Every year, the Hospital Authority performs more than 4,000 surgeries for hip and knee replacements. Although most of these procedures are successful, a small percentage of patients may experience early implant failure due to issues like loosening and dislocation. These problems are often caused by malalignment or technical errors.
In 2019, the University of Hong Kong took the lead in introducing robotic joint replacement surgery to the Asia Pacific region. Professor Henry Fu played a key role in developing this innovative surgical technique, having received training in robotic surgery overseas and setting up the robotic surgery service at Queen Mary Hospital. He has also trained local and international surgeons in this field. Robotic joint replacement surgery uses CT scans to plan the operation and relies on haptic guidance for precise bone removal and prosthesis implantation. This reduces the risk of surgical errors. Prof. Fu and his team have achieved excellent radiological and clinical outcomes using this novel robotic system, especially for patients with severe deformities.
In recent years, robotic joint replacement surgery has become increasingly popular. Several public and private hospitals have invested in orthopedic robotic systems, and many surgeons are showing a keen interest in this technology. This new surgical technique offers hope to patients with severe hip and knee deformities, allowing them to walk again and enjoy a better quality of life.