Who Is The Best Robotic Knee Surgeon On Long Island?

Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky, specializes in advanced robotic knee replacement on Long Island. As a Long Island native, he has served his local community since his early years as an EMT. He later attended Stony Brook University School of Medicine, where he ranked in the top 10% nationally and earned election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

With this advanced training, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky performs robotic joint replacement with a strong focus on precise knee alignment and better patient outcomes. He also treats complex cases through revision surgery for failed or painful joint implants. Alongside his clinical practice, he has authored peer-reviewed research on surgical technology. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment today at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine on Long Island.

Where Can You Find The Best Robotic Knee Surgeon On Long Island?

You can visit Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for advanced robotic knee replacement care on Long Island. Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky, uses robotics and computer navigation to improve surgical precision. He treats a wide range of knee conditions that cause severe knee pain and limit daily movement.

Before recommending surgery, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky evaluates your knee damage, joint alignment, and overall health. He also reviews prior knee treatments and imaging results to determine the right approach for your condition. Based on this evaluation, he designs a personalized care plan that addresses your knee condition and treatment goals. We also offer the following services to support your care from diagnosis through recovery:

Follow-Up Appointments

Regular visits allow Dr. Eric Lepkowsky to assess your progress after treatment or surgery. During each appointment, he checks your knee motion, incision, joint function, and recovery milestones. He can also adjust your postoperative care plan based on your recovery progress. This close supervision supports a safe recovery and better long-term results.

Coordinated Care Approach

Our team coordinates each phase of your knee treatment under one plan. For example, orthopedic specialists and the care team work together to reduce swelling, restore safe movement, and improve knee function. They also guide your rehabilitation and gradual return to daily activities or sports based on your progress. This approach provides consistent support from diagnosis through recovery.

Accepted Insurance Plans

We accept a range of insurance plans to provide broader access to orthopedic care. Our team can review your insurance information before your scheduled visit. This review provides clearer information about your coverage and available services. You can then discuss your treatment options with our team based on your clinical needs and insurance benefits.

Secure Online Patient Platform

Our online patient resources give you convenient access to important information throughout your orthopedic care. Through the secure patient portal, you can access available personal health information and communicate with your care team. Our practice also provides the following resources to support each phase of your care:

• Appointment Access: Review and manage your visits.
• Patient Testimonials: Review patient experiences with our orthopedic treatments.
• Referral Management: Access and manage your referrals.
• Treatment Instructions: Review guidance from your care team.

The platform also supports secure access to important details throughout your orthopedic care. This digital access keeps your records, referrals, appointments, and treatment information organized in one place.

Expert Second Opinions

You can request a second opinion if you want another expert assessment before knee surgery. Our orthopedic surgeons review your advanced imaging, medical history, and previous knee treatments. They then assess whether surgery or conservative treatments are appropriate for your condition. This expert review gives you clearer information before you choose a treatment plan.

Personalized Surgical Plan

Our surgeon, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky, develops your surgical plan around your knee anatomy and the extent of joint damage. He assesses alignment, ligament balance, and bone structure before the surgical procedure. He then uses robotic technology to guide precise implant placement based on your individual anatomy. This personalized approach supports accurate joint function and better long-term results.

How Do You Choose The Right Robotic Knee Surgeon?

To choose the right robotic knee surgeon, look for a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in joint replacement and extensive surgical experience. You should also consider the surgeon’s annual procedure volume and hands-on expertise with advanced robotics. This experience supports precise surgical planning and effective treatment for complex knee conditions.

You should also evaluate the following factors before you select an orthopedic surgeon:

• Clear communication: Choose a specialist who clearly explains your treatment options, surgical plan, and recovery goals.
• Hospital affiliations: Review affiliations with reputable medical centers, as they can reflect access to established standards of care.
• Hospital quality: Review surgical outcomes and infection rates to assess the facility’s quality and safety.

What Qualifications Should A Robotic Knee Surgeon Have?

A qualified specialist should complete a primary medical degree, followed by a recognized residency in orthopedic surgery. After residency, advanced fellowship training in joint replacement provides focused expertise in hip and knee procedures. The surgeon should also have extensive experience with conventional and robotic-assisted knee replacement techniques.

These qualifications support safe surgical planning, accurate implant alignment, and a high standard of orthopedic care. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our surgeon, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky, completed his orthopedic surgery residency in 2022. He then completed an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2023, with advanced training in hip and knee joint replacement.

Moreover, he actively participates in professional orthopedic organizations and has received academic, research, and service honors, such as:

• AAOS: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
• AAHKS: American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
• Alpha Omega Alpha: Medical honor society membership.
• Phi Beta Kappa: Academic honor society membership.
• OMeGA CME Fellowship: Fellow Scholarship Recipient, 2022–2023.
• Academic honors: Summa Cum Laude, Binghamton University, 2013.
• Community service: Award recipient at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 2017.
• Research excellence: Excellence in Research, Winthrop University Hospital, 2017.

Why Does A Surgeon’s Experience Matter For Knee Surgery?

Extensive surgical experience can improve the precision and safety of your knee replacement procedure. High-volume orthopedic surgeons often achieve accurate implant alignment, shorter procedure times, and lower complication rates. In fact, a PubMed study found that surgeons who perform more than 70 knee replacements each year have lower rates of revision and deep infection than lower-volume surgeons.

Experienced surgeons can also recognize complex knee anatomy and respond quickly to unexpected problems during surgery. As a result, precise surgical techniques can limit tissue damage and support a smoother physical recovery. Moreover, a surgeon’s experience determines the long-term results of knee replacement. Accurate implant placement can reduce joint stress, improve balance, and support earlier mobility after surgery.

Why Should You Read Patient Reviews Before Choosing A Surgeon?

Patient reviews can give you valuable insight into a surgeon’s clinical care, communication style, and office team. They can also show whether previous patients were satisfied with pain control, recovery support, and their overall treatment experience. Reviewing these real patient experiences, recovery satisfaction, and communication patterns can guide your choice of surgeon.

How Does Robotic Knee Surgery Work?

Robotic knee surgery uses an advanced computer system and robotic arm to guide precise bone preparation and implant placement. The robotic system does not operate independently, so your surgeon controls every step of the surgical procedure. Before surgery begins, your surgeon reviews advanced imaging, such as CT scans or X-rays, to assess your knee anatomy.

The computer uses these images to create a 3D model that guides implant size, position, and planned bone cuts. Your surgeon then uses this personalized plan to protect healthy tissue and improve implant alignment. During the procedure, tracking pins allow the system to monitor your knee position while the robotic tool guides bone preparation within planned boundaries.

Your surgeon also checks ligament balance and places trial components to assess knee motion and implant fit. Once these checks confirm proper position and stability, the surgeon secures the artificial joint and closes the incision. Depending on the extent of knee damage, robotic technology can support the following types of knee replacement:

• Total knee replacement: Replaces the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components.
• Robotic unicondylar knee replacement: Replaces one damaged knee compartment through an incision of about 4 to 6 inches.
• Bicompartmental knee replacement: Replaces two damaged compartments while preserving unaffected areas of the joint.
• Patellofemoral knee replacement: Replaces damaged surfaces between the kneecap and the groove at the front of the thigh bone.

How Can Robotic Knee Surgery Improve Outcomes?

Robotic technology can improve knee replacement results through precise bone preparation and personalized surgical planning. A 3D model allows your surgeon to plan implant position while preserving healthy bone through smaller, targeted adjustments. During surgery, real-time soft-tissue assessment also supports ligament balance, which can improve knee movement and joint function.

Beyond surgical precision, robotic-assisted knee replacement may offer the following benefits:

• Faster recovery: Precise surgical techniques may support earlier mobility and recovery.
• Less tissue damage: Targeted bone preparation can reduce trauma to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Improved alignment: Robotic guidance supports accurate implant position and joint alignment.
• Better stability: Real-time ligament assessment supports balanced knee movement.
• Less postoperative pain: Reduced tissue trauma may decrease discomfort during early recovery.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Robotic Knee Surgery?

You may qualify for robotic-assisted knee surgery if severe knee arthritis or joint damage causes persistent pain. Your surgeon may also recommend this procedure when conservative treatments, such as medications and injections, no longer provide adequate pain relief. In such cases, robotic-assisted knee replacement can replace damaged joint surfaces and restore knee function.

What Knee Joint Problems Can Robotic Surgery Treat?

Robotic total knee replacement can treat advanced knee osteoarthritis, severe cartilage loss, and joint deformity that affect normal knee function. It can also address post-traumatic arthritis and failed or painful knee replacements. In some cases, common knee conditions such as meniscus tears and ACL injuries can contribute to progressive joint damage, which may later require robotic knee replacement if severe arthritis develops.

Robotic knee replacement can also treat other advanced joint problems, such as:

• Inflammatory joint damage: Treats severe joint destruction linked to chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Severe joint deformity: Corrects major alignment problems such as bowlegs or knock-knees caused by arthritis.
• Avascular necrosis: Treats damaged knee bone after loss of blood supply, causing bone tissue death.
• Chronic joint instability: Addresses severe ligament damage and bone loss that affect knee stability.

What Should You Expect Before Total Knee Replacement?

Your doctor will complete a medical evaluation and review your health before your knee replacement procedure. They may also recommend physical therapy preparation and ask you to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs, based on your medical needs. Before surgery, you should also stop smoking as directed and prepare clear walking paths and assistive devices at home for a safer recovery.

Moreover, the following preparation steps can reduce safety risks and support a smoother return home after surgery:

• Eating and drinking: Follow your surgeon’s exact fasting instructions for food and fluids before surgery.
• Clear walking paths: Remove throw rugs, loose cords, and clutter that can increase your risk of falls.
• Easy item access: Place frequently used items at waist level to avoid unnecessary bending or reaching.
• Home assistance: Arrange for a family member or caregiver to drive you home and provide support during early recovery.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Knee Replacement?

Initial recovery after knee replacement usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks, while full strength, flexibility, and tissue healing can take up to one year. Your care team usually starts gentle movement and mobility exercises within 24 hours after surgery. Early rehabilitation supports joint motion, muscle strength, and overall quality of life. Your recovery typically progresses through the following key milestones as knee strength and mobility improve:

• Walking With Support (Days 1–2): Stand and walk with a walker or crutches, then start gentle knee exercises.
• Home Mobility (Weeks 1–2): Walk around your home with greater independence and work toward about 90 degrees of knee bend.
• Walking With Less Support (Weeks 3–4): Walk short distances with less support and practice stairs as strength improves.
• Return to Activities (Weeks 5–6): Progress toward unassisted walking and return to desk work or driving after medical clearance.
• Return to Exercise (Weeks 6–12): Resume approved activities such as swimming or stationary cycling and return to most daily routines.
• Full Strength Recovery (Months 3–12): Rebuild muscle strength and endurance as residual swelling and stiffness gradually decrease.

How Do Surgeons Monitor Recovery After Robotic Knee Surgery?

Surgeons track your progress through structured follow-up visits, often around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after surgery. During these visits, they check the incision for proper healing and signs of infection. They also assess swelling and measure how far your knee can bend and straighten.

As recovery progresses, your surgeon evaluates knee stability, muscle strength, and your ability to walk safely. These assessments show whether you can gradually reduce your use of a walker, crutches, or a cane. Your surgeon then adjusts your postoperative care based on your physical exam and functional progress.

Is Robotic Knee Replacement Better Than Traditional Surgery?

Yes, robotic knee replacement can provide greater precision and more accurate implant alignment than traditional surgery. It also allows your surgeon to balance the ligaments and adjust the implant position based on your knee anatomy. In contrast, traditional surgery uses manual instruments and standard guides for bone cuts and implant placement.

In fact, a systematic review published in the European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology compared robotic and traditional total knee replacement across 1,942 knees. Researchers found that robotic surgery provided significantly better anatomical alignment than traditional surgery (p < 0.00001). It also achieved significantly better mechanical alignment.

Another study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty compared 90-day outcomes after robotic-assisted and conventional total knee replacement. Researchers analyzed 96,982 patients, with 48,491 patients in each group. The study found the following differences in readmissions and healthcare use between the two approaches:

Robotic Knee Replacement	Traditional Knee Replacement
5.0% 90-day readmission rate	6.5% 90-day readmission rate
4.8 days readmission length	5.6 days readmission length
$66,769 readmission charges	$75,544 readmission charges
$78,125 initial procedure charges	$74,090 initial procedure charges
Lower postoperative pain risk	Higher postoperative pain risk
Lower mechanical readmission risk	Higher mechanical readmission risk

What Is The Success Rate Of Robotic Knee Surgery?

According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), robotic-assisted total knee replacement has an implant survivorship rate of about 98.3% at 2 years. The meta-analysis reviewed 20 comparative studies, with 2,599 robotic and 2,804 conventional knee replacements. However, your overall outcome can vary based on several factors, such as:

• Overall health: Existing medical conditions can affect surgical recovery.
• Knee damage: Severe bone or joint damage can affect surgical complexity.
• Implant alignment: Accurate positioning can support joint function and implant durability.
• Surgeon experience: Greater surgical expertise can support precise implant placement.
• Postoperative care: Proper follow-up and rehabilitation can support recovery progress.
• Activity level: High-impact activities can place greater stress on the knee implant.

Common Patient Scenarios

Knee problems can raise different concerns depending on your symptoms, joint damage, activity level, and response to previous treatment. Here are some common situations patients may face when deciding whether to seek specialized knee care:

My Knee Hurts When I Bend and Straighten It, but There Is No Swelling

Knee pain with bending and straightening may result from kneecap problems, meniscus injuries, tendon irritation, or early cartilage wear. These conditions can cause pain even without visible swelling. The cause can vary based on the location of the pain, recent injuries, and changes in activity. If the pain continues or limits movement, an orthopedic evaluation can identify the underlying problem and guide treatment.

I Was Told I May Need MACI Surgery, but I’m Worried About the Results

MACI surgery can improve knee function and reduce pain in selected patients with cartilage defects. Many patients can also return to active lifestyles after recovery. However, results can vary based on the defect size and location, age, knee alignment, and other joint damage. These differences can affect both recovery and the long-term results of the procedure.

My Knee Arthritis Is Getting Worse, but I’m Not Sure if I’m Ready for Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is often recommended when arthritis causes ongoing pain and limits daily activities. However, the decision also depends on joint damage seen on imaging, overall health, and response to previous nonsurgical treatment. Some patients may continue with nonsurgical care when it provides significant symptom relief.

I Have Knee Cartilage Damage and Want to Know if It Can Regrow Without Surgery

Adult knee cartilage has a limited ability to regrow because it lacks a direct blood supply. However, nonsurgical treatments may reduce symptoms and improve joint function in selected patients. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and extent of cartilage damage, age, activity level, and presence of arthritis. More extensive cartilage damage may require additional treatment if symptoms persist.

Book an Appointment with Our Knee Specialist, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky, in Long Island!

Severe knee pain can signal advanced joint damage that requires specialized orthopedic care or surgery. In such a case, finding an experienced surgeon who can safely address your condition is an important decision. You may also worry about surgical risks, recovery, time away from work, and regaining enough mobility to return to your daily activities.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our surgeon, Dr. Eric Lepkowsky, designs personalized treatment plans based on your knee damage and mobility goals. Before surgery, he discusses the procedure, possible risks, expected results, and recovery timeline. After the procedure, he guides your activity restrictions and mobility progression to support safe movement. Call 855-321-6784 or visit our clinics in Syosset, Massapequa, East Meadow, or Deer Park for personalized treatment.

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