Robotic-assisted Hip Replacement

A robotic system designed to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive hip replacement surgery with improved precision and reduced costs.

Research Overview

This project focuses on developing an innovative, cost-effective robotic system to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The system aims to develop a low-cost minimally invasive robot system to assist with THR surgery that can automatically plan and prepare for the accurate placement of the components.

Grants

This project is supported by 4 grants across the government and industries, including one grant supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant.

Key Features

  • Minimally Invasive Approach: The robotic system is designed to enable surgery through smaller incisions, leading to faster patient recovery and reduced complications.
  • Cost-Effective Design: Innovative engineering solutions to reduce manufacturing and operational costs without compromising surgical precision.
  • Enhanced Surgical Precision: Advanced control algorithms and real-time tracking ensure accurate placement of hip implants.
  • Surgeon-Centric Interface: Intuitive user interface and control system designed with input from experienced orthopedic surgeons.

Research Team

This project involves collaboration between UTS, The University of Edinburgh, RMIT University, and the experienced knee and hip clinicians at Concord Hospital.

Details

Medical Robotics

Development of a Low-Cost Minimally Invasive Robot System for Hip Replacement

2024 - Present Funded by Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant

Project Description

This project focuses on developing an innovative, cost-effective robotic system to help surgeons in performing minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The system aims to assist with surgery that can automatically plan and prepare for the accurate placement of the components.

Research Outcomes

  • Li, T., Walker, P., Hammoud, D., Zhao, L. and Huang, S., 2025. Partial-to-Full Registration based on Gradient-SDF for Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery. In IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA).

Demo Video

Phantom demonstration of robotic-assisted surgical system for total hip replacement

Demonstration of the bone registration for computer-assisted orthopedic surgery.

SLAM Technology

Evaluation of the Accuracy and Feasibility of using Electromagnetic Sensors in Hip Replacement

Jul 2023 – Jun 2024 Funded by 360 Med Care Pty Ltd, Australia

Research Outcome

  • Li, T., Song, Y., Walker, P., Pan, K., van de Graaf, V.A., Zhao, L. and Huang, S., 2023, October. A Closed-Form Solution to Electromagnetic Sensor Based Intraoperative Limb Length Measurement in Total Hip Arthroplasty. In International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention (pp. 365-375). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.

Demo Video

A Closed-form Solution to Electromagnetic Sensor Based Intraoperative Limb Length Measurement in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Electromagnetic Sensors

Evaluation and Improvement of the Robot Systems for Assisting Hip Replacement

Feb 2022 – Jun 2023 Funded by PMSW Research Pty Ltd, Australia

Research Outcomes

  • Li, T., Walker, P., Khonasty, R., van de Graaf, V.A., Yelf, E., Zhao, L. and Huang, S., 2024. Robotic‐assisted burring in total hip replacement: A new surgical technique to optimise acetabular preparation. The International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, 20(1), p.e2615.
  • Walker, P., Li, T*, Khonasty, R., Ponnanna, K.M., Kuo, A., Zhao, L. and Huang, S., 2022. Proof of concept study for using UR10 robot to help total hip replacement. The International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, 18(2), p.e2359.

Demo Video

Cadaver Experiment of Robotic Burring System for Total Hip Replacement Surgery.