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When knee arthritis pain limits walking, sleep and the activities you enjoy, and non-surgical treatment no longer helps, knee replacement can relieve pain and restore function. Dr. Dold performs total and partial knee replacement using the ROSA robotic system (Zimmer Biomet), and most patients go home the same day.

At a glance

  • Robotic-assisted total and partial knee replacement (ROSA)
  • Usually same-day outpatient surgery
  • A plan built around your anatomy
  • Non-surgical options are always discussed first

Who is a candidate?

  • Knee arthritis confirmed on X-ray
  • Pain that limits daily activities, walking or sleep
  • Not enough relief from therapy, weight management, bracing, medication or injections

Not sure if you’re ready? Dr. Dold will go over all of your options, including non-surgical knee arthritis care and joint-preserving surgery such as knee osteotomy.

How robotic knee replacement works

The ROSA system helps Dr. Dold plan and carry out the operation based on your knee’s anatomy. Information from X-rays and from the knee during surgery is used to plan the position of the implants, the alignment of the leg and the balance of the ligaments around the knee. Dr. Dold performs the surgery himself. The robot is a tool that provides data and guidance, and it doesn’t operate on its own.

Total vs. partial knee replacement

  • Total knee replacement resurfaces the whole joint and is the right choice for most patients with advanced arthritis.
  • Partial knee replacement replaces only the worn part of the knee when arthritis is limited to one compartment. It keeps more of your own knee, and Dr. Dold also performs it robotically as same-day surgery. In a randomized trial of 528 patients followed for 10 years, partial and total knee replacement had similar function, reoperation and revision rates.1

Watch Dr. Dold: robotic knee replacement videos

Same-day surgery and recovery

Most patients have their knee replacement as outpatient surgery and go home the same day. You’ll be up and walking with support soon after surgery, and physical therapy starts right away. Recovery continues over several months as strength and motion improve. Most patients can kneel after a knee replacement: in one study, 68% of knees could kneel with little or no difficulty without special training, and those who had trouble were able to kneel after a simple kneeling program.2 Dr. Dold’s team plans your medications, therapy and follow-up visits before surgery.

How long does a knee replacement last?

Based on national registry data, about 82% of total knee replacements and about 70% of partial knee replacements are still in place 25 years later.3 Most patients are satisfied with their new knee, but not everyone: in a large study, about 1 in 5 patients were not fully satisfied, and the strongest predictor was expectations that were not met.4 That is why Dr. Dold spends time before surgery talking through what a knee replacement can and cannot do for you.

Revision knee replacement

If a previous knee replacement has become painful, loose, unstable or infected, Dr. Dold evaluates the cause and performs revision (redo) knee replacement when needed. Second opinions are welcome.

Watch Dr. Dold: robotic knee replacement

Some of these videos show real surgery, so some viewers may prefer not to watch.

Total knee replacement with the ROSA robot
Robotic knee replacement: how the robot helps

More videos on Dr. Dold’s YouTube channel.

What the research shows

  • Replacement works when arthritis is advanced: in a randomized trial in the New England Journal of Medicine, knee replacement followed by rehabilitation relieved pain and improved function more than rehabilitation alone, although surgery carried more complications. Many patients in the non-surgical group still improved, which is why a structured exercise program is tried first.
  • Durability: pooled national registry data show that about 82% of total knee replacements last 25 years.
  • Partial vs. total: in the TOPKAT trial, partial and total knee replacement gave similar function and revision rates at 10 years for patients with arthritis in one compartment, with partial replacement being more cost-effective.
  • Robotic surgery: meta-analyses show robotic systems improve the accuracy of implant alignment. Randomized trials so far show patient-reported outcomes similar to conventional techniques, so robotics is a precision tool that helps the surgeon place the implant accurately.
  • Satisfaction: about 90% of patients are satisfied. Pre-surgery optimization (weight, blood sugar, stopping smoking) and realistic expectations help.
  • Safer surgery: tranexamic acid reduces blood loss and transfusion without increasing clot risk. Blood thinner choice after surgery is individualized; a large trial found more clots with aspirin than with injectable enoxaparin.
  • Recovery: prehabilitation improves strength before surgery; continuous passive motion machines add cost without benefit; and with careful patient selection, same-day surgery is safe.

What patients say

“Five stars simply don’t feel like enough for Dr. Dold! He performed both my right knee replacement and my left hip replacement, and I could not be happier with my results. I am now fully recovered, with full extension and full range of motion. Reaching this point has been incredibly rewarding, and I am so grateful for his expertise and outstanding care.

Beyond being an excellent orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dold is incredibly likable, approachable, and compassionate. His warm personality made me feel comfortable and confident in his care. Having two major joint replacements is a significant experience, and knowing I had a surgeon who truly cared about my recovery made all the difference.

His care continued well beyond the surgeries. He closely monitored my progress and consistently made sure I was comfortable throughout my recovery. I always felt supported and cared for, and I appreciated the attention he gave to how I was healing. That level of dedication means so much when you are working to regain your strength and mobility.

I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Dold to anyone considering joint replacement. He brings together surgical expertise, genuine kindness, and thoughtful follow-up care. I am thrilled with my recovery and deeply thankful to have had him as my surgeon. Thank you, Dr. Dold, for helping me reach such a wonderful outcome!”

Melin W. · Knee & hip replacement · Google

Patient reviews in their own words. Individual results vary. Read more patient reviews.

Why see Dr. Dold

  • Author of The Posteromedial Corner of the Knee: Anatomy, Pathology, and Management Strategies (JAAOS, 2017) and research on meniscal root repair and ACL reconstruction
  • Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS), the American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA) and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC)
  • Sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at NYU Langone / Hospital for Joint Diseases; orthopedic residency at the University of Toronto
  • Member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
  • D Magazine Best Doctors (Collin County), 2019–2026 · Rated 4.9 on Google
More questions answered: read Knee Replacement: 62 Questions Patients Ask, covering ROSA® robotics, kinematic alignment, implants, recovery, golf, dental antibiotics and research.

Frequently asked questions

What is robotic knee replacement?

A knee replacement in which a robotic system (ROSA) helps the surgeon plan and position the implants based on your anatomy. The surgeon performs the operation, and the robot provides data and guidance.

Can knee replacement be done as outpatient surgery?

Yes. Most of Dr. Dold’s knee replacement patients have outpatient surgery and go home the same day.

Am I a candidate for partial knee replacement?

Possibly, if your arthritis is limited to one part of the knee and your ligaments are healthy. Dr. Dold will review your X-rays and exam to find out.

How long does it take to recover from knee replacement?

Most patients walk with support soon after surgery and start therapy right away. Strength and motion keep improving over several months.

What if my knee replacement still hurts?

Dr. Dold evaluates painful knee replacements and performs revision surgery when it’s needed.

Research cited on this page

  1. Beard DJ, Davies LJ, Cook JA, et al. Assessing clinical and cost effectiveness of total versus partial knee replacement (TOPKAT): 10-year follow-up of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Rheumatol. 2026;8(2):e116-e126. PubMed
  2. Wallace SJS, Berger RA. Most patients can kneel after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2019;34(5):898-900. PubMed
  3. Evans JT, Walker RW, Evans JP, et al. How long does a knee replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports with more than 15 years of follow-up. Lancet. 2019;393(10172):655-663. PubMed
  4. Bourne RB, Chesworth BM, Davis AM, et al. Patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: who is satisfied and who is not? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2010;468(1):57-63. PubMed
  5. Skou ST, Roos EM, Laursen MB, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Total Knee Replacement. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(17):1597-606. PubMed
    Randomized trial (NEJM): knee replacement followed by non-surgical treatment gave greater pain relief and function at 12 months than non-surgical treatment alone, with more serious adverse events.
  6. Skou ST, Roos EM, Laursen MB, et al. Total knee replacement and non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis: 2-year outcome from two parallel randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018;26(9):1170-1180. PubMed
    Two-year follow-up: replacement plus non-surgical care remained more effective; two of three patients in the non-surgical group had not had surgery.
  7. Skou ST, Roos EM, Laursen M, et al. Cost-effectiveness of 12 weeks of supervised treatment compared to written advice in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a secondary analysis of the 2-year outcome from a randomized trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2020;28(7):907-916. PubMed
    Randomized trial: a supervised exercise and education program was cost-effective for moderate to severe knee arthritis in patients not eligible for replacement.
  8. Beard DJ, Davies LJ, Cook JA, et al. Total versus partial knee replacement in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis: the TOPKAT RCT. Health Technol Assess. 2020;24(20):1-98. PubMed
    TOPKAT trial: total and partial knee replacement had similar clinical outcomes, reoperation and complication rates at 5 years.
  9. Alrajeb R, Zarti M, Shuia Z, et al. Robotic-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2024;34(3):1333-1343. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: robotic knee replacement improved alignment accuracy, while clinical and functional outcomes were similar to conventional surgery.
  10. Daoub A, Qayum K, Patel R, et al. Robotic assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Robot Surg. 2024;18(1):364. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: robotic and conventional total knee replacement had similar function scores.
  11. MacDessi SJ, Wernecke GC, Ghadirinejad K, et al. Robotic-assisted surgery and functional alignment in total knee arthroplasty: the RASKAL registry-nested 2 × 2 factorial randomized trial. Bone Joint J. 2026;108-B:622-633. PubMed
    Randomized trial: robotic surgery with functional alignment was not better than computer-assisted surgery with mechanical alignment at 2 years.
  12. Young SW, Tay ML, Kawaguchi K, et al. The John N. Insall Award: Functional Versus Mechanical Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Arthroplasty. 2025;40:S20-S30.e2. PubMed
    Randomized trial: functional alignment needed fewer soft-tissue releases than mechanical alignment, with similar 2-year outcomes.
  13. Knapp PW, Nett MP, Scuderi GR. Optimizing Total Knee Arthroplasty With ROSA® Robotic Technology. Surg Technol Int. 2022;40:289-296. PubMed
    Review: early ROSA robotic knee studies show precise bone cuts, accurate alignment and low early revision rates.
  14. Rajgor HD, Mayne A, Munasinghe C, et al. Mako versus ROSA: comparing surgical accuracy in robotic total knee arthroplasty. J Robot Surg. 2024;18(1):33. PubMed
    Study: ROSA and Mako robotic systems had similar accuracy of component positioning.
  15. DeFrance MJ, Scuderi GR. Are 20% of Patients Actually Dissatisfied Following Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Arthroplasty. 2023;38(3):594-599. PubMed
    Systematic review: the average rate of dissatisfaction after knee replacement is about 10%.
  16. Gunaratne R, Pratt DN, Banda J, et al. Patient Dissatisfaction Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(12):3854-3860. PubMed
    Systematic review: factors associated with dissatisfaction after knee replacement and strategies to address them.
  17. Fillingham YA, Ramkumar DB, Jevsevar DS, et al. The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Network Meta-Analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(10):3090-3098.e1. PubMed
    AAOS-endorsed meta-analysis: topical, IV and oral tranexamic acid all reduce blood loss and transfusion in knee replacement.
  18. Fillingham YA, Ramkumar DB, Jevsevar DS, et al. The Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Direct Meta-Analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(10):3070-3082.e1. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: tranexamic acid did not increase the risk of blood clots after joint replacement.
  19. CRISTAL Study Group, Sidhu VS, Kelly TL, et al. Effect of Aspirin vs Enoxaparin on Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: The CRISTAL Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2022;328(8):719-727. PubMed
    CRISTAL trial (JAMA): aspirin led to more symptomatic blood clots (mostly below-knee) than enoxaparin within 90 days after hip or knee replacement.
  20. CRISTAL Study Group, Sidhu VS, Kelly TL, et al. Effect of Aspirin vs Enoxaparin on 90-Day Mortality in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Secondary Analysis of the CRISTAL Cluster Randomized Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(6):e2317838. PubMed
    CRISTAL follow-up: 90-day mortality was similar with aspirin and enoxaparin.
  21. Punnoose A, Claydon-Mueller LS, Weiss O, et al. Prehabilitation for Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(4):e238050. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: prehabilitation improves strength and function before knee replacement.
  22. Jia Z, Zhang Y, Zhang W, et al. Efficacy and safety of continuous passive motion and physical therapy in recovery from knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024;19(1):68. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: continuous passive motion machines did not improve motion or satisfaction and increased cost.
  23. Alrawashdeh W, Eschweiler J, Migliorini F, et al. Effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation programmes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Rehabil Med. 2021;53(6):jrm00200. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: modified rehabilitation programs did not systematically improve outcomes over standard approaches.
  24. Dey S, Gadde R, Sobti A, et al. The safety and efficacy of day-case total joint arthroplasty. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2021;103(9):638-644. PubMed
    Review: with careful patient selection and a dedicated protocol, same-day joint replacement is safe and effective.
  25. Hoffmann JD, Kusnezov NA, Dunn JC, et al. The Shift to Same-Day Outpatient Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(4):1265-1274. PubMed
    Systematic review: outpatient arthroplasty can be safe and effective for carefully selected patients.
  26. Zhang Q, Chen Y, Li Y, et al. Enhanced recovery after surgery in patients after hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Postgrad Med J. 2024;100(1181):159-173. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: enhanced recovery protocols shortened hospital stay and reduced transfusion without increasing complications.
  27. He Y, Omar M, Feng X, et al. Impact of smoking on the incidence and post-operative complications of total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2022;22(3):353-365. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: smoking increases complications and revision after joint replacement.
  28. Zhang J, Chen Z, Zheng J, et al. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism after total hip and total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2015;135(6):759-72. PubMed
    Meta-analysis: prior blood clots, varicose veins and heart failure were major risk factors for clots after joint replacement.
  29. Sundaram K, Udo-Inyang I, Mont MA, et al. Vascular Injuries in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JBJS Rev. 2020;8(1):e0051. PubMed
    Systematic review: major vascular injury occurs in about 0.05% of knee replacements.
Ready to get your knee checked? Request an appointment online or call 469-850-0680. Our staff will contact you by phone and text within an hour of your request (during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm). Same-day appointments available, and walk-in visits are welcome Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30–10:30 am.
Dr. Dold accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare. Please call 469-850-0680 to confirm your coverage.

Request an AppointmentCall 469-850-0680

Medically reviewed by Andrew P. Dold, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS, FRCSC. Last reviewed October 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice.