Robotic or traditional knee replacement, what’s the difference? See how Mako robotic surgery offers greater precision and higher patient satisfaction rates.
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, one of the first questions you’ll encounter is whether to pursue robotic-assisted or traditional surgery. Both approaches replace the damaged knee joint with an implant — but the planning process, surgical precision, and patient experience can differ in meaningful ways.
Precision and Implant Alignment
In traditional knee replacement, implant sizing and positioning are guided primarily by manual instruments and the surgeon’s intraoperative judgment. In robotic-assisted knee replacement, the procedure is planned using preoperative imaging that generates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s knee. This allows the surgical plan — including implant size, position, and alignment — to be determined before the patient enters the operating room.
During surgery, the Mako robotic system provides real-time guidance to help execute that plan with a high degree of accuracy. Precise implant alignment is associated with more natural-feeling knee mechanics and may contribute to longer-lasting results.
Personalized to Each Patient’s Anatomy
One of the meaningful distinctions of robotic-assisted surgery is the degree of individualization it allows. Traditional knee replacement uses a standardized surgical approach that is then adapted to the patient’s anatomy intraoperatively. Robotic-assisted surgery begins with a patient-specific plan built from imaging of that individual’s knee — accounting for their unique bone geometry, alignment, and anatomy before a single incision is made.
This personalized planning process can influence implant fit and joint function in ways that a standardized approach may not consistently achieve.
Reduced Risk of Complications
The enhanced precision of robotic-assisted surgery may reduce the risk of certain complications associated with implant positioning. Misalignment of knee implants — even subtle misalignment — can affect how the joint functions, contribute to early wear, and in some cases lead to the need for revision surgery. By helping ensure more consistent implant placement, robotic-assisted surgery may lower that risk for appropriate candidates.
Higher Patient Satisfaction Rates
A published study in the Journal of Knee Surgery found that 94% of patients who underwent robotic-assisted total knee replacement reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their outcome, compared to 82% in the traditional surgery group. The robotic-assisted group also scored consistently higher across all five satisfaction measures evaluated in the study.1
While individual outcomes vary and no surgical approach guarantees a specific result, the satisfaction data associated with robotic-assisted knee replacement reflects what many high-volume surgeons observe in practice.
1Smith AF, Eccles CJ, Bhimani SJ, Denehy KM, Bhimani RB, Smith LS, Malkani AL. Improved Patient Satisfaction following Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Knee Surg. 2021 Jun;34(7):730-738. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1700837. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31731324.
Robotic vs. Traditional Knee Replacement: A Side-by-Side View
| Feature | Robotic Knee Replacement | Traditional Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | High, with custom alignment | Manual, less precise |
| Recovery Time | Often quicker | Typically longer |
| Patient Satisfaction | 94% satisfied1 | 82% satisfied1 |
| Customization | Highly personalized | Standardized approach |
| Surgical Time | Comparable or slightly longer | Standard duration |
What Patients Say
Patients who have undergone robotic knee replacement with Dr. Avino describe their experience in their own words:
“Dr. Avino was very nice, showed me my X-rays and stated a positive prognosis for my knee replacements — just what I wanted to hear! Also gave me a script for PT — just what I wanted! Staff was excellent.”
— Jeanie
“Dr. Avino replaced my worn out left knee several days ago. It was the most professional but caring medical procedure I have ever experienced. In addition, his staff of professionals were wonderful to deal with. Thank you, Dr. Avino.”
— Stanley
Is Robotic Knee Replacement Right for You?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is appropriate for many patients with advanced knee arthritis who are candidates for total knee replacement. A consultation with Dr. Avino includes a review of symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging to determine whether robotic-assisted surgery is the right approach for your anatomy and goals.
Traditional knee replacement remains an effective procedure with a long track record. For many patients, however, the additional precision and personalization of robotic-assisted surgery make it the preferred option — and the satisfaction data support that preference.
Schedule a Consultation with
Dr. Avino
If knee arthritis is affecting your mobility or limiting your activity, a consultation can help determine whether robotic knee replacement may be right for you.
Robert J. Avino, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with over 1,000 robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements performed. He serves patients throughout Palm Beach County, including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Wellington, and surrounding communities.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If hip or knee pain is slowing you down, don’t wait. Request a consultation online or call
Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute and ask for Dr. Robert J. Avino.