NHS commences a robotic procedure for knee replacement surgery

A new robotic procedure, for knee replacement surgery, has commenced at the NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank, Scotland with the aim of significantly benefitting patients by reducing soft tissue damage, reducing blood loss and providing a better implant precision throughout an on-going operation, which will accelerate the patient’s postoperative recovery and reduce pain.

In order for the procedure to be executed, a preoperative CT scan has to be performed so that the Mako robot can generate a 3D model of the patient’s anatomy, which is then authorised by live intraoperative measurements. From here the surgeon is able to adjust the position of each component precisely to meet the needs of each patient, so that the robotic arm can then make accurate bony cuts according to the surgical plan, which reduces soft tissue damage and protects bone.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at NHS Golden Jubilee, Nick Ohly, stated: “It is extremely exciting to be the first NHS hospital in Scotland to be able to offer robotic arm assisted partial and total knee replacements to NHS patients as part of routine care. The Mako robot is unique in orthopaedics in allowing the surgeon to implant every joint replacement in the optimal position for each individual patient based on their specific anatomy, while minimising bone resection and soft tissue injury. This allows for reduced pain after surgery, optimised function and quicker recovery.”

NHS Golden Jubilee’s Medical Director, Mark MacGregor, stated: “There is already some evidence that the longer term outcomes may be superior with robotic arm assisted surgery. The introduction of robotics, the scale of the Golden Jubilee orthopaedic service combined with the expertise in clinical research means that NHS Golden Jubilee should be well placed to lead on future research in this emerging new field of robotic arthroplasty, benefitting patients across Scotland and beyond.”