Patients having knee replacement surgery at Clifton Park Hospital, based in York - now have the option of a robotic assisted knee replacement. A new robotic surgical assistant called the ROSA Knee System is now being used at the hospital to help support surgeons to target better fit and function than ever before.
As a result, patients may be able to recover faster and achieve a greater degree of joint flexibility allowing them a quicker return to normal activity1. Total knee replacement surgery is a very common and effective treatment for patients suffering with knee arthritis.
We spoke to Judith Massam, who at 80-years old underwent a to Total Knee Replacement with her Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Ed Britton. Now one year later following her surgery in 2023, Judith was keen to tell her story about her procedure and road to recovery.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Judith, I'm 80-years old and retired. I have two sons, one of them living in Texas, who I visit at least twice a year. I like to socialise with my friends, enjoy going for lunch and going away to different places on short breaks with them.
Can you tell us about your life before you had Robotic Knee Surgery, what made you proceed with the surgery?
My life before my surgery was very different as my knee would often give way. I couldn’t walk far, and stairs were a nightmare. I also found it very difficult getting in and out of the car, and very painful to sleep. A better quality of life was needed.
Please tell us about your experience at Clifton Park Hospital
I had a very enjoyable experience at Clifton Park Hospital. From arrival everyone was very friendly and took great care of me, nothing was too much trouble.
Please tell us about your experience with your Consultant
Mr Ed Britton was reassuring, calm and explained everything in detail about the procedure I would be having. This really encouraged me to have the operation, and I knew I was in good hands.
What difference has the treatment made to your life?
A vast difference, I feel 10-years younger. I can do all the things I’d missed, like swimming, walking, dancing, and gardening. Everyone is amazed at the difference the operation has made.
What advice do you have for people thinking about having similar surgery?
Don't hesitate, but I would strongly advise that you keep up the exercises that your physiotherapist gives you following surgery. It will be worth it in the end.
What made you choose Robotic Knee surgery over traditional methods of surgery?
I was advised to have Robotic Knee surgery by my surgeon Mr Ed Britton, who said I was an ideal candidate for the surgery.
What made you choose your Consultant?
I chose Mr Ed Britton because he came highly recommended, I was informed he was one of the best and he certainly was!
Robotic Knee Surgery Q&A with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
We asked Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon at Clifton Park Hospital, Mr Ed Britton some questions around Robotic Knee Surgery.
How does ROSA Knee work?
The ROSA Knee System first uses a series of images to create a 3D model of your knee. Based on your surgical needs, as a surgeon I will advise on a clinically proven knee implant system that is best suited to you. I will then use my experience alongside the information from ROSA to plan specific details of your knee replacement prior to your surgery.
During surgery, ROSA uses a camera and sensor to know exactly where your knee is - it can detect even the smallest movements in real-time. Providing live feedback throughout surgery via a digital display and with the help of a robotic guiding arm, ROSA helps me to precisely place the implant according to their plan. Finally, to ensure the best possible outcome, ROSA helps me to assess the knee with the implant in place. This allows me to make final precise adjustments before finishing the surgery.
The use of the ROSA Knee System has been associated with reduced pain, lower usage of pain relief medication, fewer physiotherapy sessions and overall improved knee function following surgery.
We're here to help
When you're considering robotic knee replacement surgery, it's only natural that you will have some questions. If you need any further information, our friendly Private Patient team are on hand to help. Contact us on 01904 809677 or fill in a contact form here.
References
1. Kayani B, Konan S, Tahmassebi J, Pietrzak JRT, Haddad FS. Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved early functional recovery and reduced time to hospital discharge compared with conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study. Bone Joint J. 2018;100-B(7):930-7.