AI-enabled robotic technology has been introduced into knee replacement procedures at Vietnam's Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital. The procedure not only refined surgical accuracy but also supported accelerated recovery, with the patient able to stand and begin walking shortly after the operation.
When Precision Becomes Critical
Phan Thi Nghiep, a 63-year-old resident of Da Nang, had been experiencing progressive knee pain that made routine activities increasingly difficult to perform.
Despite sustained treatment efforts involving medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, her symptoms continued to escalate. Pain became more severe, sleep quality declined, and reduced mobility eventually left her dependent on family members.
At Vinmec Da Nang, clinical examination confirmed a diagnosis of Grade 4 knee osteoarthritis—the most severe form of the condition, associated with near-total cartilage degeneration and significant joint deformity. At this stage, postponing treatment can result in ongoing functional decline and, in extreme cases, irreversible disability.
Based on detailed evaluation and multidisciplinary consultation, Vinmec surgeons determined that total knee replacement represented the most appropriate intervention to restore mobility and quality of life.
AI-Guided Precision in Practice
Faced with a severe knee deformity, Vinmec surgeons elected to perform the procedure using the CORI robotic system, marking the first deployment of AI-enabled orthopedic robotics in Central Vietnam.
Highlighting the clinical value of the approach, Dr. Le Quang Minh, Head of Surgery at Vinmec Da Nang, noted: "Robotic assistance reduces dependence on subjective experience while optimizing surgical outcomes. This means less invasive procedures, reduced pain, and shortened recovery times."
According to a 2025 Journal of Robotic Surgery review of 25 studies, AI-supported procedures achieved a 25% reduction in operating time and a 30% decrease in intraoperative complications compared to manual techniques.
Developed in the United States, the CORI platform combines robotic execution with AI-powered intraoperative navigation and decision support. In Vietnam, Vinmec is the first private healthcare provider to implement this technology, supported by surgical teams trained and certified by international experts.
The system enables highly precise surgical planning, including bone cutting, implant alignment, and soft tissue balancing, with deviations kept below 1 millimeter. It also produces a real-time intraoperative 3D model, supporting patient-specific adjustments without the need for pre-surgical CT imaging.
This level of precision translated into tangible recovery outcomes, with Nghiep standing and beginning to walk with staff assistance within hours after surgery.
"It feels like these are truly my own legs," the patient shared.
Scaling Advanced Care Through Technology
According to Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung, CEO of Vietnam's Vinmec Healthcare System, deploying robotic knee surgery at Vinmec Da Nang represents an important step in bringing modern medical technology closer to Central Vietnam.
This milestone reflects Vinmec's sustained investment in advanced medical technologies. Over the past decade, the system has built capabilities to manage complex and previously untreatable conditions, ranging from locally developed 3D printing applications and the AutoGuide™ robotic system for SEEG procedures, to CAR-T cell therapy, genomic medicine, and precision imaging.
Since its establishment in 2017, Vinmec Da Nang has steadily advanced its role as a hub for high-level diagnostics and treatment in the region. With a quality management score of 959/1000, it has also gained recognition as a reliable destination for medical tourism, serving both local and international patients.
As advanced technologies continue to integrate into clinical practice, the case signals a broader shift toward more precise and accessible surgical care across emerging healthcare markets.
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