If your knee joint becomes significantly damaged or the pain is severe, your orthopaedics specialist may suggest a total knee replacement. This robotic knee surgery procedure involves removing the damaged knee joint and replacing it with a prosthetic implant. The knee joint consists of three separate compartments: the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral. In some patients, only one compartment, typically the medial, is affected by osteoarthritis, leaving the other compartments intact. In a total knee replacement, the medial and lateral compartments are removed and replaced with an artificial joint, including the patellofemoral compartment, when necessary.

During the robotic total knee replacement procedure, the orthopaedic surgeon makes an incision in the knee with the help of robotic arms and shifts the patella (kneecap) aside. Any bone spurs, which can develop in osteoarthritis, are removed if present. Then, the surgeon removes the two menisci between the femur and tibia, as well as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and, in some cases, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

Depending on the type of knee replacement, the PCL might be preserved. In the main phase of the procedure, the surgeon removes cartilage and some bone from the upper part of the tibia and the lower sections of the femur. The femoral sections removed are the two knobby protrusions known as the femoral condyles. Metal implants are then placed on the tibia and femur to create new surfaces for the joint. The femoral component's surface is shaped to replicate the original femoral condyles. If the kneecap is also damaged, its underside may be resurfaced with a polyethene implant.

Lastly, the surgeon repairs the tissue layers with dissolvable sutures and closes the skin incision with sutures or surgical staples. A bandage is applied around the knee, and the patient is moved to recovery.