For over three years, a chemical engineer in his early 50s, working in Malaysia, lived with pain that gradually stole his mobility, independence, and peace of mind. Every step reminded him of what he had lost – long walks, work trips, even simple tasks like tying his shoelaces. His limp in the right leg wasn’t just physical; it weighed heavily on his spirit too.
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Dr. Narayan Hulse – A leading orthopaedic surgeon specializing in robotic joint replacement
Determined to find a solution, he consulted multiple surgeons in Delhi and Mumbai, but none could offer lasting relief. Doctors told him he had Avascular Necrosis (AVN) – a condition that cuts off blood supply to the hip bone, causing it to weaken and collapse. His problems began after a COVID-19 infection, and though he underwent two surgeries in Mumbai, neither brought relief. As an engineer, he believed in science and precision. He had done his research. He wasn’t afraid of surgery – but he was tired of failure.
Then, he came across a therapy he hadn’t heard much about before: Robotic Direct Anterior Hip Replacement (DAA).
That decision changed everything.
A Modern Twist to a Classic Surgery
Total hip replacement isn’t new. It has helped millions walk again. But what’s different about the Robotic Direct Anterior Approach is how it’s done – and what it avoids.
Most traditional hip replacements access the joint from the back (posterior) or side (lateral), often cutting through or detaching essential muscles. This could lead to more pain, a longer recovery, and a higher risk of dislocation.
With the DAA technique, the surgeon enters from the front of the hip, sliding between muscles rather than cutting through them. This muscle-sparing approach, combined with robotic guidance, makes the surgery less invasive, highly precise, and allows for faster healing. It is becoming a preferred approach worldwide for these reasons.
Precision Meets Recovery: The Power of Robotic Assistance
Robotic technology does not replace the surgeon – it enhances the surgeon’s accuracy. Before surgery, a 3D model of the patient’s hip is created. This helps the surgeon decide the exact size, position, and angle of the implant needed.
During the operation, the robot provides real-time feedback, ensuring the implant is placed exactly where it should be. This minimizes errors such as leg length mismatch and poor alignment – common concerns in traditional surgeries.
The Engineers Turnaround
For our 53-year-old patient, the first robotic DAA surgery on his left hip involved an incision of just about 8 cm – less than half the size of traditional cuts. Because no major muscles were cut, he was able to stand and walk with support on the very same day.
Four months later, his second hip was replaced using the same method. His recovery was smooth – no pain, no limping, no complications.
“After living with discomfort for so long, I couldn’t believe how quickly I was able to move again,” he said. “This therapy didn’t just fix my hips – it gave me back the rhythm of my life.”
What Makes Robotic DAA Therapy Stand Out
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Faster Recovery with Less Pain: Since no major muscles are cut, your body heals faster and with less discomfort.
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Smaller Incision, Less Scarring: The 8 cm cut means minimal skin and tissue damage.
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Better Accuracy with Robotic Help: The robot helps the surgeon position the new joint perfectly.
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Walk Sooner: Most patients can walk with support within hours of surgery.
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Balanced Leg Length: Robotic precision ensures both legs are equal in length – avoiding limping.
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Lasting Results: Accurate implant positioning improves durability and lowers the chance of needing revision surgery.
Expert Insight
Dr. Narayan Hulse, a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in robotic joint replacement, explains, “Robotic DAA therapy combines the best of both worlds – a minimally invasive front-access approach and the unmatched precision of robotic technology. The result is a safer, faster, and more natural recovery for patients. However, surgeons should train themselves properly and hospitals should acquire the required technology and instrumentation to provide this service to needy patients.”
The Takeaway
This isn’t just about a new kind of surgery – it’s about a new kind of life after surgery. For patients living with AVN, arthritis, or chronic hip pain, Robotic DAA Hip Replacement therapy offers not just hope but a real, science-backed solution.
If walking has become a struggle and pain your new normal, know that you have options. Thanks to advancements like Robotic DAA, those options are better, faster, and more reliable than ever before.
If you or a loved one suffers from chronic hip pain, consult an orthopedic specialist to learn if Robotic DAA Hip Replacement is right for you.
