Orthopedic surgeons at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, North Wales, have accomplished a significant feat by successfully performing 100 robotically assisted knee replacement surgeries. This achievement marks a major milestone for the hospital, becoming the first NHS facility in Wales to adopt robotic knee replacement procedures. The state-of-the-art ROSA system lets surgeons personalize knee replacements, resulting in more precise operations, potentially shorter hospital stays, and quicker patient recoveries.
A robotic knee replacement is similar to a traditional knee replacement. Your surgeon removes damaged tissue in your knee and replaces it with an artificial joint. The difference is that it’s done with assistance from a robotic arm, which allows for greater precision. In more complex cases, a robotic-assisted knee replacement offers a better balance in the soft tissues around your knee, and better aligns the joint.
Embracing innovation for better patient care
The success of the robotic knee replacements is attributed to the dedicated surgical team at Ysbyty Gwynedd, particularly three Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons – Muthu Ganapathi, Agustin Soler, and Koldo Azurza. These skilled professionals have wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to work with the innovative ROSA equipment, benefiting patients in North Wales.
The hospital’s journey with the ROSA system began in 2021, but the progress was initially hindered by challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and unscheduled care pressures. Despite these hurdles, the surgical team has shown exceptional results, with some patients able to return home on the same day as their surgery, highlighting the efficiency and effectiveness of robotic knee replacements.
Advantages of the ROSA robotic knee system
Mr. Ganapathi, one of the surgeons utilizing the ROSA system, expressed his excitement at this milestone and acknowledged the entire team’s dedication to adopting innovative technology to benefit their patients. The ROSA system’s advanced technology offers precision, accuracy, and reduced variation, leading to improved predictability of surgical outcomes. Furthermore, the ability to pre-plan the operation and visualize the procedure’s outcome on a screen before entering the operating theater has significantly boosted the surgeons’ confidence in the surgery’s precision.
Attracting talent to Ysbyty Gwynedd
Mr. Soler, another experienced surgeon who performs full knee replacements using the robotic system, believes that having access to such cutting-edge technology will attract more senior trainees and middle-grade doctors to join the hospital and health board. The ROSA system’s potential to enhance surgical outcomes and provide a personalized patient experience is a significant draw for medical professionals seeking to further their careers in orthopedic surgery.
Zimmer Biomet celebrates the milestone
David Lawless, Associate Director of Technology and Data Solutions at Zimmer Biomet, lauded the achievement, celebrating the treatment of over 100 individuals with the ROSA Robotic Knee System. The partnership between Zimmer Biomet and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has proven successful, delivering positive patient outcomes through personalized experiences facilitated by advanced technology.
With Ysbyty Gwynedd leading the way in Wales with robotic knee replacements, the future of orthopedic surgery in the region looks promising. The continuous integration of innovative technologies, like the ROSA system, can revolutionize knee replacement surgeries and elevate patient care.
The remarkable achievement of 100 robotically assisted knee replacements at Ysbyty Gwynedd is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the surgical teams involved. By embracing the ROSA system, the hospital has unlocked the potential for enhanced precision, improved outcomes, and a more personalized patient experience. As the first NHS hospital in Wales to offer this cutting-edge technology, Ysbyty Gwynedd is setting a precedent for other medical institutions in the country.
Who is a Candidate for Robotic Knee Replacement?
If you are a candidate for traditional knee replacement, it is likely you are a candidate for robotic-assisted knee replacement, as well. It is important that you talk with your doctor to see if surgery — or other non-surgical options to treat knee pain — are best for you.
Robotic knee replacements are ideal for even the most complex knee joint disease. This includes patients who have:
- Deformities in the femur after an injury
- Complex degeneration
- Hardware from previous surgeries
Note that if you’re having a robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, you don’t have to prepare any differently than you would for a conventional surgery. Your surgeon will discuss all knee replacement options available to you, including whether you are a good candidate for robotic joint replacement.
