UHealth Tower West
1321 NW 14th St, Suite 306
Miami, FL 33125
Patient education · Compare
Robotic vs conventional hip and knee replacement
Michele R. D’Apuzzo, MD, is a University of Miami hip and knee surgeon in Miami. This page compares two ways to do a primary replacement. It does not claim one is better. A visit decides which plan fits you.
UHealth SoLé Mia
2111 Sole Mia Way, 3rd Floor
North Miami, FL 33181
Fair comparison
Same idea. Different tools.
Both methods replace worn hip or knee surfaces. AAHKS describes robotic assistance as a tool. The surgeon stays in control either way.
Instruments and the surgeon’s plan
The surgeon plans the replacement and uses standard instruments to prepare bone. This is still a modern operation. It is not a lesser operation.
3-D plan and guided bone work
Imaging can become a three-dimensional model. The robotic arm helps stay with the plan. Dr. D’Apuzzo operates. The robot does not operate on its own.
Pain, speed, or implant life
Neither method guarantees less pain, a faster recovery, or a longer-lasting implant. Rapid recovery is a pathway, not a promise.
When the robot is used
Many primary replacements. Not every case.
The robot is used for many primary hips and knees. Anatomy, the implant, and the plan that day can mean conventional instruments instead. It is not promised for every case.
Hip replacements here use a minimally invasive posterior / piriformis-sparing approach when anatomy allows. That is not an anterior or “bikini” pitch. The approach and the robot are separate choices.
Same-day discharge
A selected pathway. Not tied to the robot.
AAHKS treats outpatient joint replacement as a selected-patient pathway. Medical and home factors decide. The robot does not make same-day discharge automatic. See outpatient joint replacement.
Read robotic hip replacement and robotic knee replacement for how each operation is planned.
Does the robot operate by itself?
No. AAHKS describes robotic assistance as a tool. Dr. D’Apuzzo operates. The arm helps him stay with the plan.
Is robotic replacement better than conventional?
This page does not claim that. Both methods replace worn surfaces. The robot adds 3-D planning and guided bone work. It does not guarantee less pain, a faster recovery, or a longer-lasting implant.
Is the robot used for every hip and knee?
No. It is used for many primary replacements. It is not promised for every case.
Does robotic mean I go home the same day?
No. Same-day discharge is a selected pathway. It can be discussed with either method when medical and home factors line up.
Educational information. Not medical advice. Not a diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Michele R. D’Apuzzo, MD, August 30, 2026.
Call or book
Tower West or SoLé Mia.
Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm. After hours (urgent, not 911): (305) 243-1000.