What is robotic hip replacement?
Robotic-assisted hip replacement uses a CT-based 3D plan and a surgeon-controlled robotic arm to place your new hip implants with a level of accuracy that is very difficult to achieve by hand alone. The robot does not perform the surgery — Dr Mooney remains in control of every step — but it gives him real-time feedback on cup angle, leg length and femoral offset, so the implant is positioned exactly where it was planned to go.
The accuracy of implant positioning is one of the most important factors in how well a hip replacement performs and how long it lasts. When the cup sits at the right angle and leg length is restored precisely, the hip feels natural, moves through its full range, and wears evenly.
“The MAKO system lets me plan your specific hip, on your specific anatomy, before I walk into theatre. By the time I make the incision, I already know exactly where every implant is going. That kind of precision is hard to replicate freehand.”
— Dr Luke Mooney
Dr Luke Mooney was one of the first surgeons in Australia to complete a dedicated fellowship in robotic-assisted joint replacement, in Perth in 2016, and teaches robotic hip and knee replacement to other orthopaedic surgeons at national instructional courses. His research and teaching record sets out the detail.
How it works — three stages
Stage 1 — Pre-operative CT and 3D plan
Before surgery, a CT scan of your hip and pelvis is used to build a 3D model of your individual anatomy. Dr Mooney reviews the model and plans cup size, position, femoral stem size, and projected leg length and offset — all before you come to theatre.
Stage 2 — Robotic execution in theatre
On the day of surgery, the MAKO plan is loaded into the theatre system. Tracking arrays are attached to the pelvis and femur so the robot follows your anatomy in real time. As Dr Mooney prepares the bone and places the implants, the system gives live feedback and constrains bone preparation to the planned safe zone.
Stage 3 — Confirmation before closure
Before the incision is closed, the system confirms the final implant position against the plan. If fine adjustments are needed, they are made before you leave theatre.
Dr Mooney’s preferred combination for most primary hip replacements is robotic assistance delivered through the direct anterior approach (DAA). See the DAA Hip Replacement page for details.
What to expect after surgery
Day 1Walking with a frame or stick, usually within hours of surgery.
Week 1–2Walking with a stick. No posterior precautions when DAA is used.
Week 2–3Return to driving an automatic car (subject to medication clearance).
Week 4–6Return to light work and most daily activities.
3 monthsSwimming, walking, stationary cycling, golf, bowls.
6–12 monthsFull recovery for most patients.
