Our Hospital Successfully Performs Anhui's First Robot-Assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Background

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key stabilizer inside the knee joint. Tears frequently occur due to trauma such as falls and can result in instability that may require surgical reconstruction using a graft to restore function. Traditional arthroscopic ACL reconstruction relies significantly on the surgeon's experience for accurate placement of bone tunnels in the femur and tibia.

The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University performed Anhui province's first robot-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on November 24, 2025. The procedure was conducted by the hospital's Department of Orthopedic Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy Surgery, a leading unit in the province's sports medicine field.

The department completes more than 4,000 arthroscopic surgeries annually and is committed to minimally invasive treatment of joint injuries along with rapid rehabilitation technologies. The introduction of robotic assistance aligns with the department's emphasis on precision, minimal invasiveness and accelerated recovery, marking a step in the intelligent development of sports medicine.

What was achieved

The case involved a 19-year-old female patient who sustained an ACL rupture accompanied by laxity in multiple knee ligaments after a fall. This presentation increased the difficulty and risks of traditional surgery. Following comprehensive evaluation by the team led by Director Xu Honggang, the decision was made to use robot assistance.

The surgery proceeded smoothly with minimal bleeding, and the patient showed a good postoperative response. The team employed multimodal image fusion technology to construct a precise 3D model of the knee joint. Bone tunnels were prepared under robotic guidance at sub-millimeter precision, with simultaneous kinematic and dynamic assessments performed to ensure the reconstructed ligament matched the patient's individualized biomechanical characteristics. Hospital statements describe this as the department entering a new stage of intelligent and precise sports injury treatment.

How it works

In ACL reconstruction, the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft, typically a tendon, which is secured within bone tunnels drilled into the femur and tibia at anatomical attachment points. Accurate tunnel placement is essential to restore knee stability during movement without causing abnormal stress or laxity. The procedure is generally performed arthroscopically through small incisions.

For the robot-assisted approach at the hospital, multimodal image fusion technology combines different imaging data to create a precise three-dimensional model of the patient's specific knee anatomy prior to or during surgery. This model supports detailed planning for tunnel positioning tailored to the individual.

Intraoperatively, the robotic system provides sub-millimeter accuracy to guide bone tunnel preparation. Real-time kinematic and dynamic assessments evaluate joint motion and forces, allowing adjustments so the graft aligns with the patient's unique biomechanical profile. The hospital reports this shifts the process from primarily experience-dependent to data-driven, with benefits including precise positioning, reduced trauma, higher degrees of personalization, lower risks and support for faster rehabilitation.

What it means for international patients

The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University established its International Medical Department in July 2018. Located at the main campus and high-tech campus, it provides high-end services including health assessment, specialist consultations, inpatient treatment and priority access. It serves foreign friends in China, compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and high-end patients. The department features comfortable wards with suites, single and double rooms equipped with central air conditioning, televisions, refrigerators and other amenities, along with 24-hour professional nursing care.

International patients considering advanced orthopedic care or robot-assisted procedures such as ACL reconstruction should contact the hospital directly. Eligibility, suitability for this technique, availability and integration with international services must be confirmed with the International Medical Department and orthopedic specialists, as these depend on individual medical evaluation and current hospital protocols.

About the hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University is a tertiary Class A comprehensive public hospital located in Hefei, Anhui Province. It is directly affiliated with Anhui Medical University and has accumulated more than 90 years of experience. The hospital has approximately 5,896 beds across its campuses. In 2025 it recorded 7.5056 million outpatient and emergency visits and 323,500 discharges.

It possesses 15 national key clinical specialties, with 30 disciplines entering the national top 100 and 23 ranking first in Anhui Province. The hospital is equipped with advanced systems including the fourth-generation Da Vinci Xi surgical robot and Tianji orthopedic surgical robot. It pioneered robotic surgery in Anhui with the Da Vinci system in 2014 and has conducted thousands of robotic procedures, including 5G remote robotic surgeries. It maintains cooperative relationships with high-level research institutions in the United States, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and other countries.

The International Medical Department supports high-end care for international patients with personalized services, priority appointments and dedicated facilities.