Handheld Robot Poised to Revolutionize Knee Replacement Surgery

By Matthew Richardson

CLINTON, MO – January 08, 2026 – A groundbreaking study led by a surgeon in rural Missouri is signaling a major shift in orthopedic surgery, potentially making high-precision, robotic-assisted knee replacements accessible to millions more patients. Dr. James Womack, an orthopedic surgeon at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare (GVMH), is the lead author of a peer-reviewed paper published in the prestigious Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics detailing the successful early outcomes of a next-generation handheld robotic system for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

The study, titled “A Novel Handheld Wireless Robot for Total Knee Arthroplasty: Early Experiences and Clinical Results,” presents compelling evidence that a smaller, more versatile robotic tool can deliver the same, if not better, results than the large, complex systems currently dominating the market. This development, originating not from a major metropolitan research university but from a community-focused hospital in west-central Missouri, underscores a significant trend toward the democratization of advanced medical technology.

A New Frontier in Robotic Surgery

The field of robotic-assisted surgery has been dominated for years by large, console-based systems like Stryker’s Mako and Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA. These platforms, while effective, often require significant capital investment, dedicated operating room space, and extensive pre-operative planning, including CT scans. This can limit their adoption to larger, well-funded hospital systems.

The device featured in Dr. Womack's study represents a paradigm shift. Its handheld, wireless design offers surgeons robotic precision in a compact, streamlined format. The research demonstrated that this novel system achieves highly precise implant alignment and strong functional outcomes for patients, all while maintaining efficient operating times. Critically, the study reported no adverse events related to the technology, highlighting its safety profile in these initial cases.

“This research represents an exciting step forward in how we approach joint replacement surgery,” Dr. James Womack stated in the announcement. “Our goal is always to provide patients with the safest, most precise and most effective care possible. Contributing to technology that may improve outcomes for patients everywhere is something I am incredibly proud to be part of.”

The key advantage lies in its potential to uncouple robotic accuracy from bulky, expensive hardware. By placing the robotic intelligence directly into the surgeon's hand, the system could drastically lower the barrier to entry for smaller hospitals and surgery centers, allowing them to offer the latest in joint replacement techniques without a multi-million-dollar capital outlay.

The Surgeon Behind the Innovation

This breakthrough is spearheaded by a surgeon with deep roots in both advanced technology and community care. Dr. James Womack, a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and a Fellow of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, has been a cornerstone of GVMH since 2011. With over 1,500 robotic-assisted surgeries performed, his experience is extensive. His career demonstrates a long-standing commitment to leveraging technology for patient benefit.

This is not his first time at the forefront of surgical innovation in the state. In 2021, Dr. Womack performed Missouri's first total knee replacement using Think Surgical's second-generation TSolution One robot, another advanced system. His continuous engagement with cutting-edge tools and his role as a co-author on this national research effort position him as a key opinion leader in the orthopedic field. His work, which includes presentations at prominent Orthopaedic Research Society Meetings, shows a dedication to advancing the science of surgery that extends far beyond his own operating room.

Dr. Womack's practice at GVMH, where about half of his work is total joint arthroplasty, provides the perfect environment to evaluate and refine such technologies in a real-world setting, directly benefiting the community he serves.

A Market Ripe for Disruption

The timing for such an innovation could not be better. The market for orthopedic surgical robots is experiencing explosive growth. Valued at over $1.7 billion in 2024, some projections estimate it will soar to over $8 billion by 2034. Total knee arthroplasty is the driving force behind this expansion, accounting for the largest share of procedures.

Patient and surgeon demand for robotic assistance is skyrocketing. Utilization of robotic-assisted TKA is projected to account for over 70% of all knee replacements in the United States by 2030, a staggering increase from just over 3% in 2022. This exponential adoption curve creates immense pressure on healthcare systems to acquire robotic capabilities.

A portable, cost-effective handheld system could dramatically disrupt this landscape. By offering a competitive alternative to the established giants, it introduces a new vector of competition based on accessibility and efficiency, not just on feature sets of the largest platforms. This could accelerate adoption rates even further, particularly in untapped markets.

Bringing World-Class Care Home

Perhaps the most significant impact of this technology will be felt far from urban centers. For nonprofit organizations like Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, the mission is to deliver what they call 'The Golden Standard of Care'—world-class service delivered with heart. The introduction of a versatile robotic system aligns perfectly with that ethos.

Rural healthcare facilities have historically faced significant barriers in adopting advanced medical technologies due to cost, infrastructure requirements, and the challenge of attracting and retaining specialized staff. Patients in these communities often have to travel long distances for specialized procedures, creating burdens of time, cost, and separation from their local support systems.

The work being done at GVMH demonstrates a viable path forward. By participating in and leading research on more accessible technologies, regional hospitals can become hubs of innovation, ensuring their communities are not left behind. A handheld robotic system makes it feasible to perform state-of-the-art surgery in Clinton, Missouri, with the same precision one might expect in a major metropolitan hospital. This empowers patients to receive exceptional care close to home, improving not only their surgical outcomes but their overall recovery experience. This pioneering work serves as a powerful example of how focused innovation can bridge the gap in healthcare access, truly making world-class care a local reality.