Robotic Knee Replacement
Robotics are revolutionising many sectors of medicine and orthopaedic surgery is at the forefront of these developments, transforming the way that knee replacement surgery is performed.
It’s important to understand, that the robotic arm does not replace the orthopaedic surgeon. Surgery is always performed by Mr David Houlihan-Burne – the technology supports him and means more accuracy when inserting the knee replacement.
Robotic knee replacement means surgery becomes more precise and personalised to the individual patient. Surgery will be planned based on the patient’s specific diagnosis and anatomy. Mr Houlihan-Burne is a European lecturer and teacher in the use of the MAKO technology.
First, a CT scan of your knee joint is taken which generates a 3D model of the anatomy of your knee joint. The model is loaded into the MAKO software and this creates a detailed plan of the damaged areas of the knee joint, indicating precisely where the implant should be placed.
Then, during surgery, Mr David Houlihan-Burne uses the MAKO system as a guide when placing and aligning the implant. The MAKO system allows Mr David Houlihan-Burne to make any necessary adjustments during surgery if required.
An instructional video demonstrating a MAKO robotic arm assisted partial knee replacement. VIEWER DISCRETION – this video show live surgery.
+ What are the benefits of robotic joint replacement surgery?
Using a 3D scan of the patient’s knee joint, the robotic technology aids Mr David Houlihan-Burne in positioning and aligning the joint replacement. This means quicker recovery time and an overall optimal outcome.
+ Am I a candidate for robotic knee replacement?
If you’re a good candidate for conventional knee replacement, then you will likely be a good candidate for robotic joint surgery. There may be a few exceptions due to pre-existing health concerns, but Mr David Houlihan-Burne will assess this during your consultation.
+ What happens after my robotic knee replacement?
Mr David Houlihan-Burne’s patients follow the Fortius Clinic Enhanced Recovery Pathway. After surgery, this will focus on you getting out of bed and moving your new joint as soon as possible, supported by effective pain relief.
Recently, Mr David Houlihan-Burne and his colleague Jonathan Lavelle performed a robotic knee replacement on fellow orthopaedic surgeon and ex-England rugby player Jonathan Webb.
“The reason I chose Mr Lavelle and Mr Houlihan-Burne is that I’ve known them for a long time and their quality is unquestionable. They are both really good surgeons but they are also really good communicators. I feel like I couldn’t be in better hands and I feel really confident and reassured that the outcome will be the best it can possibly be”
MR JONATHAN WEBB