ROSA robotics-assisted knee surgery in Chertsey

Knee replacement surgery is an operation to treat knee pain. The procedure involves removing bits of your knee joint that have become damaged and replacing them with artificial elements, also known as implants or a prosthesis.

In some instances, knee surgeons use advanced robotic tools to help them perform knee replacement surgery. The technology can enhance their precision and accuracy. This is known as robotic knee surgery.

ROSA® is a robotic surgical assistant that helps your consultant perform total knee replacement surgery with improved precision. The process differs from traditional surgery because it uses a robotic system to prepare and perform your surgery.

It is important to remember that ROSA® doesn’t replace the need for an experienced knee surgeon. The robot does not perform the knee replacement surgery, because it cannot cut, implant, or stitch. It is a tool for alignment, helping your surgeon ensure that the alignment, sizing, and rotational positioning of your implant is correct throughout surgery.

There are two main types of knee replacement surgery: total and partial.

Total knee replacement surgery

During total knee replacement surgery, your consultant will begin by making an incision down the front of your knee. Your kneecap will be moved to the side and held by a retractor while your consultant accesses your knee joint, which is located behind your kneecap. They will remove the damaged and painful surfaces of your thigh and shin bone.

Your surgeon will then measure your joint to make sure they fit the correctly sized prosthetic replacement. A trial prosthesis will be placed inside your knee to test that it is functioning properly beforehand.

After these adjustments are finished, the ends of your bone will be cleaned, and your new prosthesis will be fitted. This is usually made of metal, but the material can vary depending on your circumstances.

Partial knee replacement surgery

The knee is made up of three main parts. If the damage to your knee joint is restricted to just one of these parts, it might be that you only need that specific part replaced.

This is a better option for some people, because it can lead to a more natural feeling knee after surgery, and you might even recover more quickly.

For other people, a total knee replacement operation will still be the best option. The decision will always be made in relation to your personal circumstances and what's right for you as an individual.

While traditional knee replacement surgery is safe and highly effective, this advanced technology has a broad range of benefits, including:

Improved alignment

Some people are at greater risk of misalignment during knee replacement surgery, including those with a high BMI (body mass index), or pre-existing joint deformities.

One of the most important benefits of robot assistance is that it consistently ensures the alignment, sizing, and rotational positioning of an implant is correct throughout surgery. The better your implant is aligned and fit to your joint, the better your new knee will be.

Implants that last

Traditional knee replacements can last for at least 15 to 20 years. 

Greater alignment has a direct impact on the durability of a knee implant, offering the possibility for longer lasting results beyond the traditional knee replacement timeframe.

If you want to find out more about ROSA® robotics-assisted knee surgery, you can call a member of our friendly advisory team for more information on 01932 877800.

Not everyone with knee pain needs knee replacement surgery, but there are some common symptoms that indicate you might benefit from the procedure. These include:

• Persistent knee pain that limits your movement
• A change in the appearance of your knee
• Knee pain when bending down
• Knee pain when exercising
• Severe knee stiffness
• Knee pain when walking and night pain
• An inability to support your body weight on one leg
• Limited relief from other forms of treatment you have tried

Living with persistent knee pain can dramatically impact your quality of life, so it is important to find the right treatment for you.

If you are interested in having knee replacement surgery with the potential for longer lasting results, you might benefit from ROSA® robotics-assisted knee surgery.

Everybody’s recovery journey is individual to them, so your recovery may look different to others. Generally, it can take up to 12 months to fully recover from traditional total knee replacement surgery, and six for partial knee replacement surgery. However, this timeframe differs from person to person depending on several factors, including your general health and fitness levels, as well as your age.

Many people can resume their normal activities within six weeks of surgery, though you should refrain from strenuous activities until their consultant advises otherwise.

Your consultant will provide you with a more precise recovery timeline based on your needs following ROSA® robotics-assisted knee replacement surgery.

Physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery

It is important to have physiotherapy after any knee operation to ensure that your mobility improves. At Runnymede Hospital, we start our patients on their physiotherapy journey before they even leave the hospital.

Your physiotherapist will build a tailored specialist exercise plan built around your needs following your knee replacement surgery. These exercises will help strengthen your knee muscles and improve your mobility. In turn, this helps accelerate your recovery and get you back to doing the things you love faster.

When you choose to go private with Runnymede Hospital, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Support by the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
• Affordable, fixed price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about this procedure, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 01932 877800.