BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
Article
By Patrick Pallitto, M.D.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is one of the most common questions patients ask about before surgery. Here's how it actually works, and what it does — and doesn't — change about your procedure.
How It Works
MAKO SmartRobotics™ and VELYS™ both build a personalized surgical plan around your knee's unique anatomy and alignment before you're ever in the operating room. During surgery, the system provides real-time data that helps Dr. Pallitto execute that plan with precision, adjusting as needed.
Is the Robot Performing Surgery?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Pallitto performs the surgery. The robot is a tool he uses to give patients a more personalized knee replacement — it doesn't operate independently or make decisions on its own.
The Benefits
Robotic-assisted surgery offers several benefits: better alignment accuracy, with fewer extreme alignment errors compared to manual tools; soft tissue protection, causing less trauma to surrounding ligaments and tendons during bone cuts; and early recovery perks, with some studies showing less initial pain and quicker early milestones like walking.
Good to Know
No — in the right hands, robotic assistance does not add surgical time.
Yes — robotic-assisted knee replacement is a great option for revision surgery.