Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute Reaches 50 Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacements Milestone

Chesterton, Ind. – On August 31, 2026, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute (LBJI) celebrated a significant milestone in orthopedic surgery with the completion of Dr. Daniel D. Li’s 50th robotic-assisted knee replacement using the Zimmer Biomet ROSA® Knee System. This achievement underscores LBJI’s commitment to advancing orthopedic care in the Midwest and providing patients with state-of-the-art surgical options.

Dr. Li, a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon, introduced the ROSA-assisted knee replacement to the area in January 2026, becoming the first surgeon in Northwest Indiana to offer this advanced surgical technique. The procedure, which combines real-time guidance from the ROSA platform with a quadriceps-sparing approach, is designed to minimize trauma to the knee and provide more precise surgical outcomes.

"The robot does not perform the surgery," Dr. Li explained. "I remain in control of every step. ROSA gives me more information than traditional instruments, which allows me to make precise adjustments during surgery."

During each procedure, the ROSA platform helps create a personalized surgical plan based on the patient’s anatomy. Real-time measurements during the operation assist Dr. Li in ensuring proper implant placement, alignment, ligament balance, and overall knee motion. Unlike some robotic systems that require preoperative CT scans, ROSA can use standard imaging and allows Dr. Li to evaluate the knee’s movement and balance before finalizing the implant.

"Technology is only part of the story," Dr. Li added. "ROSA gives me live measurements based on each patient's anatomy. I combine that information with a quadriceps-sparing approach. The goal is simple: perform the replacement accurately while disturbing as little healthy tissue as possible."

The quadriceps-sparing technique involves gently mobilizing and sliding the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments aside to access the joint, rather than cutting through the quadriceps muscle and tendon as in the standard midline approach. This minimally invasive method leaves more of the healthy tissue around the joint intact.

"This 50th case is exciting because it represents 50 patients who received a knee replacement planned around their own anatomy," Dr. Li said. "Patients should not have to leave Northwest Indiana to receive advanced joint reconstruction care. We have brought it here."

Robotic-assisted knee replacement is an option for patients with knee arthritis whose pain and mobility have not improved with medications, injections, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical treatments. Each patient’s condition, health, and goals determine the appropriate treatment recommendation.

Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, founded in 1968, is a multi-specialty orthopedic practice with 5 locations across Northwest Indiana. The institute brings together 40 board-certified specialists across 16 areas of care, from sports medicine and joint replacement to spine, pain management, and behavioral health, under one coordinated practice. Known for its experienced physicians and collaborative care model, LBJI is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered treatment close to home.