Board-certified & fellowship-trained · ROSA® robotic-assisted hip & knee replacement · Oahu & Big Island 📞 (808) 439-6201

Robotic-Assisted Hip & Knee Replacement in Hawaii

Robotic hip & knee replacement in Hawaii, designed to help you walk again with confidence.

Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Paul Norio Morton uses ROSA® robotic-assisted technology with muscle-sparing approaches — the anterior (bikini) approach for hips and the subvastus approach for knees — plus rapid-recovery protocols, with same-day discharge for eligible patients. The robot assists with planning and real-time data; Dr. Morton controls every step.

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  • ✓ Board-certified
  • ✓ Fellowship-trained
  • ✓ FAAOS · FAAHKS
  • ✓ Top Doctor, Honolulu Magazine
  • ✓ Oahu & Big Island
Dr. Paul Norio Morton, board-certified, fellowship-trained robotic hip and knee replacement surgeon in Hawaii
Board-CertifiedOrthopedic surgeon
Fellowship-TrainedAdult hip & knee reconstruction
FAAOS · FAAHKSSurgical society fellow
Top DoctorHonolulu Magazine 2024 & 2025
Island-WideHonolulu, Waipahu, Hilo, Kona

Start Here

Is a hip or knee replacement right for me?

Joint replacement is usually considered when arthritis pain limits the things you need and love to do, and non-surgical care hasn't given you enough relief. These are common signs it may be time for an evaluation.

Not everyone with joint pain needs surgery. The first step is a clear, honest evaluation — and we offer non-surgical options too.

See if I'm a Candidate →

2-Minute Self-Check

Check if you're a candidate

Answer a few quick questions. This is educational only — not medical advice — and your answers stay on your device. At the end we'll point you to the best next step.

The Technology

What ROSA® does

ROSA® (Robotic Surgical Assistant) is a tool that supports your surgeon with planning and real-time data during your procedure.

Dr. Morton controls every step of your surgery. Research suggests robotic assistance may improve the accuracy of implant alignment and positioning compared with conventional instruments; individual results vary.

Dr. Paul Norio Morton, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS, robotic joint replacement surgeon in Honolulu, Hawaii

Why It Matters

The technology is only as good as the surgeon using it

A robot doesn't make a surgeon. Experience, training, and judgment do. With joint replacement, surgeon experience is one of the most important factors in your care.

Dr. Paul Norio Morton is Hawaii's first orthopedic surgeon fellowship-trained in robotic joint replacement. A Big Island local raised in Kea'au, he trained at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, completed an adult-reconstruction fellowship at the University of Chicago, and an AO Trauma fellowship in Berlin. He performed the first robotic-assisted joint replacement on the Big Island.

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
  • Fellowship-trained in adult hip & knee reconstruction
  • FAAOS · American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • FAAHKS · American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons
  • Honolulu Magazine Top Doctor, 2024 & 2025
Request an evaluation with Dr. Morton

Wondering if you're a candidate for robotic joint replacement?

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Robotic Knee Replacement

Muscle-sparing knee replacement with the subvastus approach

For knee replacement, Dr. Morton favors the subvastus approach, which works beneath the quadriceps muscle rather than cutting through the quad tendon. Preserving the extensor mechanism may support earlier leg control and mobility in selected patients.

  • Quadriceps-sparing — the quad tendon is left intact
  • Partial & total knee options, planned with ROSA®
  • Designed to support earlier mobility for eligible patients
  • Recovery varies; the subvastus approach is not right for everyone
Am I a knee candidate?

Robotic Anterior Hip Replacement

The anterior approach with a discreet bikini incision

For total hip replacement, Dr. Morton uses the direct anterior approach with a "bikini" incision placed along the natural groin crease. The anterior approach works between muscles rather than detaching them, and the bikini incision is designed to heal as a discreet scar.

  • Muscle-sparing internervous approach
  • Discreet, low-profile incision along the skin crease
  • Planned with ROSA® for implant positioning
  • May support early recovery in selected patients; not for everyone
Am I a hip candidate?

Rapid Recovery

Same-day discharge: who qualifies, and who may not

With muscle-sparing techniques and modern protocols, many patients can go home the same day. It's a wonderful option — but it isn't right for everyone, and safety comes first.

May be a good candidate

  • Generally healthy with well-managed conditions
  • Motivated and able to participate in early therapy
  • Has support at home for the first days
  • Lives in a setting suited to early recovery

May need a hospital stay

  • Certain heart, lung, or other medical conditions
  • Limited support at home
  • Higher-complexity or revision surgery
  • Anything that makes overnight monitoring safer

Dr. Morton's team will help you decide what's safe for you. Same-day discharge is offered only for carefully selected patients.

What to Expect

A general recovery timeline

Every patient is different and recovery varies. This is a general guide, not a promise — your plan will be personalized.

Day 0

Up and walking with support, often within hours. Eligible patients may go home the same day.

Week 1

Walking at home with an aid, beginning gentle therapy, focusing on comfort and motion.

Weeks 2–6

Many patients transition off walking aids and resume light daily activities as therapy progresses.

Months 3–12

Continued strengthening and return to many activities. Full recovery can continue over the year.

Timelines vary by patient, procedure, and health. Your care team — including our physical therapists — will guide each step.

Narcotic-Sparing Recovery

"With our narcotic-sparing protocols, most of my patients recover comfortably with little or no narcotic pain medication."

— Dr. Paul Norio Morton

By the Numbers

What the research shows

Findings from published, peer-reviewed studies of robotic-assisted joint replacement and related care. These describe study populations — individual results vary.

0%

10-year survivorship free of revision after robotic-assisted hip replacement1

0%

patient satisfaction reported after robotic-assisted knee replacement2

0%

of robotic knee patients discharged home, not to a nursing facility3

0%

fewer knee-alignment outliers vs. conventional instruments4

0%

lower dislocation risk with the direct anterior (bikini) hip approach5

0%

less knee-cartilage loss at 5 years with PRP vs. placebo6

  1. Domb BG, et al. Ten-year functional outcomes following robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty, 2026 (case series; 97.2% survivorship).
  2. Systematic review of robotic vs. conventional TKA satisfaction (≈95% vs. 91%).
  3. Matched National Inpatient Sample analysis, 347,130 TKAs (91.3% home discharge).
  4. Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs, 2,200 patients (mechanical-axis outliers, RR 0.43).
  5. Kaiser Permanente registry, 38,399 THAs (dislocation HR 0.39, direct anterior).
  6. Multicenter RCT, n=610 (49% less tibiofemoral cartilage loss with PRP at 60 months).

Statistics describe published study populations and are not a guarantee of results for any individual. Full citations available on request.

What the Research Suggests

Grounded in evidence — described honestly

Here's a measured summary of what published research suggests. These are general findings, not promises about your individual result.

More accurate implant positioning

Studies suggest robotic assistance may improve the accuracy of implant alignment and positioning versus conventional instruments. Precise positioning is one factor associated with how a joint feels and lasts. Results vary.

Same-day discharge for selected patients

With muscle-sparing techniques and modern protocols, many — but not all — patients qualify to go home the same day. Eligibility depends on your health and home support.

Durable joint replacements

Modern hip and knee implants are designed for long-term durability, and many last well over a decade. Longevity varies by patient, activity, weight, and other factors.

Muscle-sparing approaches

The direct anterior (hip) and subvastus (knee) approaches may support earlier mobility and recovery in selected patients. They are not appropriate for everyone.

Sources available on request. Statements describe general research findings and are not a guarantee of results for any individual.

Get a clear, honest answer about your hip or knee.

Check Candidacy Message us on Klara

Not Ready for Surgery?

Non-surgical options come first

Surgery is rarely the first step. For many patients, non-surgical care relieves pain and keeps you active — and may delay or avoid joint replacement. We'll always start with what's appropriate for you.

Physical therapy

Guided exercise and strengthening is a proven, first-line treatment for hip and knee arthritis. Our in-house team makes it convenient (see below).

Bracing & activity changes

Custom bracing and simple activity adjustments can offload painful areas and improve stability while you stay active.

Image-guided injections

Cortisone/steroid and hyaluronic acid (gel) injections can provide targeted, temporary relief for selected patients.

Orthobiologics: PRP & BMAC

Some patients see symptom relief from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). The evidence is still evolving, these are generally not covered by insurance, and they are not a guaranteed cure or a substitute for joint replacement when it's indicated. Dr. Morton will tell you honestly whether they're a reasonable option for you.

In-House Recovery

PB&J Physical Therapy — recovery under one roof

Great surgery is only half the story; recovery is the other half. Our own PB&J Physical Therapy team works hand-in-hand with Dr. Morton, so your surgeon and your therapists are on the same page from day one.

  • Pre-surgery "prehab" to prepare your joint and muscles
  • Rapid-recovery rehab coordinated with your surgical plan
  • Non-surgical therapy for those not ready for, or avoiding, surgery
  • One connected team — surgeon and therapists, together
Ask about physical therapy

Patient Stories & Education

Meet "The Robot Doc" — and hear from patients

Watch how robotic precision, muscle-sparing surgery, and rapid recovery help Hawaii patients get back to what they love.

▶Meet Dr. Morton
An introduction to Dr. Morton and his approach to hip & knee care.
▶The Robot Doc
How robotic-assisted surgery makes joint replacement more precise.
▶As Seen on Living 808
Dr. Morton on Living 808 discussing rapid recovery & robotics.

Individual experiences vary; your results may differ.

Reviews & Recognition

Trusted by patients across Hawaii

"Dr. Morton gave me my life back. I love the attention to detail and the overall care I received from him and his team."

— Verified patient

"He corrected a knee and joint replacement that wasn't done correctly by another doctor. He's as great as they come."

— Verified patient

"Clearly an expert in his field, yet humble and willing to listen. He follows up months and years later instead of moving on to the next patient."

— Patient, Maui

Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed for length. Results vary.

Island-Wide Care

Locations across Hawaii

Serving Oahu and the Big Island — and welcoming neighbor-island and out-of-state patients.

Honolulu (Oahu)

1441 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 2020
Honolulu, HI 96814

Waipahu / Kunia (Oahu)

Kunia Shopping Center
94-673 Kupuohi St, Waipahu, HI 96797

Hilo (Big Island)

Robotic joint replacement
serving East Hawaii

Kona (Big Island)

Robotic joint replacement
serving West Hawaii

Please confirm current locations and hours when you schedule.

Ask Dr. Morton

Frequently asked questions

Does the robot perform my surgery?

No. Dr. Morton performs and controls every step. ROSA® is a surgical assistant that helps with 3D planning and real-time data — it does not operate on its own.

Will I really be able to go home the same day?

Many healthy patients are good candidates, but not everyone qualifies. It depends on your health, your procedure, and your support at home. Your team will help you decide what's safe.

How long does a hip or knee replacement last?

Modern implants are designed for long-term durability and many last well over a decade. Results vary by patient, activity, weight, bone quality, and other factors.

What is the bikini incision?

A short incision along the natural bikini-line crease, used with the muscle-sparing anterior approach. It's designed to spare muscle and heal discreetly. It isn't right for every patient.

Why the subvastus approach for knees?

It works beneath the quadriceps instead of cutting the quad tendon, which may support earlier leg control and mobility in selected patients. Recovery varies.

Do PRP or BMAC injections cure arthritis?

No. Some patients experience symptom relief, but the evidence is still evolving, these are usually not covered by insurance, and they are not a cure or a substitute for joint replacement when it's indicated.

Do you see neighbor-island and out-of-state patients?

Yes — from Oahu, Hilo, Kona, the neighbor islands, and the mainland. We can start with a virtual conversation and coordinate your visit.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with many major plans and offer self-pay options. Message us and our team will verify your coverage before your visit.

Take the First Step

Find out if you're a candidate

Get a clear, honest evaluation from a board-certified, fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon. We'll review your options — surgical and non-surgical — and help you choose what's right for you.

Prefer to talk? Call or text us — otherwise the secure Klara form is the fastest way to be seen.

Request your evaluation on Klara

Klara is our secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging tool. Tap below to send your request and message our team directly — no phone tag.

  1. Tap Start on Klara
  2. Tell us about your hip or knee
  3. Our team replies, usually within one business day
Start on Klara →

For medical emergencies, call 911. This page is informational and not a substitute for medical advice.

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