discuss with you if you are indeed a good candidate.
For patients in need or knee replacement surgery (partial or unicompartmental): robotic knee replacement surgery is a state-of-the-art alternative to total knee replacement. As one of the least invasive arthroscopic knee surgeries performed, this procedure offers a smaller incision, less scarring and blood loss, a shorter hospital stay (the majority of our patients go home the same day) and the ability to return to everyday activities much sooner than with traditional knee replacement surgeries.
If knee arthritis is limiting your ability to walk, climb stairs, or enjoy the activities that matter to you — and conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief — robotic-assisted knee replacement may be the next step toward restoring your mobility and quality of life. Dr. Glashow offers comprehensive evaluation with same-day imaging at his Upper East Side practice to determine whether partial or total robotic knee replacement is the right option for your knee. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robotic Knee Replacement
What is the difference between robotic knee replacement and traditional knee replacement?
In a traditional knee replacement, the surgeon uses manual cutting guides and handheld instruments to remove arthritic bone and position the implant. In robotic-assisted knee replacement, advanced imaging creates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s knee before surgery, and a robotic arm guided by the surgeon executes the bone cuts with sub-millimeter precision — staying within the pre-planned boundaries and adjusting in real time based on the knee’s individual anatomy. The surgeon remains in full control throughout the procedure; the robotic system enhances accuracy rather than replacing surgical judgment. The result is more consistent implant positioning, better soft tissue balance, and a more natural-feeling knee.
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
A partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment of the knee — medial, lateral, or patellofemoral — while preserving the healthy cartilage, bone, and ligaments in the remaining compartments. This approach involves a smaller incision, less bone removal, and typically a faster recovery than total knee replacement. A total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments and is used when arthritis has spread throughout the entire joint. Robotic guidance is used for both procedures. Dr. Glashow evaluates each patient’s X-rays, MRI, and clinical examination to determine which approach will provide the best long-term result.
How does the robotic system improve outcomes?
The robotic system provides the surgeon with a patient-specific 3D model of the knee, real-time feedback on bone cut accuracy, and the ability to fine-tune implant positioning during surgery based on how the knee moves and balances under load. Studies show that robotic-assisted knee replacement produces more accurate implant alignment, better ligament balance, and more predictable outcomes compared to conventional manual techniques. For patients, this translates into a knee that feels more natural, better range of motion, reduced risk of implant-related complications, and potentially longer implant lifespan.
How long does recovery take after robotic knee replacement?
Because the robotic approach is less invasive than traditional knee replacement — with a smaller incision, less soft tissue disruption, and greater precision — many patients experience a faster recovery. Most patients go home the same day as surgery and begin walking with assistance immediately. Physical therapy starts within the first few days and progresses through range of motion, strengthening, and functional training over the following weeks. Many patients return to daily activities within two to four weeks and to low-impact recreational activities within six to twelve weeks. Full recovery and maximum benefit from the implant typically occur between three and six months after surgery.
How long does a robotic knee replacement last?
Modern knee replacement implants are designed to last 20 to 25 years or longer with normal use, and the improved precision of robotic-assisted placement may extend implant lifespan further by optimizing alignment and reducing abnormal wear. Factors that influence long-term implant durability include proper implant positioning (where the robotic system excels), maintaining a healthy body weight, staying active with low-impact exercise, and avoiding high-impact activities that place excessive stress on the implant. Dr. Glashow discusses realistic longevity expectations with each patient based on their age, activity level, and knee anatomy.
Am I too young — or too old — for knee replacement?
Age alone is not the determining factor. The decision is based on the severity of arthritis, the degree of pain and functional limitation, and whether non-surgical and joint-preserving treatments have been adequately tried. Younger patients with severe arthritis that has not responded to conservative treatment and joint-preservation procedures may benefit significantly from knee replacement — and robotic-assisted partial replacement is particularly well-suited for younger, active patients because it preserves healthy bone and ligaments. Older patients in good general health can also be excellent candidates. Dr. Glashow evaluates each patient’s individual situation and discusses all available options — including non-replacement alternatives — before recommending surgery.
