Robotic-Assisted Hip & Knee Replacement · Hawaii
Dr. Paul Norio Morton — board-certified, fellowship-trained — pairs ROSA® robotic precision with muscle-sparing surgery and rapid-recovery protocols. Same-day discharge for eligible patients. The robot assists; Dr. Morton controls every step.
Online request takes about a minute · Oahu & Big Island · Many major insurance plans accepted
"Dr. Morton did my left hip replacement… a great experience… I can move on without any more hip pain."
— Joanne S., hip replacement patient
Simple to Start
About a minute online, or call us. Our team usually replies within one business day.
An exam, a review of your X-rays, and an honest conversation about all of your options — surgical and non-surgical.
Robotic-assisted surgery if it's right for you — or therapy, bracing, and injections if it's not. Your goals set the plan.
Start Here
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.
Not Sure You're Ready?
Not ready to book yet? Answer a few quick questions to see whether joint replacement might be right for you. This is educational only — not medical advice — and your answers stay on your device. When you're ready, request an appointment above.
The Technology
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.
Why It Matters
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.
Memberships
Education, Training & Certification
Wondering if you're a candidate for robotic joint replacement?
Robotic Knee Replacement
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.
Robotic Anterior Hip Replacement
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.
Rapid Recovery
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.
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
Every patient is different and recovery varies. This is a general guide, not a promise — your plan will be personalized.
Up and walking with support, often within hours. Eligible patients may go home the same day.
Walking at home with an aid, beginning gentle therapy, focusing on comfort and motion.
Many patients transition off walking aids during this time and resume light daily activities as therapy progresses.
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
What the Research Suggests
Here's a measured summary of what published research suggests. These are general findings, not promises about your individual result.
In a meta-analysis of randomized trials, robotic-assisted knee replacement achieved more accurate implant alignment than conventional instruments — though clinical scores were similar between groups. Results vary.
For carefully selected, healthy patients, outpatient (same-day) joint replacement can be appropriate — but patient selection is critical and not everyone qualifies. Eligibility depends on your health and home support.
Pooled national-registry data estimate that roughly 82% of total knee replacements are still functioning at 25 years. Longevity varies by patient, activity, weight, and other factors.
Randomized-trial meta-analyses associate the direct anterior hip approach with less early pain and earlier discontinuation of walking aids, and the subvastus knee approach with faster early recovery — in selected patients. They are not appropriate for everyone.
Yang et al., Orthop Surg, 2020 · Wu et al., Int J Surg, 2018
Citations link to the source studies on the publisher's site. Findings describe study populations and are not a guarantee of results for any individual.
Get a clear, honest answer about your hip or knee.
Not Ready for Surgery?
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.
Guided exercise and strengthening is a proven, first-line treatment for hip and knee arthritis. Our in-house team makes it convenient (see below).
Custom bracing and simple activity adjustments can offload painful areas and improve stability while you stay active.
Cortisone/steroid and hyaluronic acid (gel) injections can provide targeted, temporary relief for selected patients.
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
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.
Patient Stories & Education
Watch how robotic precision, muscle-sparing surgery, and rapid recovery help Hawaii patients get back to what they love.
Individual experiences vary; your results may differ.
Reviews & Recognition
"I lived with a hip injury for 34 years. Two surgeons had turned me down over the years, so I gave up — until I was referred to Dr. Morton. I could tell he already had a plan. After surgery, taking those first walks with physical therapy, I was amazed how different life is now that my walking has improved. I thank God he led me to Dr. Morton — I can't wait to spend more time playing outside with my two boys."
— Johan C., hip replacement patient
"The staff for Dr. Morton is the BEST TEAM I've seen by far — no comparison to others, including the mainland. Dr. Morton is very patient, has great bedside manner, and explains things in words I understood."
— Cindy W.
"Dr. Morton's approach is much appreciated — he's not in a rush to get you under the knife. He went over all available options and considered how each would affect my professional life and leisure activities. Super knowledgeable and easy to talk to."
— Andrea G.
"Dr. Morton did my left hip replacement with the anterior approach — a great experience. The whole staff got me fixed up, my hip is healed, and I can move on without any more hip pain. Mahalo to the whole team!"
— Joanne S.
Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed for length. Results vary.
As Featured On
Oahu & Big Island
Serving Oahu and the Big Island — and welcoming neighbor-island and out-of-state patients.
Ala Moana Medical Building
1441 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 2020
Honolulu, HI 96814
Kunia Shopping Center
94-673 Kupuohi St
Waipahu, HI 96797
75 Pu'uhonu Place, Suite 204
Hilo, HI 96720
Mohala Health
75-184 Hualalai Road, Suite 205
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Surgical Hospital Affiliations
Please confirm current locations and hours when you schedule.
Ask Dr. Morton
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.
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.
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.
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.
It works beneath the quadriceps instead of cutting the quad tendon, which may support earlier leg control and mobility in selected patients. Recovery varies.
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.
Yes — from Oahu, Hilo, Kona, the neighbor islands, and the mainland. We can start with a virtual conversation and coordinate your visit.
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
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? Give us a call or send an email — otherwise the secure Klara form (preferred) is the fastest way to be seen.
Klara is our secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging tool. Tap below to send your request and message our team directly — no phone tag.
For medical emergencies, call 911. This page is informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
