When it comes to knee replacement, experience—and innovation—matter. Dr. Ron Hudanich has been at the forefront of advancing less invasive joint replacement techniques for years, helping pioneer muscle-sparing approaches that prioritize faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.
After beginning robotic joint replacement procedures in 2017 and introducing non-muscle-cutting knee techniques in 2020, Dr. Hudanich played a key role in the evolution of what is now known as the BackInAction Knee. His work and clinical expertise contributed to the development and trademarking of this advanced approach in partnership with Stryker, where he also serves on faculty training other surgeons nationwide.
The BackInAction Knee with Mako SmartRobotics is designed to preserve surrounding muscle and soft tissue, helping patients recover more quickly and return to the activities they enjoy with greater confidence. For patients who have not found relief with conservative treatments, this innovative, muscle-sparing option represents a significant step forward in knee replacement care.
During knee replacement surgery, your doctor has to get past the kneecap (patella) and soft tissue (muscle and tendons) surrounding the knee to access the bones of the joint. In a traditional approach, the surgeon clears a path for performing the knee replacement by making an incision along the inner side of the kneecap – cutting through one of the largest muscle groups in the body, the quadriceps. After the joint replacement is completed, the surgeon sutures any cuts made in the quadriceps and tendons.
The quadriceps run from the hip to the knee at the front of the leg. The normally powerful quadriceps play an important role in many everyday movements, like walking, standing up and climbing stairs. When this muscle is cut during traditional knee replacement surgery, it needs plenty of time to heal and during that time, it may feel weak and painful to move.
That’s where the BackInAction Knee comes in. When performing a total knee replacement with Mako SmartRobotics, your surgeon may choose to use a muscle-sparing approach. With this technique, the surgeon lifts and moves – rather than cuts – the quadriceps to gain access to the joint. By working around rather than through the quadriceps, the surgeon can help minimize the impact on the quadriceps muscles and tendon. This can result in less pain and faster recovery than a traditional approach.
This minimally invasive technique is not suitable for all patients and it should only be performed by a well-trained, highly experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Ronald V. Hudanich, DO, is one of the most experienced orthopedic surgeons in Central Florida. Dr. Hudanich is also one of the nationwide leading orthopedic surgeons specializing in the Stryker® Mako™ robotic-arm assisted joint replacement technology for hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Learn more about the knee conditions we treat.
For questions or to schedule your appointment at Hudanich Orthopedics®, please call (407) 977-4130.
Ronald V. Hudanich, DO, is a member of the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He is also an associate member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
“It brings me great personal satisfaction knowing that my trademarked muscle-sparing, tourniquet less Mako Smart Robotics knee replacement technique, that I have been performing since March of 2020 and have performed more than 4,000 of that procedure since, has played an integral role in the Stryker BackinAction knee.” said Ronald V. Hudanich, DO.
