The robotics helping to revolutionise knee surgery
HAVE you ever thought of having your knee replaced with surgery carried out by a robot? It may sound like something from science fiction, but robotics in surgery is a reality and making a difference to the precision and accuracy of operations as well as patients’ lives once they return home.
Thousands of people across the UK have had robotic-assisted knee procedures over recent years and now patients at BMI Werndale hospital on the outskirts of Carmarthen can as well.
Surgeons at the hospital are using a robotic-assisted tool known as the Navio Surgical System which is proving to be a game changer, not only for those having the knee operation but for medics at the helm too.
It has been in use at the hospital, located in the village of Bancyfelin, since early October, with around a dozen patients having undergone the robotic-assisted surgery.
Developed by Watford-based medical equipment manufacturing firm Smith & Nephew, the Navio Surgical System is designed to make surgery more precise and results in less impact on tissue surrounding the knee.
Navio does away with the need for patients to undergo a CT scan ahead of the surgery – only a preliminary x-ray. Instead it creates a 3D model of the patient’s cartilage and bone – captured through direct surface mapping.
The 3D modelling also allows a much more patient-specific planning process, meaning their needs can be met meticulously depending on the scale of surgery needed, whether a full or partial knee replacement.
It literally places robotic-assisted surgery in the hands of the surgeon at BMI Werndale, which is Rhodri Llywelyn Williams and his team.
Mr Williams is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with specialist expertise in all aspects of routine, complex and revision hip and knee replacement surgery.
The Navio system works in tandem with a surgeon’s skilled hands to achieve a precise positioning of the knee implant with extra planning, accuracy and precision.
Tracking data of the patient’s knee is used to help the surgeon to remove only damaged bone and assists with positioning the implant with greater precision, while balancing the knee joint.
Every Navio procedure has an individual plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy – every operation is tailored for a specific patient.
Ultimately, for the patient the end result is hopefully a more natural-feeling implant and clinical studies into recovery and success rates will continue with a clearer picture emerging over coming years.
Mr Williams, who has a background in robotics and undertook a dissertation on the use of robotics in training surgeons at London’s Imperial College explained: “It’s about making very good surgeons even better and offering a level of precision and accuracy.
“The Navio tool feels like a natural extension to myself when carrying out surgery. It doesn’t replace the need for a surgeon, we are still in the driving seat, but this is very much the future in the palm of our hands.
“We are very proud to be spearheading this in Werndale and Wales.”
Of course there is no doubt that the future of robotics in surgery will only advance further, with more refinement as research and new methods are explored.
Mr Williams said potentially the Navio tool will reduce the need for patients to undergo follow-up operations once a knee or part of a knee is replaced, adding that this would be a significant cost saving.
Peter Cnudde, consultant orthopaedic and trauma specialist at Werndale, said the Navio tool is proving to be an incredible asset during surgery.
He said: “I have done two surgeries