Robotic knee replacement surgery at Gundersen enhances precision and personalization 

Gundersen Health System continues to deliver love + medicine – now, through robotic joint replacement. Orthopedic surgeons are now using robotic-assisted surgery, making the experience less invasive, more personalized, and the recovery process faster.

To learn more, we chatted with Ron LeJeune. The 72-year-old retired IT manager was the first patient to undergo robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery.

“I would be cutting wood in the yard and would have to stop to ice my knee,” Ron says. He and his wife Ginny live on eight acres north of West Salem. “My knee has been bothering me for several years, but recently, it really began to deteriorate.”

How robotic joint replacement can help

Ron checked in for surgery on a Wednesday morning and by that afternoon, he was discharged. Within a week, he was only wearing a compression sock and no longer needed a cane or walker. He’s looking forward to golfing again – pain-free!

Chris Whalen, MD, orthopedic surgeon, performed the surgery using the CORI Surgical System. He assured Ron that even though robotics were assisting him, he would be in control.

“The robot is a tool. Prior to any bone being cut, the personalized plan is made based on anatomy and ligament tensions,” Dr. Whalen says. “While this technique allows for extreme precision and control, surgeon skill and experience are still important. We've been doing great knee replacements for a long time, but this lets us take it to the next level. Ron's a great example of how we can get people back on their feet and doing what matters to them quickly and reliably.” 

Robotic joint replacement at Gundersen

At Gundersen, all current total knee providers are offering robotic-assisted total knee replacement. Some providers are also offering robotic partial knee replacement and/or robotic total hip replacement. Gundersen uses the CORI Surgical System. No pre-op CT or MRI are required. Cori allows the surgeon to measure ligament tension or gaps before any bone cuts are made to develop a personalized plan for each patient. The robot then assists with the cuts, ensuring accuracy.

Do I need a referral for robotic-assisted joint replacement?

No! You do not need a referral for robotic-assisted joint replacement.* Our orthopedic and podiatry teams are available to help with any joint pain. We welcome self-referrals! To schedule an appointment for a consult with our team – and get back to the things you love – call (608) 775-2276.

*Some insurance plans may require a referral from a primary care provider.