How Technology Assists in Robotic Hip Surgery

Hip arthritis can change how you walk, sleep, work and exercise. Pain may be felt in the groin, buttock, thigh or even the knee, and stiffness can make simple tasks such as putting on shoes or getting in and out of the car difficult.

When arthritis becomes advanced and non-surgical treatment is no longer providing enough relief, hip replacement may be discussed. If suitable, robotic-assisted technology is employed for detailed surgical planning and real time feedback during the surgery.

At Ortho ARC in Brisbane, Orthopaedic Surgeons Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan have fellowship training in robotic hip and knee arthroplasty. While the robotic system provides computer planning and guidance, it is their expertise that directs every step of the operation, and each procedure is tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy, lifestyle and goals.

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What is robotic hip replacement?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. During a total hip replacement, damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with artificial components in the pelvis and thigh bone.

Robotic hip replacement is a total hip replacement performed with the assistance of computer planning and robotic technology.

Before the operation, it uses detailed imaging to create a 3D model of the hip to help Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan plan implant size, alignment and position around each patient’s anatomy.

During the surgery, the robotic system acts like an assistant, providing real-time measurements and visual guidance that help them accurately reproduce the pre-operative plan. This supports finer adjustments to implant positioning, including leg length, joint alignment and the angles of the hip socket and femoral component.

Robotic-assisted technology remains a surgical tool and does not do the surgery on its own. The Ortho ARC surgeons are still fully in control and physically perform the operation.

How does robotic technology assist hip replacement?

Robotic technology gives the surgeon more detailed information for planning the operation and positioning the hip replacement components. It assists with:

  • 3D planning based on the patient’s anatomy
  • Implant size and positioning
  • Positioning of the hip socket component
  • Assessment of alignment and leg length
  • Real-time measurements during surgery
  • Controlled preparation of the joint

Its primary purpose is to assist Dr Fidock and Dr Thayaparan in carrying out the planned implant placement more accurately and consistently. Their surgical judgement still drives how the information is used during the operation.

Why does implant positioning matter in hip replacement?

The position of a hip replacement can affect how the new joint moves and functions. Careful implant placement can influence:

  • Joint stability
  • Leg length
  • Range of movement
  • Muscle tension
  • Impingement between the hip components
  • Wear of the implant over time

Robotic assistance can help the Ortho ARC surgeons reproduce the planned position of the components more precisely than manual alignment techniques alone.

Robotic hip replacement vs standard hip replacement

Standard hip replacement remains an effective and well-established procedure. Robotic-assisted surgery builds on this by providing 3D pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance that increases surgical accuracy and control.

Evidence shows robotic-assisted hip replacement achieves more accurate implant placement within the intended alignment parameters, which is important to joint stability, function and implant longevity. Patients may experience a smoother early recovery period because of this, as the hip can feel more ‘stable’ sooner after surgery, although recovery is individual and long-term patient-reported outcomes continue to be studied.

Robotic-assisted technology is not essential for every case though. Many straightforward hip replacements in patients with standard anatomy, good bone quality and clear joint alignment are performed successfully using conventional techniques, when carried out by experienced orthopaedic surgeons like Dr Fidock and Dr Thayaparan.

Am I a suitable candidate for robotic hip replacement?

Robotic hip replacement may be discussed when hip arthritis or joint damage is affecting daily life and non-surgical treatment does not provide enough relief. Ask your GP for referral to Ortho ARC for specialist orthopaedic assessment if you experience:

  • Groin pain during walking or standing
  • Stiffness after sitting or getting out of bed
  • Difficulty with stairs
  • Trouble putting on shoes or socks
  • Limping or reduced walking distance
  • Pain that interrupts sleep
  • Difficulty working or exercising
  • Reduced independence because of hip pain

Hip pain does not automatically mean you need a replacement. Pain can also come from the surrounding tendons, muscles or lower back. Assessment can confirm the source of the symptoms and if hip replacement is suitable.

What happens at an Ortho ARC hip appointment?

A consultation at Ortho ARC, Brisbane, with Dr Blake Fidock and Dr Mirun Thayaparan may include review of:

  • Where and when you experience pain
  • How symptoms affect walking, sleep, work and exercise
  • Treatments you have already tried
  • Your general health, activity level and personal goals
  • Examination and imaging findings
  • If hip replacement is suitable
  • The potential role of robotic-assisted surgery in your case
  • Expected recovery, rehabilitation and return to activity
  • Surgical risks, benefits and alternative treatment options

It is important to our practice that you have a clear understanding of your condition and all available treatment options, so you can make an informed decision about if and when to proceed with hip replacement surgery.

Specialist assessment for hip pain in Brisbane

Speak with your GP about referral to Ortho ARC if hip pain or stiffness is consistent and affecting your sleep, walking, work, independence or ability to stay active.

Ortho ARC provides assessment and treatment for hip arthritis, total hip replacement and robotic hip replacement in Brisbane, with consulting and operating locations at:

  • Greenslopes Private Hospital
  • Brisbane Private Hospital in Brisbane City
  • North West Private Hospital in Everton Park
  • Westside Private Hospital in Taringa

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GPs or referrers: REFER YOUR PATIENT

The information in this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship. All surgery carries risk and individual results may vary. Please consult with Ortho ARC Brisbane for personalised advice and treatment planning.

References

Australian Orthopaedic Association. (n.d.). Innovations – robots in orthopaedic surgery. https://aoa.org.au/for-patients/celebrating-orthopaedics/innovations—robots-in-orthopaedic-surgery

Bensa, A., Pagliazzi, G., Miele, A., Schiavon, G., Cuzzolin, M., & Filardo, G. (2025). Robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty provides greater implant placement accuracy and lower complication rates, but not superior clinical results compared to the conventional manual approach: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 40(7), 1921–1931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2024.12.014

Healthdirect Australia. (2025). Hip replacement. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hip-replacement  

The information in this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor establishes a doctor-patient relationship. All surgery carries risk and individual results may vary. Please consult with Ortho ARC Brisbane for personalised advice and treatment planning.