Knee replacement surgery

Traditional knee replacement surgery remains one of the most successful and reliable procedures in modern medicine. For decades, it has served as the gold standard for patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis, providing profound pain relief and restoring mobility when conservative treatments are no longer effective.

During this time-tested procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage at the ends of your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are carefully removed. These arthritic surfaces are then replaced with precisely engineered artificial components, creating a smooth, functional joint that replicates your natural knee movement.

The clinical track record of traditional knee replacement is exceptional, supported by decades of robust patient data. Studies consistently show that conventionally implanted knees have a survival rate of between 90% and 95% at 10 years post-surgery, with 82% to 89% of patients reporting high satisfaction with their new joint.

Unlike robotic-assisted techniques, traditional surgery relies on the spatial awareness, tactile feedback, and extensive expertise of the orthopaedic surgeon. Using detailed preoperative X-rays and standard mechanical instruments called jigs, the surgeon meticulously calculates the correct angles, manually guides the bone cuts, and precisely aligns the prosthesis.

For the vast majority of patients, this conventional approach delivers life-changing results. It significantly reduces joint pain, corrects structural deformities, and allows individuals to return to the active, fulfilling lifestyles they enjoyed before joint degeneration restricted their movement.

Ultimately, the success of any joint replacement relies heavily on the skill and experience of the performing surgeon. Whether utilising traditional methods or advanced technology, the primary goal remains exactly the same: to provide a stable, perfectly balanced, and long-lasting knee implant tailored to your individual recovery goals.

Mako® robotic-arm assisted knee replacement

Some of the country’s leading orthopaedic surgeons are now using advanced robotic-arm assisted technology to provide even greater accuracy for patients during surgery.

The state-of-the-art technology generates a personalised surgical plan bespoke to a patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring precision accuracy for hip and knee replacements.

Just over 500 Stryker Mako robots exist globally, over 50 of these are now placed in Europe, but the vast majority are in America.

Designed by Stryker, one of the world's leading medical technology companies, Mako robotic-arm assisted technology provides patients with a more predictable surgical experience.

Neil Bradbury has completed 1000 Mako-arm assisted procedures.

Neil Bradbury shares his insights on the revolutionary Mako robot: "Knee replacements are among the most successful surgical procedures, as evidenced by patient-reported outcomes. However, as knee surgeons, we continually strive for even better results. 

"Traditional knee replacement surgery provides patients with a knee that is still surviving between 90% and 95% of the time at 10 years from surgery, with 82% - 89% of patients satisfied with their replacement. 

"With MAKO robotic surgery, we aim to improve patient satisfaction and some studies report patient satisfaction rates of 94%-95%. This is a huge step forward."

Robotics, particularly the Mako robot, represents a significant innovation in this field. For partial knee replacements, robotic assistance has been available for over a decade, and for total knee replacements, it has become mainstream in the past three to four years. 

Early results are extremely encouraging with less pain, less bleeding, earlier recovery and faster return to normal function, and lower readmission rates.

Robot Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery with Neil Bradbury