Robotic Knee Replacement in Brisbane
Knee arthritis can change the way you manage everyday life. Walking the dog, climbing stairs, getting through work or spending time with family becomes harder when pain, stiffness and swelling keep returning.
Non-surgical care, such as physiotherapy, guided exercise, weight management, and medications, may help manage symptoms. Knee replacement will likely become part of the discussion when arthritis is advanced, and these treatments no longer provide enough relief.
At Ortho ARC in Brisbane, robotic-assisted knee replacement could form part of your treatment plan to provide our orthopaedic surgeons with detailed information for planning, bone preparation and implant placement.
What is robotic knee replacement?
Robotic knee surgery, or robotic-assisted knee replacement, uses computer planning and a robotic arm system to assist your Ortho ARC surgeon during a partial or total knee replacement. The technology is an incredibly precise tool in your knee surgeon’s hands.
Before surgery, a detailed scan will be taken of your knee, and used to create a 3D digital model. With this personalised model, your procedure is planned specific to you – your unique anatomy, bone shape, leg alignment, joint movement and ligament tension.
During surgery, the robotic system provides real-time feedback and guidance, helping to place the implant into position with precision for smoother movement and function.
How does the technology assist knee surgery?
Knee replacement using robotic-assisted technology is still knee replacement surgery, which involves removing worn joint surfaces and replacing them with metal and medical-grade plastic components. The positioning of these affects joint alignment, movement, and the distribution of force through the knee.
Robotic technology gives the surgeon several practical tools.
- A digital 3D model based on the patient’s knee
- Measurements of alignment and joint movement
- Live information about ligament balance
- Defined boundaries during bone preparation
- The ability to test changes before completing bone cuts
These tools give the trained surgeon more control and consistency between the procedure and the surgical plan.
Does robotic technology help me or just the surgeon?
Patients are usually less interested in measurements than in how their knee may actually feel when walking, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair.
Robotic technology gives your surgeon detailed information about alignment, implant position and ligament balance. This shapes the operation around the patient’s own knee, to help create stable movement and even load through the joint.
Technology is only part of the picture, though. The quality of the robotic system, the surgical plan and your surgeon’s training and experience all influence outcomes.
Who is suitable for robotic knee surgery?
Robotic knee replacement is considered when advanced knee arthritis or joint damage continues to affect daily life. Ask your GP for a referral if you experience:
- Ongoing knee pain that limits walking or standing
- Stiffness that affects daily movement
- Swelling that keeps returning
- Pain that interrupts sleep
- Reduced movement or confidence in the knee
- Difficulty working, exercising or managing household tasks
- Symptoms that continue despite non-surgical treatment
A painful knee does not automatically require replacement. Specialist treatment will be based on the cause of the pain, the areas of the joint involved and the effect symptoms have on daily life, as well as examination and imaging, not an X-ray result alone.
Recovery guide for robotic-assisted knee replacement
Recovery after knee replacement happens in stages. Progress varies with age, general health, fitness, home support and the type of surgery performed.
| Stage | General Guide |
| Hospital and Week 1 | Patients begin standing and walking with assistance. Support to help manage pain and swelling, wound care and initial movements. |
| Week 2-6 | Physiotherapy supports knee movement and range of motion, walking, and strength. Walking aids may still be needed as confidence builds. |
| Week 7-12 | Daily activities usually become easier as strength and mobility return. Exercise and walking distances increase gradually with guided rehabilitation. |
| Week 12 + | Strength, flexibility and movement continue to develop. Return to work, driving and recreation based on individual progress and surgeon’s clearance. |
Robotic guidance can assist surgery, but physiotherapy and steady rehabilitation shape the recovery that follows.
What to expect at your Ortho ARC appointment?
The Orthopaedic Surgeons at Ortho ARC have subspecialties in robotic and revision hip and knee joint replacement surgery. Consultation generally covers:
- How knee pain affects your work and daily activities
- The type and extent of arthritis
- Treatments already tried
- Total and partial knee replacement
- The role of robotic guidance
- Surgical risks
- Hospital care and rehabilitation
- Personal recovery goals
- Imaging review
- Physical examination
Robotic knee replacement at Ortho ARC
Speak with your GP and ask about a referral to Ortho ARC if knee pain affects your sleep, work, independence, or ability to stay active, or if you experience persistent swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement.
Consultations and hospital care can be provided across Brisbane, including Greenslopes, Brisbane City and Everton Park.
Patient with a referral? Book an Appointment
Brisbane GP or referrer? Refer Your Patient Here
References
Alrajeb, R., Zarti, M., Shuia, Z., Alzobi, O., Ahmed, G., & Elmhiregh, A. (2024). Robotic-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00590-023-03798-2
Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Knee replacement. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/knee-replacement
Zhang, J., Ndou, W. S., Ng, N., Gaston, P., Simpson, P. M., Macpherson, G. J., Patton, J. T., & Clement, N. D. (2022). Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved accuracy and patient reported outcomes. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 30(8). https://esskajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1007/s00167-021-06464-4
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.