Private Orthopaedic Surgery Options for Canadians
Robotic Assisted Total Knee Replacement
Precision Technology. Personalized Knee Replacement.
At our Calgary location, total knee replacement may be performed using the ROSA® Robotic Knee System. Please note that Dr. costa is currently the only Ortho South surgeon offering robotic assisted total knee replacement.
ROSA® is an advanced surgical platform that provides real-time information during knee replacement surgery, helping the surgeon make precise decisions about implant positioning, alignment, and soft tissue balance.
The goal is not simply to perform a knee replacement with a robot. The goal is to create a knee replacement that is carefully tailored to each patient's anatomy and biomechanics.
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What Is ROSA® Robotic Knee Replacement?
ROSA® is a robotic-assisted system developed specifically for total knee replacement surgery.
During the operation, the system gathers detailed information about the patient's knee and provides real-time measurements that help guide surgical decision-making. This technology allows the surgeon to assess:
- Knee alignment
- Joint balance
- Ligament tension
- Implant positioning
- Range of motion throughout the procedure
The information is continuously updated as surgery progresses, allowing adjustments to be made based on the individual patient's anatomy.
Does the Robot Perform the Surgery?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about robotic-assisted surgery.
The robot does not perform the operation independently and does not make decisions on behalf of the surgeon. Every aspect of the procedure is performed and controlled by the surgeon.
ROSA® functions as a highly sophisticated measurement and planning tool that provides additional information throughout surgery. The surgeon remains responsible for all surgical decisions and execution.
Why Use Robotic Assistance?
The primary advantage of robotic assistance is precision.
Modern knee replacement surgery is increasingly focused on creating a knee that feels stable, balanced, and natural for the individual patient.
Robotic technology helps provide detailed information that can improve the accuracy and consistency of implant positioning while allowing adjustments to be made in real time.
Rather than relying solely on standardized measurements, robotic assistance allows the surgeon to make decisions based on the specific characteristics of each patient's knee.
The Importance of Alignment Strategy
Many patients assume the robot itself is responsible for better outcomes.
In reality, the greatest potential benefit may come from how the information provided by the robot is used.
Historically, most knee replacements were performed using a mechanical alignment strategy, where every patient was aligned toward the same target regardless of their natural anatomy.
While this approach has produced excellent results for many patients, modern knee replacement surgery increasingly recognizes that individuals have natural variations in alignment that may be important to preserve.
Today, many surgeons utilize more individualized alignment strategies that aim to better respect a patient's native anatomy and create a knee that feels more natural after surgery.
These approaches may help reduce the need for extensive soft tissue releases or ligament balancing procedures that were commonly required with traditional techniques.
The ultimate goal is not simply achieving a perfectly straight X-ray. The goal is creating a well-balanced knee that feels stable, comfortable, and natural during everyday activities.
Can Robotic Technology Improve Recovery?
Recovery after knee replacement depends on many factors, including:
- Surgical technique
- Soft tissue management
- Patient health
- Rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Preoperative function
Robotic assistance is not a guarantee of faster recovery. However, when combined with modern alignment philosophies and careful soft tissue balancing, robotic-assisted surgery may help reduce unnecessary tissue disruption during the procedure.
Many surgeons believe this individualized approach may contribute to a smoother recovery experience and improved patient satisfaction, although ongoing research continues to evaluate these potential benefits.
What Does the Research Show?
Research consistently demonstrates that robotic-assisted knee replacement improves the accuracy and consistency of implant positioning.
The evidence regarding long-term clinical outcomes continues to evolve.
While some studies have shown improvements in patient satisfaction, early recovery, and functional outcomes, others have found similar results between robotic-assisted and conventional knee replacement.
What is becoming increasingly clear is that technology alone is not the determining factor. Successful knee replacement depends on careful patient selection, thoughtful surgical planning, modern alignment principles, precise execution, and comprehensive postoperative care.
Who Is a Candidate for Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Many patients undergoing total knee replacement may be candidates for robotic-assisted surgery. Suitability depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of arthritis
- Bone quality
- Previous surgeries
- Knee deformity
- Overall health
- Surgical goals
Whether robotic assistance is appropriate for your situation can be discussed during consultation.
Robotic Assistance and Value
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether robotic-assisted surgery produces a better knee replacement.
The answer is not entirely straightforward.
Modern knee replacement surgery has evolved beyond simply placing implants according to standardized measurements. Increasingly, surgeons are focusing on individualized alignment strategies that aim to better respect a patient's native anatomy and create a knee that feels as natural as possible.
Importantly, these personalized alignment philosophies can be performed with or without robotic assistance. Many experienced knee replacement surgeons routinely utilize individualized alignment strategies using conventional surgical instruments and techniques.
The potential advantage of robotic technology is not that it changes the overall treatment philosophy, but rather that it provides additional information and precision that may help the surgeon execute the surgical plan more consistently. For some patients, that added precision may be worthwhile. For others, the difference may be too small to justify the additional cost.
Robotic-assisted surgery involves additional technology and expense. While research consistently demonstrates improvements in surgical accuracy, the magnitude of any clinical benefit is likely more modest than some marketing materials suggest. Studies continue to evaluate whether these technical advantages translate into meaningful long-term differences in patient outcomes, satisfaction, recovery, or implant longevity.
Ultimately, the decision to utilize robotic assistance is a personal one. Some patients value every available technological advantage, even if the expected improvement may be relatively small. Others feel that a carefully performed knee replacement using conventional techniques provides excellent value without the additional expense.
During consultation, we can discuss both options and help determine which approach best aligns with your goals, expectations, and budget.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering knee replacement and would like to learn whether robotic-assisted surgery may be appropriate for you, we would be happy to discuss your options. No referral is required.
Our team can review your symptoms, imaging, treatment history, and goals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual situation.
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Questions About Our Services?
Contact our team to learn more about consultations, surgical procedures, locations, pricing, or appointment availability.