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Fondren Orthopedic Group·Press Release
FONDREN ORTHOPEDIC GROUP FIRST IN U.S. TO USE NEW ROBOTIC KNEE SURGERY TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
HOUSTON (Nov. 9, 2026) — Orthopedic surgeons at Fondren Orthopedic Group were the first in the United States to perform a total knee arthroplasty using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution with new AutoPlan technology. This innovation is designed to enhance surgical precision and efficiency for both the physician and patient during a total knee replacement.
The milestone was achieved by seven surgeons within Fondren Orthopedic Group’s adult hip and knee reconstruction team. Drs. Ugo Ihekweazu, Vasilios Mathews, Robin Goytia, Anay Patel, Jonathan Behrens, Cory Couch and Drake LeBrun were among the first surgeons in the United States to perform total knee replacement procedures using the new VELYS™ AutoPlan technology. This historic achievement highlights the depth of expertise within Fondren Orthopedic Group and its commitment to advancing orthopedic care through innovation, collaboration and surgical excellence.
The AutoPlan technology builds on the existing VELYS™ robotic system by learning surgeons’ operational preferences and implementing them when planning a procedure. Rather than manually entering these preferences for each procedure, the technology automatically generates a customized surgical plan based on the surgeon's approach and the patient's anatomy. Through this new technology, physicians are able to simplify the planning process, improve efficiency and make robotic-assisted knee replacement more accessible to patients around the world.
“Technology continues to change what’s possible in knee replacement surgery, and this advancement allows us to take another step forward in delivering more precise, personalized care,” said Dr. Ihekweazu. “Every patient is different, and innovations like AutoPlan technology give us additional tools to tailor our surgical approach to each individual, with the ultimate goal of helping patients regain mobility and get back to the lives they love.”
Total knee replacement is typically recommended for patients with end-stage degenerative joint disease when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief. While commonly associated with older adults, the procedure may also be appropriate for younger patients experiencing significant joint deterioration, persistent pain and functional limitations significantly impacting their ability to perform everyday activities.
“Being the first in the country to use AutoPlan technology is an exciting milestone for our team and reflects our commitment to bringing the latest advancements in orthopedic care,” added Dr. Ihekweazu. Building on the legacy of world class medical advancement starting in Houston, he noted that, “We want patients in our region to have access to the latest surgical innovations and the highest level of personalized care.”
To learn more about Fondren Orthopedic Group and its use of the latest technologies and orthopedic advancements, visit www.Fondren.com.
About Fondren Orthopedic Group
Founded in 1973, Fondren Orthopedic Group is one of the largest and most established physician-owned orthopedic practices in Houston, with more than 40 surgeons practicing across a range of sub-specialties. As a physician-owned group, Fondren Orthopedic Group is committed to personalized, patient-first care, combining advanced technology with a team-based approach to treat both routine and complex musculoskeletal conditions with multiple convenient locations across Greater Houston, Fondren Orthopedic Group remains dedicated to bringing the highest level of musculoskeletal care as close to home as possible for every patient. For more information, visit www.Fondren.com and follow Fondren Orthopedic Group on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
The milestone was achieved by seven surgeons within Fondren Orthopedic Group’s adult hip and knee reconstruction team. Drs. Ugo Ihekweazu, Vasilios Mathews, Robin Goytia, Anay Patel, Jonathan Behrens, Cory Couch and Drake LeBrun were among the first surgeons in the United States to perform total knee replacement procedures using the new VELYS™ AutoPlan technology. This historic achievement highlights the depth of expertise within Fondren Orthopedic Group and its commitment to advancing orthopedic care through innovation, collaboration and surgical excellence.
The AutoPlan technology builds on the existing VELYS™ robotic system by learning surgeons’ operational preferences and implementing them when planning a procedure. Rather than manually entering these preferences for each procedure, the technology automatically generates a customized surgical plan based on the surgeon's approach and the patient's anatomy. Through this new technology, physicians are able to simplify the planning process, improve efficiency and make robotic-assisted knee replacement more accessible to patients around the world.
“Technology continues to change what’s possible in knee replacement surgery, and this advancement allows us to take another step forward in delivering more precise, personalized care,” said Dr. Ihekweazu. “Every patient is different, and innovations like AutoPlan technology give us additional tools to tailor our surgical approach to each individual, with the ultimate goal of helping patients regain mobility and get back to the lives they love.”
Total knee replacement is typically recommended for patients with end-stage degenerative joint disease when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief. While commonly associated with older adults, the procedure may also be appropriate for younger patients experiencing significant joint deterioration, persistent pain and functional limitations significantly impacting their ability to perform everyday activities.
“Being the first in the country to use AutoPlan technology is an exciting milestone for our team and reflects our commitment to bringing the latest advancements in orthopedic care,” added Dr. Ihekweazu. Building on the legacy of world class medical advancement starting in Houston, he noted that, “We want patients in our region to have access to the latest surgical innovations and the highest level of personalized care.”
To learn more about Fondren Orthopedic Group and its use of the latest technologies and orthopedic advancements, visit www.Fondren.com.
About Fondren Orthopedic Group
Founded in 1973, Fondren Orthopedic Group is one of the largest and most established physician-owned orthopedic practices in Houston, with more than 40 surgeons practicing across a range of sub-specialties. As a physician-owned group, Fondren Orthopedic Group is committed to personalized, patient-first care, combining advanced technology with a team-based approach to treat both routine and complex musculoskeletal conditions with multiple convenient locations across Greater Houston, Fondren Orthopedic Group remains dedicated to bringing the highest level of musculoskeletal care as close to home as possible for every patient. For more information, visit www.Fondren.com and follow Fondren Orthopedic Group on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.