Robotic Knee Replacement

Precision Engineering for a More Natural-Feeling Knee

Robotic-assisted knee replacement combines advanced surgical planning technology with the surgeon's own skill and judgement, allowing for highly accurate positioning of the knee implant tailored to each patient's individual anatomy.

Dr Adam Farrier is a consultant knee surgeon offering robotic-assisted knee replacement for patients in Carlisle and across Cumbria, including West Cumberland (Whitehaven), and in Newcastle upon Tyne and the North East.

Is Robotic Knee Replacement Right for You?

Robotic assistance is suitable for the same patients who would benefit from a conventional partial or total knee replacement - typically those with significant knee arthritis causing pain and disability that has not responded to non-surgical treatment. The robotic system is a tool that supports precise implant positioning; it does not change who is or isn't a suitable candidate for knee replacement itself.

The Procedure

Before surgery, a CT scan or other radiographic imaging is used to build a personalised 3D model of your knee, allowing the implant position and knee alignment to be planned in detail in advance. During surgery, the robotic system provides real-time guidance and feedback, helping to achieve the planned implant position and soft-tissue balance with a high degree of accuracy.

The Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery

• Precise Implant Positioning: The robotic system helps achieve accurate, patient-specific implant alignment based on detailed pre-operative planning.

• Personalised Soft-Tissue Balance: Real-time data during surgery helps fine-tune ligament balance and knee alignment to suit your individual anatomy.

• Protecting Surrounding Tissue: The technology assists in protecting healthy bone and surrounding soft tissue during bone preparation.

• Consistency: Robotic assistance adds a further layer of accuracy and consistency to implant positioning, complementing the surgeon's own technique and experience.

Important Considerations & Risks

• A Tool, Not a Replacement for Skill: The robotic system assists surgical precision but the operation is still performed by your surgeon, whose experience and judgement remain central to the outcome.

• Similar Overall Risk Profile: The general risks of knee replacement surgery - infection, stiffness, blood clots - are broadly similar whether or not robotic assistance is used.

• Not Necessarily Suitable for Every Case: Very occasionally, anatomical or technical factors mean a conventional approach is preferable; this will be discussed with you if relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does robotic surgery mean the robot performs the operation?

No. The surgery is performed by your surgeon throughout. The robotic system is a highly precise guidance tool that assists with planning and executing the bone cuts according to the pre-operative plan.

Does robotic assistance mean a faster recovery?

Recovery timeframes are broadly similar to conventional knee replacement, though some patients benefit from the added precision in implant positioning and soft-tissue balance that the technology provides.

Is robotic knee replacement more expensive?

There can be additional costs associated with the technology and pre-operative imaging; this will be clearly explained as part of your individual treatment plan.

Dr Farrier's Note

"I see robotic assistance as a valuable tool that enhances the precision of a procedure I have performed many times - it doesn't replace surgical judgement, but it does help me achieve an even more accurate, personalised result for each patient."