Nottingham hospitals first in region to use knee replacement robot | Latest news

A robot designed to improve accuracy and recovery in knee surgery is now being used at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).  

NUH is the first Trust in the region to use the ground-breaking robotic knee placement surgery, which has a positive impact on patient outcomes alongside further improved wait times and maximised capacity. 

The VELYSTM Robotic Assisted Solution is designed to enhance surgical precision by equipping surgeons with the information needed to preserve soft tissue, predict joint stability, and work towards returning knee function. 

Mr Benjamin Bloch, the Orthopaedic Consultant who introduced the robot at NUH and was the first surgeon in the country to use it, said: “There are huge benefits to using robotic surgery for patients, including quicker recovery, less pain post-operation, better outcomes and less blood loss during surgery.  

“The robot supports surgeons, like me, to offer a more precise and accurate approach to knee replacement. The surgeon still has complete control, but the robot builds a clear picture of the knee to then provides a more accurate approach than we can with the manual approach on its own.  

“We’ve done a huge amount of work in this area to reduce wait times and maximise capacity, such as dual operating theatres, high-intensity theatre lists and 24-hour hip and knee replacements. This work has already reduced the average stay by 2.5 days, freeing up much-needed beds and reducing waiting lists. The use of this robot will improve this even further, while offering patients better outcomes.” 

Sharon Bowley, 54, has arthritis in her knee, which results in swelling and makes it difficult for her to walk. Sharon was one of the first people at NUH to have robotic knee placement surgery. Ahead of her surgery, Sharon said: “I used to like walking a lot, but I can’t do that now, I can’t even take my dog around the block. I go to work; I come home and take painkillers and then usually sleep quite early. The routine is a little bit sad at the minute. I’m looking forward to being a more active, a lot more active and in a lot less pain. 

On the robotic surgery, she said: “It’s supposed to be really good for recovery, so it’s not as intense. It’s all new and I’m still taking it in but am looking forward to being able to go home a bit earlier.” 

Sharon’s surgery was a success, and she was discharged from hospital the following day.     

Staff at NUH have been looking into innovative ways to tackle the waiting list for routine operations and procedures and have developed a number of efficient but safe programme to maximise the number of patients treated in one day. This includes HIT lists and dual operating techniques.