Robotic surgeries hold edge in hip joint replacements

University of Hong Kong researchers on Thursday revealed that the reoperation rate for robotic procedures in surgeries involving hip joint replacements was lower than that for conventional methods. That came following the research team's review of 553 surgeries between 2019 and 2025, with 311 of them involving robotic arm assistance and 242 conventional methods. Clinical associate professor Henry Fu said the 90-day reoperation rate for robotic surgeries was only 0.6 percent, 1.9 percent lower than that for conventional techniques. Honorary clinical assistant professor Amy Cheung said robotic hip replacement surgery was now primarily focused on joint replacements. Robotic hip replacements utilise three-dimensional CT-scans for precise pre-operative planning of both acetabular and femoral components, unlike conventional methods using two-dimensional X-rays. Unlike conventional procedures, which are fully performed by surgeons, preparation and implant positioning using the non-conventional methods are carried out under the guidance of robotic arms. "This can ensure the accuracy of the preparation as well as the accuracy of the placement of the components itself, which can optimise the outcomes after surgery, particularly in terms of decreasing the risk of complications such as dislocation after surgery or fractures," Cheung said. Fu noted that robotics now account for 49 percent of total hip replacement surgeries in public hospitals, a significant increase compared to 2022's utilisation rate for 18 percent. Lai, who underwent robotic hip replacement surgery in 2021, said the procedure allows her to lead a normal life. "I am happy that I can walk again after the physical therapy ... The surgery was less painful than expected and I did not need to take any painkillers during my recovery period," she said. Fu said Queen Mary Hospital is considering introducing an advanced system for robotic hip replacement surgery to deal with more complicated cases and to expand its use in operations involving other parts of the human body such as shoulders. Edited by Thomas McAlinden