Robotic-Assisted Shoulder Replacement: What Is It?
- marianofurrer
- Dec 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Robotic-assisted shoulder replacement is one of the most exciting advances in our field, and many patients want to understand what it means for them. As the first surgeon in the Greater Sacramento region to perform robotic-assisted reverse shoulder replacement, I’ve seen firsthand how this technology can enhance precision in the operating room.
Here are the five questions I get asked most often — and how I explain them in simple, straightforward terms.
1. What exactly is a robotic shoulder replacement?
One of the first things I tell patients is this: A robot is not doing your surgery. I am.
Robotic-assisted shoulder replacement means I use a highly accurate planning and guidance system during your operation. Before surgery, I create a 3D model of your shoulder using a CT scan. This allows me to plan the exact position of your implants down to millimeters and degrees — something that simply isn’t possible with X-rays alone.
During surgery, the robotic system helps me execute that plan with exceptional precision, but I remain in full control the entire time.
2. Does using a robot make the surgery more accurate?
In my experience — and based on early research — the answer is yes.
Robotic assistance can help me:
Place implants more precisely
Reduce the chance of components ending up too tilted or rotated
Reproduce the surgical plan more consistently from patient to patient
Shoulder replacements are extremely sensitive to small changes in alignment. Even a few degrees can matter. Robotics gives me an extra layer of accuracy that may help lower the risk of complications such as loosening or abnormal wear.
3. Will the robot be performing the surgery instead of you?
Absolutely not. I personally perform every part of your surgery. The robot doesn’t operate independently, make decisions, or replace surgical skill. It’s simply a precision tool that helps me execute an optimal surgical plan.
I like to compare it to driving with GPS. You’re still the one behind the wheel — but you have better guidance.
4. Am I a good candidate for robotic-assisted shoulder replacement?
Most patients are. Robotic assistance can be particularly useful if you have complex bone wear or deformity.
I review your scans and your goals to decide whether robotics will give us meaningful advantages in your specific case. My recommendation is always personalized.
5. Will my recovery be different with robotic-assisted surgery?
The overall recovery timeline is very similar to traditional shoulder replacement because the implants and the surgical goals are the same.
What you can expect:
A sling for the first few weeks
Guided physical therapy
Gradual return of daily activities
Major improvements by 3 months
Continued strength gains up to a year
Some patients feel more confident knowing their implants were placed exactly where intended, but the recovery process itself is very familiar.
My take-home message
Being the first surgeon in Greater Sacramento to perform robotic-assisted reverse shoulder replacement has given me a unique perspective on how this technology can help patients. Robotics doesn’t replace surgical judgment — it enhances it. It helps me deliver the most accurate, consistent version of the procedure possible, tailored to your anatomy.
If you’re living with shoulder pain or arthritis and wondering whether robotic-assisted replacement may be right for you, I’m here to walk you through it.
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