Robots slash second hip surgery risk by 75%, study finds

Imagine living free from excruciating hip pain, only to face another surgery just weeks later. For thousands needing a total hip replacement, the fear of complications is very real. But groundbreaking new research from HKUMed suggests that robotic hip replacement could drastically reduce the risk of a second operation. This offers fresh hope for patients across the UK.

A Game-Changer for Hip Surgery

A major six-year study from HKUMed has confirmed a game-changing finding. Robotic total hip replacement leads to a significantly lower reoperation rate compared to traditional surgical methods. This breakthrough promises long-term benefits for patients. It helps them regain vital mobility and get back to their normal lives much quicker.

Dr Henry Fu Chun-him, Clinical Associate Professor at HKUMed, highlighted the precision involved.

"The robotic arm allows the direction and depth of the acetabular cup placement to be executed in accordance with preoperative planning, achieving angular precision down to 2 degrees and depth accuracy within 2mm," he explained.

The Startling Stats

The study, which looked at 553 primary hip replacements, revealed shocking differences. The 90-day reoperation rate for robotic procedures was a tiny 0.6%. This compares to a much higher 2.5% for conventional techniques.

Dr Fu stressed how devastating early reoperations can be.

He added: "With robotics, the rate of reoperation at 90 days is only 0.6%."

Crucially, reoperations in the robotic group were closed procedures. This meant no extra surgical reopening. In contrast, the conventional group often faced surgical reopening for issues like fractures or infections. This led to prolonged recovery times.

How Robotics Bring Precision

Robotic hip replacement uses advanced three-dimensional CT scans for precise planning. During surgery, a robotic arm guides bone preparation and implant positioning. This allows incredibly precise control over bone removal and cup placement.

Initially, robotic procedures added around 14 minutes to surgery time. However, the team noted a clear learning curve. Surgical times are now progressively matching those of conventional manual procedures.

Robotic Surgery on the Rise

HKUMed's Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology pioneered robotic arm technology. They introduced it in Hong Kong's public hospitals in January 2019.

Its use has surged dramatically. Dr Amy Cheung Yim-ling, Deputy Division Chief, detailed the rapid adoption.

She said: "The utilisation of robotics for total hip replacement in Queen Mary Hospital and the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay has risen steadily from 32% in 2019 to 85% in 2025."

Robotic procedures now account for 49% of all local public sector hip replacements. Patient Ms Lai, who recovered after robotic surgery, shared that the procedure helped her regain mobility and return to normal life.

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OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official data from University Newsroom. Document: HKUMed six-year study finds low reoperation rate with robotic total hip replacement Source Link: [Read the official report from University Newsroom](http://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_29063.html)