Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement

What is robot-assisted knee surgery?

When you choose private total knee replacement surgery with Alexander Dodds, you can choose robotic assistance as part of your package.

Robotic-assistance ensures your knee implant is correctly tailored to your anatomy. Everyone’s anatomy is different. Some of us are a little more bow legged than others, for example. Using data about your knee (bone length, positioning, alignment etc) the robot guides the implant selection, ensuring you receive the right implant for you.

The result is a better balanced knee that’s better aligned with your own anatomy. That means you can have greater confidence in your new knee.

Which robot/implant do you use?

Your procedure will be assisted by the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution by Johnson & Johnson/DePuySynthes, using the Attune implant.

>    Find out more about clinical outcomes for the system.

Robots and knee surgery – facts and fiction

The important word in ‘robotic-assisted knee replacement’ is ‘assisted’. Choose knee surgery in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Cotswolds with me, and your procedure will be carried out by me. I’ll be making every clinical decision. And I’ll be in control of every element of the operation.

The robot is a tool, just like any other clinical device used in theatre.

It’s important to understand that the involvement of a robot in your surgery does not mean that the robot will be doing the surgery (or any part of it), nor will it be making any decisions.

It does, however, offer a ‘framework’ for a better tailored, better aligned, and more accurate knee replacement.

FAQs

Is robot-assisted knee replacement available on the NHS?
Not currently, no. If you want the added reassurance of robot assistance, it’s only available through self-pay or insured private knee surgery.

Is robot-assistance available for partial knee replacement?
Not currently. The point of introducing robots to surgery is to improve outcomes, and I believe the evidence shows that the outcomes warrant the cost of robot-assisted surgery in the case of total knee replacement. Currently, I’m not convinced there’s a similar cost/benefit for partial knee replacement, although as technology continues to improve and the body of evidence grows, this may change.

Do I have the choice of robot assistance?
Yes. If you prefer your procedure to be completed using traditional instrumentation, you can.

Where will my procedure take place?
At the Nuffield Cheltenham Hospital, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6SY.

Book your consultation

Is knee replacement the right option for you? To explore treatment options for your knee pain.