In Episode 34 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle examines robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty through the lens of current research. She explains what robotic assistance actually does during surgery, where it improves technical precision, and why those advantages don’t automatically translate into faster recovery or better long-term outcomes for every patient. She also discusses newer MAKO-specific evidence suggesting modest functional benefits at certain timepoints, while emphasizing the importance of surgeon experience, individualized decision-making, and a strong recovery plan.More information at totalkneesuccess.com. What will you do in the two weeks before surgery? Click on this link: totalkneesuccess.kit.com/free2weeklaunchMedical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.ReferencesSodhi K, Eaton-Brown J, Kumar PR, Adebayo O, Searle HKC, Metcalfe AJ, Davis ET, Khatri C. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty with MAKO is associated with improved functional outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone Jt Open. 2025;6(11):1382–1393. doi:10.1302/2633-1462.611.BJO-2025-0180.R1Kayani B, Konan S, Tahmassebi J, Pietrzak JRT, Haddad FS. Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved early functional recovery and reduced time to hospital discharge compared with conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty. Bone Joint J. 2018;100-B(7):930–937.Kayani B, Konan S, Huq SS, Tahmassebi J, Haddad FS. Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty has a learning curve of seven cases for integration into the surgical workflow but no learning curve effect for accuracy of implant positioning. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019;27(4):1132–1141.Marchand RC, Sodhi N, Anis HK, et al. One-year patient outcomes for robotic-arm-assisted versus manual total knee arthroplasty. J Knee Surg. 2019;32(11):1063–1068.Onggo JR, Onggo JD, De Steiger R, Hau R. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved mechanical alignment but similar clinical outcomes compared with conventional total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2020;106(7):1313–1323.Chen X, Li J, Cao F, Wang J, Huang Z. Robotic-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022;30(9):2917–2929.Zhang J, Ndou WS, Ng N, et al. Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved accuracy and patient-reported outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022;30(8):2677–2695.

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