Precision in practice: Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery at Pius Hospital, Oldenburg
At Pius Hospital Oldenburg, robotic-assisted knee surgery delivers precision, efficiency, and education. DEO.care’s digital twin confirmed a streamlined workflow. Five replacements are completed before 2:30 PM, with reduced staff workload and consistent outcomes. Together, these factors set a benchmark for surgical performance.
At Pius Hospital Oldenburg, a University Hospital in Germany, excellence in patient care goes hand in hand with a deep commitment to surgical education. Known for its leadership in joint replacement surgery, the hospital has created a robotic-assisted surgery program that serves both as a model of clinical efficiency and a training ground for the next generation of surgeons.
DEO.care partnered with Professor Max Ettinger and Dr. Peter Savov, two highly experienced orthopaedic surgeons, to analyze OR workflows and assess whether further efficiencies could be unlocked using digital twin technology.
A model of operational consistency
The DEO.care digital twin revealed a highly optimized process. Robotic-assisted primary knee surgeries were executed with precision and pace resulting in five total knee replacements completed before 2:30 PM. The robot is integrated into the workflow in a time-neutral way, meaning the duration of surgeries with robotic assistance is comparable to those done without it.
Five total knee replacement procedures are typically completed between 7.30am and 2.30pm.
What drives this level of performance? At its core is a team-based approach:
Clearly defined roles and responsibilities extend beyond the surgeons to include nurses and anesthesiologists.
Processes are smooth, consistent, and well-rehearsed, contributing to fast turnover times and predictable outcomes.
Based on NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) assessments, team members reported a reduced sense of workload demand compared to procedures completed without robotic assistance
Perhaps most notably, both surgeons follow consistent process flows, ensuring predictable execution and repeatable success regardless of who is leading the case.
Applying Robotics to Complex Cases
Pius Hospital stands out not only for its efficiency in primary knee surgery but also for its confident application of robotic assistance in revision surgeries, a domain where variability is often the norm.
The team reported an increased trust in the accuracy and execution of procedures, supported by the robotic surgical system and the well-prepared team around them.
Opportunity for reducing OR time
Even with an already high-performing process, DEO.care's analysis identified an additional opportunity: by doing more activities in parallel rather than sequentially, the team could reclaim up to an hour in the surgical day. Being a University Hospital, Professor Ettinger noted that an hour saved in the operating room can translate into meaningful opportunities for teaching and mentoring, not just operational gains.
A benchmark for efficiency
Pius Hospital's approach to robotic-assisted knee surgery offers a compelling example of operational excellence in action. Their ability to maintain speed, safety, and consistency, while integrating teaching and innovation, demonstrates what's possible when the entire OR team is aligned around process, roles, and outcomes.
As more hospitals look to scale their robotic-assisted surgical programs, the Pius Hospital model shows that with the right structure, technology can drive both clinical efficiency and educational impact.