Robotic Knee Replacement Enables Same-Day Walking at CHA Hollywood

CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center will host a free health seminar for the Korean American community, introducing its latest advancement in robotic knee replacement surgery. Dr. William Long, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the first robotic knee replacement in Los Angeles, will present results from over 1,000 procedures he has conducted, including recovery outcomes.

The hospital first introduced robotic partial knee replacement in 2008. Unlike traditional full joint replacement, this approach uses robotic precision to treat only the damaged area of the knee or hip without removing the entire joint.

The technique addresses several limitations of older procedures. By leveraging advanced robotics, the surgery is customized to each patient, preserving ligaments and avoiding muscle incisions. This minimally invasive approach allows many patients to begin walking with assistance on the same day as the procedure.

“Traditional knee replacement involved cutting the bones above and below the knee and severing ligaments, which caused significant pain and extended recovery times,” said Dr. Long. “Our robotic method measures and targets only the damaged cartilage, reducing the incision and preserving ligaments to help patients maintain balance.” He noted that robotic hip surgeries are also performed without cutting muscle, using a similarly less invasive approach.

Patients with Medicare coverage can undergo the robotic procedure without needing special pre-approval.

To support this surgical method, CHA Hollywood has continued investing in state-of-the-art equipment. This year, the hospital added new technology that allows for precise measurement of the surgical area, enabling the robot to safely and accurately insert the artificial joint.

“Robotic joint replacement surgery is supported by extensive clinical data,” emphasized Dr. Long. “Its effectiveness has been well demonstrated.”

The CHA Hollywood health seminar will take place on June 28 at 10 a.m. in the Doctors Tower Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont Ave. Attendees will receive lunch and be eligible for prize giveaways.

BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]