Overview
Using innovative joint replacement methods, Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeons reconstruct thousands of hip and knee joints each year. Treatments include routine and complex total hip and knee replacement, revision of previously replaced joints that have worn out or failed, partial knee replacement, hip resurfacing, and arthroscopic knee surgery. You may also be a candidate for robotic assisted surgery which will be determined by your physician.
Our specialists care for a variety of hip and knee problems, including joints that have been damaged by arthritis and injuries. They are experts in treating painful and infected joint replacements, including the most complex problems associated with severe bone deficiencies. Following surgery, specially trained physical therapists provide individualized care to help ensure long-term success.
Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeons also treat difficult fracture problems such as pelvic/acetabular (hip socket) injuries, complex long-bone fractures especially when near the joint, bone infections, and fractures that have difficulty healing.
Treatment Guides
Looking for reliable information on hip and knee problems? Cleveland Clinic's Orthopaedic & Rheumatologic Institute offers many free treatment guides covering a broad range of health information.
What We Treat
What We Treat
Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery
What is robotic joint replacement?
- The robotic-arm assisted replacement is the latest technology that is transforming the way knee and hip replacements are being performed. It provides each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.
Who should get this surgery?
- Robotic joint replacement surgery is intended for use in individuals with joint disease and related persistent knee or hip pain resulting from degenerative, rheumatoid or post-traumatic arthritis who have not had success with non-surgical treatment.
What are the advantages of the robotic-assisted technology?
- The robot operates with an unparalleled level of accuracy and precision
- The surgeon can create a surgical plan that takes into account the unique anatomy of the patient, making it easier for the surgeon to choose the correct implant size and placement
- Surgeons can do a virtual run-through prior to the actual surgery and adjust the surgical plan if needed to better execute the removal of the bone during surgery.
Does the robot actually perform the surgery?
- The robot doesn’t perform the surgery, nor can it make decisions or move on its own without the guidance of an orthopaedic surgeon.
Will the incision be smaller/shorter using this technology?
- The incision is the same size as with traditional surgery. There may also be a second one-inch long incision in which a temporary tracking device will be placed.
What happens if the robot (computer) “crashes” during the procedure?
- The surgeon proceeds without the use of the robot, and the surgery becomes a manual/traditional procedure.
What is the typical hospital stay and rehabilitation timeline following robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery?
- Most patients can expect to spend just one night in the hospital following surgery. Select patients who are healthy enough can go home the same day. Most hip replacement patients are back to normal activity within three to four weeks, and most knee replacement patients are back to normal activity within five to seven weeks.
Is there an additional cost to utilize the robotic-assisted technology?
- Every case and individual is different. Please consult your insurance company regarding coverage questions.
Where is this surgery performed?
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is available at multiple Cleveland Clinic hospitals.
- Patients can see their Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic physician at any Cleveland Clinic facility for pre- and post-operative care. Virtual visits are also available for post-operative care.
For more information, please call 216.363.5769.
Virtual Visits
Virtual visits with Orthopaedics
You can now stay connected to your healthcare team through virtual visits, using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Why go virtual? It's an easy, convenient and secure way to see your provider face-to-face without having to leave home. This saves you travel time, parking fees and time spent in the waiting room — and you can also have a loved one or caregiver join you. If appropriate, you can also get a prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
Scheduled virtual visits
Scheduled virtual visits allow you to see your provider for a follow-up visit online, instead of making another trip to the doctor. This is an appointment that’s scheduled in advance — like a regular in-person appointment.
Established patients can schedule follow-up care appointments such as:
- Post-Surgical & wound check visits.
- Fracture care follow-up.
- Injection follow-up.
- Musculoskeletal injury follow-up.
- Per-operative teaching prior to surgery.
Interested in getting started? Call your provider to find out what virtual visit options are available at 216. 445.2827.
On-demand virtual visits
New patients with common knee injuries or knee pain can see our orthopaedic specialists virtually without an appointment on Monday’s from 9 a.m. to Noon p.m. EST.
What is the cost of an orthopaedic virtual visit?
- New patients: $75
- Follow-up visits: $49
- Post-surgical visits: $0*
- Fracture care visits: $0*
*Please note: Must be within 90 days of incident.
Many insurance companies cover the cost of virtual visits, so check with your insurance company ahead of time.
Appointments & Locations
To make an appointment with any of our hip or knee specialists, call toll-free 866.275.7496 or local 216.444.2606.
Virtual second opinion
If you cannot travel to Cleveland Clinic, help is available. You can connect with Cleveland Clinic specialists from any location in the world via a phone, tablet, or computer, eliminating the burden of travel time and other obstacles.
If you’re facing a significant medical condition or treatment such as surgery, this program provides virtual access to a Cleveland Clinic physician who will review the diagnosis and treatment plan. Following a comprehensive evaluation of medical records and labs, you’ll receive an educational second opinion from an expert in their medical condition covering diagnosis, treatment options or alternatives as well as recommendations regarding future therapeutic considerations. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to speak with the physician expert directly to address questions or concerns.
- Learn more about virtual second opinions.
