Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Replacement
Overview
Total hip replacement treats painful hip arthritis by replacing the worn ball and socket with metal components. It is one of the most reliable operations for reducing arthritic pain, restoring mobility and helping patients return to walking, work, travel and daily activity when non-operative treatment is no longer enough.
A/Prof Ernstbrunner performs total hip replacement with robotic assistance. This allows the operation to be planned around the patient’s own hip anatomy, then executed with real-time guidance to support accurate cup position, leg length restoration, offset, hip mechanics and implant placement. The goal is not simply to replace the joint, but to reconstruct the hip in a precise, balanced and patient-specific way.
Who may benefit from hip replacement?
Hip replacement may be considered for patients with persistent groin, thigh or buttock pain, stiffness, night pain, walking limitation or reduced quality of life from hip arthritis. Surgery is usually considered after non-operative options such as exercise, weight management, medication, injections or activity modification have become insufficient.
What does the procedure involve?
The damaged femoral head is removed and the socket is prepared. A cup is placed into the pelvis and a stem with a ball is placed into the femur. Robotic assistance is used to support accurate preparation and implant positioning based on the preoperative plan.
The robotic system helps translate the plan into the operation by providing feedback on component position and hip mechanics. This can be particularly valuable when restoring leg length, offset and stability are important for comfort, function and confidence after surgery.
Recovery after hip replacement
Most patients begin walking soon after surgery. Rehabilitation focuses on safe mobility, swelling control, gait retraining and progressive strengthening. Recovery continues over months as confidence, endurance and strength improve.
Rehabilitation protocol
You will receive a hip replacement rehabilitation protocol to guide walking, exercises, precautions and return to activity.
FAQs
What are the benefits of robotic-assisted hip replacement?
Robotic assistance supports detailed preoperative planning and accurate execution of component position, leg length, offset and hip mechanics. This may help create a more precise and patient-specific reconstruction, with the aim of improving stability, function and confidence after surgery.
When can I walk after surgery?
Most patients begin walking with assistance soon after surgery, depending on anaesthetic and medical factors.
How long will I stay in hospital?
This depends on recovery, pain control and mobility progress.
When can I drive?
Driving resumes when you are off strong pain medication and can safely control the vehicle.
How long does a hip replacement last?
Modern implants are durable, but longevity depends on age, activity, implant type and other factors.
Book or Refer Today
For hip arthritis and loss of mobility, book a consultation to discuss robotic-assisted total hip replacement with patient-specific planning and precise component positioning.
Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM)
We restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life — through reconstructive orthopaedic surgery driven by evidence and advanced biomechanics.