« All Resources

ROSA Robot for anterior hip replacement surgery

A male doctor of Middle Eastern decent, sits across from his senior male patient as they discuss his health at an appointment. He is wearing a white lab coat and has his back to the cameras the patien

Have you experienced…

Hip pain when walking or climbing stairs?
Difficulty getting in and out of chairs and bathtubs?
Hip stiffness after sitting too long?
Pain that prevents you from sleeping?
Limitations to activities you love due to hip pain?

If you’ve experienced any combination of these symptoms or others and medication and walking aids like a cane aren’t delivering enough relief, it may be time to consider hip replacement.

Why Robotic Hip Replacement ROSA®

ROSA hip is a robotic surgical assistant designed to help your specially-trained surgeon tailor the placement of your hip implant just for you. Here, we will explain what makes the ROSA Hip robot unique, what to expect before your surgery, what will happen with the ROSA Hip robot during surgery and what to expect after your surgery.

anatomical model of healthy hip and osteoarthritic hip

What’s Causing All That Hip Pain? Arthritis

Millions of Americans suffer from some type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is the leading cause of hip pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage around a joint (in this case, the hip) gets worn away, resulting in bone-on-bone grinding. Pain and inflammation are caused by your bones rubbing against each other, which can make basic actions like walking, sitting, or even laying down difficult. Other causes of hip pain include rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis (death of bone caused by insufficient blood supply), injury and bone tumors.

How ROSA Hip Technology Works

Before surgery

Prior to surgery, you’ll get a series of X-rays done, which will help your surgeon create a personal plan for your surgery at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center. Your personalized plan plus data collected during your surgery will provide immediate feedback to your surgeon, resulting in a surgery completely customized to you.

During surgery

The surgical procedure using the ROSA Hip robot is similar to conventional hip replacement, but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has been specially-trained to use the ROSA Hip robot to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to understand that the robot does not operate on its own. Your surgeon is in the operating room the entire time and is making all the decisions throughout your surgery. During your procedure, your surgeon will take several X-rays, which the robot will use to provide real-time data to your surgeon. This information, combined with your surgeon’s skill, helps him/her know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy.

When performing your procedure with ROSA Hip, your surgeon will use a direct anterior approach (incision on the front of your hip) using a 3 to 6 inch incision on the front of your leg, compared to a 10 to 12 inch incision on the side or back of your leg with a conventional hip replacement procedure. The direct anterior approach is a muscle sparing approach that has been shown to have better outcomes at three years after surgery compared to a traditional posterior approach (incision on the back of your hip).3 This approach has also been shown to reduce the risk of dislocations compared to the posterior approach. A dislocation occurs when the ball of your hip joint comes out of the socket.

Every patient’s surgical experience may differ, but the minimally invasive, direct anterior approach with ROSA Hip is designed to:

Improve accuracy of cup positioning compared to traditional hip replacement using the same direct anterior approach.
Reduce dislocation rates after total hip replacement compared to a posterior approach.
The direct anterior approach has been associated with a faster recovery and less pain.
Less radiation exposure as a CT Scan is not required.

After surgery

Following surgery, you may be hospitalized based upon the recovery plan your surgeon decides is best for you. Upon returning home you will need to continue taking your regular medications and exercising as directed by your surgeon or physical therapist. Walking, remaining active and practicing the required exercises are the quickest ways to full recovery.

Recovery time varies, but most people should be able to drive after one to twelve weeks, and return to sporting activities between three to six months after surgery depending on the level and demand of the sport. Your surgeon will tell you when and what activities you can return to and what activities to avoid.

The decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult.

We hope this has helped you understand the ROSA Hip robot so you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon. The decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope this has helped you understand the ROSA Hip robot so you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon.

Meet our physicians

Daniel Severance, DO

Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon

Jonathan Dunker, DO

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon

Michael Florack, MD

Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon

Patrick Riggle, DO

Orthopedic and Hip/Knee Surgeon

Thomas Florack, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic Surgeon

Important Notes

Results are not necessarily typical, indicative, or representative of all recipient patients. Results will vary due to health, weight, activity and other variables.

Complications: It is important to understand the risks involved. There are potential complications both during and after surgery. Generally, these include infection, blood clots, pneumonia, implant loosening, nerve damage, bone fracture and implant breakage; any of which can require additional surgery. While joint replacement is generally successful in lowering pain levels and increasing mobility, some patients will continue to experience pain and your doctor may permanently restrict certain activities that could damage and wear out your new hip parts. Ask your doctor to explain other surgery risks.