Computer-assisted joint replacement surgeries bring precision to hip and knee procedures. By integrating advanced technologies into the surgical process, these approaches enhance alignment and implant positioning and contribute to the long-term success of a joint replacement.
Dr. Alexander McLawhorn performs hundreds of computer-assisted and robot-assisted joint replacement surgeries each year in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut. His expertise allows patients to benefit from greater surgical accuracy and smoother recoveries while maintaining the personalized care of a skilled orthopedic specialist.
What Are Computer-Assisted And Robot-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgeries?
Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) and robot-assisted surgery are general terms representing a collection of “enabling technologies” for joint replacement surgery. Broadly, these technologies can be divided into the following categories:
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Imageless surgical navigation
- Image-guided surgical navigation
- Sensor-guided surgery
- Patient-specific instrumentation
Why Are These Enabling Technologies Used for Joint Replacement?
During hip or knee replacement surgery, the correct positioning of the implanted joint and appropriate soft tissue tensioning and balancing are critical to the short-term and long-term success of the joint replacement.
Enabling technologies allow the surgeon to achieve more precise component positioning and joint stability during the following procedures:
Do These Technologies Perform the Surgery for the Surgeon?
The short answer is no. Dr. McLawhorn uses these technologies to improve the accuracy of surgery, but he very much remains in control of your entire procedure. None of these devices can perform a surgery without direct surgeon control.
The soft tissue dissection and closure are performed by hand. Enabling technologies are used to guide reshaping and cutting the bone and implanting the prosthetic components. Sensor-guided technologies provide precise feedback to Dr. McLawhorn about the soft tissues around the operated joint, allowing him to selectively tighten or loosen ligaments and tendons to improve joint function and stability.
What Are the Advantages of Computer-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery?
There are many potential advantages to using computer-assisted technology during joint replacement surgery, including:
- Higher level of accuracy in positioning the new joint
- Less likely to have joint malalignment
- Improved soft tissue balance and joint stability
- Less likely limb length differences
- Potentially reduced risk for dislocation
- Possibly lower implant wear
- Potentially lower risk for failed surgery and need for revision surgery
- Improved patient satisfaction
While many advanced technologies are designated “investigational” or “experimental”, Dr. McLawhorn believes that the devices he uses represent value to his patients and their outcomes.
Many studies, including several performed by Dr. McLawhorn, have supported improved implant alignment and positioning when the implants are placed with robotics or navigation. Recent studies from HSS have suggested that robotics lowers the risk for postoperative hip dislocation after total hip replacement, and there may be less risk of manipulation under anesthesia for knee stiffness after total knee replacement.
Why Choose Dr. McLawhorn for Computer-Assisted Surgery
Dr. McLawhorn is a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He performs over 600 joint replacement procedures annually, including more than 400 robot-assisted direct anterior approach total hip replacements — among the highest volumes in the nation. Patients trust his expertise in complex cases, as well as his leadership in developing and refining modern surgical techniques that improve long-term results.
As the Director of Research and Innovation for the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. McLawhorn plays a key role in advancing orthopedic science. His clinical research has focused on increasing surgical precision, reducing complications, and improving patient satisfaction through technology.
Supported by his highly experienced team, he offers a seamless surgical experience that integrates advanced robotics, computer navigation, and patient-specific planning to deliver exceptional care.
FAQ
Schedule Your Consultation
Patients experiencing chronic hip or knee pain may benefit from computer-assisted joint replacement surgery under Dr. McLawhorn’s care. His approach combines advanced technology with personalized treatment planning to help restore mobility and quality of life.
To schedule your consultation, call [am_location pid="2484"]{tel}[/am_location] for the New York office or [am_location pid="2490"]{tel}[/am_location] for the Stamford location.
