Robot-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery – What Does It Really Mean for Patients?
Robot-assisted orthopedic surgery has been one of the most rapidly advancing areas in orthopedics in recent years. More and more patients are encountering the term robotic surgery, particularly when robot-assisted knee replacement or robot-assisted hip replacement surgery is discussed.
It is important to clarify, however, that robotic surgery does not mean futuristic, autonomously operating machines, but rather advanced medical technology systems that assist and enhance the work of the orthopedic surgeon. In orthopedic prosthesis implantation, even millimeter-level deviations can have long-term consequences. A slightly misaligned axis, suboptimal implant positioning, or improper ligament tension can result in pain, instability, or even the need for revision surgery years later. Robot-assisted orthopedic surgery technology was developed precisely to reduce these risks.
What Does Robot-Assisted Surgery Mean in Practice?
During robot-assisted orthopedic surgery, all decisions continue to be made by the orthopedic surgeon. The robot does not operate autonomously, does not “think,” and does not replace medical expertise. Instead, it functions as an extremely precise, computer-controlled instrument that provides continuous feedback throughout the entire procedure.
During orthopedic robotic surgery, the system:
- maps the patient’s unique anatomical features in real time,
- helps precisely determine the location and direction of bone cuts,
- alerts the surgeon if they deviate from the pre-planned optimal range.
This support is particularly significant in robot-assisted knee and hip replacement surgeries, where the precise positioning of the implant fundamentally determines the quality of movement and the longevity of the prosthesis.
Dr. Gergely Holnapy, PhD
Chief Orthopedic-Traumatology Physician, University Adjunct, Robotic Surgeon
Online Appointment Booking for Budafoki Road Clinic:
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The follow-up fee is valid for 3 months after the initial examination for the same complaint.
- 1. Select the requested service from the drop-down menu!
- 2. Use the calendar to choose a suitable appointment time!
- 3. Register by entering your details, or log in with your previous registration!
- 4. If you wish to book on behalf of another person (e.g., your child), please indicate this in the designated field!
- 5. Briefly describe your complaints!
- 6. Select the type of consultation: initial examination, follow-up examination, or prescription.
- 7. Click the button to complete the appointment booking. Thank you for choosing BMM!
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please notify us of your cancellation at least 24 hours in advance.
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Cancellation: +36 1 44 33 433
If you cannot find an available appointment for your selected week, please call our call center at +36 1 44 33 433 for further assistance! Our staff will be happy to help you schedule an appointment with your chosen physician or another specialist according to your complaint.
Why Is Robotic Technology Alone Not Sufficient in Orthopedics?
Although robot-assisted orthopedic surgery represents a significant technological advancement, it does not automatically guarantee better outcomes on its own. The key to success is always the orthopedic surgeon’s professional experience and decision-making ability. Robotic technology can only provide a real advantage when applied by a specialist with extensive experience in knee and hip replacement surgeries who thoroughly understands anatomical relationships.
The robotic surgery system cannot assess, for example:
- the clinical significance of a complex axis deviation,
- the current condition of soft tissues,
- or the patient’s individual movement patterns.
These remain exclusively medical decisions that require a high level of experience.
Specialized Training for Robot-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery
Performing robot-assisted orthopedic surgeries cannot be mastered solely through traditional surgical practice. Surgeons must complete rigorous, manufacturer-accredited training programs before they can independently use these robotic surgery systems.
BMM’s orthopedic surgeons not only perform these procedures but also teach robot-assisted techniques at an international level through the BMM Academy.
How Does a Robot-Assisted Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery Proceed?
Planning
Robot-assisted prosthesis surgery always begins with detailed intraoperative planning. The surgeon digitally maps the patient’s bone structures and joint relationships, then determines the ideal axes and range of motion.
Execution
This is followed by the creation of a personalized surgical plan, which can be executed with exceptional precision using the robotic surgery system. Bone surface preparation occurs under controlled conditions while the system provides continuous feedback.
Navigation and Fine-Tuning
In robot-assisted hip replacement surgeries, navigation plays a key role in precisely determining the implant’s inclination angle and depth. In robot-assisted knee replacement cases, fine-tuning ligament tension helps achieve more natural knee movement.
Dr. Szabolcs Gáspár
Chief Orthopedic-Traumatology Physician, Robotic Surgeon
International Instructor
Online Appointment Booking for Bokor Street Clinic:
Please select the service that suits you
The follow-up fee is valid for 3 months after the initial examination for the same complaint.
- 1. Select the requested service from the drop-down menu!
- 2. Use the calendar to choose a suitable appointment time!
- 3. Register by entering your details, or log in with your previous registration!
- 4. If you wish to book on behalf of another person (e.g., your child), please indicate this in the designated field!
- 5. Briefly describe your complaints!
- 6. Select the type of consultation: initial examination, follow-up examination, or prescription.
- 7. Click the button to complete the appointment booking. Thank you for choosing BMM!
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please notify us of your cancellation at least 24 hours in advance.
This allows other patients the opportunity to receive timely medical care. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Cancellation: +36 1 44 33 433
If you cannot find an available appointment for your selected week, please call our call center at +36 1 44 33 433 for further assistance! Our staff will be happy to help you schedule an appointment with your chosen physician or another specialist according to your complaint.
The Role of the CORI Robot in Robot-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery
The CORI robotic surgery system is one of the most advanced solutions in the field of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery. Its unique feature is that it does not require prior CT or MRI scans, but instead creates a digital anatomical map in real time during surgery. The CORI robot enables the surgeon to continuously monitor and, if necessary, modify the surgical plan based on current anatomical and functional data. This provides a significant advantage in both robot-assisted knee replacement and robot-assisted hip replacement surgeries. The system allows for the procedure to be performed with less bone loss and in a tissue-sparing manner.
What Does the VELYS™ Robot-Assisted System Offer?
The VELYS™ robot-assisted system is a technology specifically optimized for robot-assisted knee replacement surgeries, which also uses real-time data. The system places great emphasis on soft tissue protection and functional movement restoration. VELYS assists the surgeon with continuous sensor feedback to ensure that the implant fit aligns as closely as possible with the patient’s natural movement. As a result, faster rehabilitation and more stable knee function can often be achieved.
CORI or VELYS – What Does the Patient Experience?
For patients, the most important question is not which robotic technology is “better,” but which system provides the optimal solution for their specific clinical situation. CORI’s versatility makes it excellently suited for both robot-assisted hip and knee replacement surgeries, while VELYS offers outstanding support in functional knee restoration. The decision is always made by the orthopedic surgeon, taking into account the patient’s condition, lifestyle, and anatomical characteristics.
| Feature | CORI | VELYS |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery Type | Hip & Knee | Knee Specialist |
| Imaging | Real-time mapping (no CT) | Sensor-based real-time data |
| Main Focus | Tissue Preservation & Precision | Functional Movement & Stability |
What Does This Mean Long-Term for Patients?
The greatest advantage of robot-assisted orthopedic surgeries is that they enable more predictable and personalized outcomes. More precise implant fitting, more natural movement, and reduced tissue stress collectively facilitate faster recovery and return to daily life.
It is important to emphasize, however, that robotic technology is a tool. The true key to success remains the experienced, highly trained orthopedic surgeon, in whose hands the robot is an exceptionally precise assistant.
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