A consultant orthopaedic surgeon and knee specialist at the Sulis Hospital near Bath has successfully completed his 1,000th Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery.
Neil Bradbury with his colleagues at the Sulis Hospital | Photo © Sulis Hospital
The achievement by Neil Bradbury highlights the transformative impact of the robot in joint replacement surgery, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and recovery times.
The state-of-the-art Mako robot is revolutionising joint replacement surgery by offering unparalleled precision and bespoke implant positioning. It ensures that patients can return to their normal activities more quickly and with greater confidence.
Mr Bradbury said: “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 functioning 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 are aiming to improve patient satisfaction and some studies are reporting 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, lower readmission rates.
“At Sulis Hospital, we are fortunate to have access to the Mako robot, the market leader in joint replacement robotics. The robot dramatically increases the accuracy of knee replacement implantation and allows for bespoke positioning of the implant to suit each individual patient.
“This fine-tuning can have a dramatic effect on the eventual outcome.
“Moreover, the robot enhances surgical safety, preventing damage to soft tissues in the knee joint around the knee, such as blood vessels or nerves. This leads to a faster recovery and reduced pain and swelling.”
Before surgery, patients undergo a CT scan, which allows for accurate planning of the knee replacement. The CT scan data is integrated into the robot’s system, enabling precise mapping of the patient’s knee anatomy.
The surgeon then virtually plans the knee replacement on screen, fine-tuning the implant position for optimal results. The robot’s accuracy ensures confident implantation of the joint replacement.
Mr Bradbury continued: “Initially, I was sceptical about the potential improvements offered by the Mako robot.
“However, after using it for over 6 years, I can confidently say it delivers even more than promised. If I were to have my knee replaced, I would insist on the use of the Mako robot. It truly is a game changer.”
Elizabeth, aged 70, a patient who underwent Mako knee replacement surgery with Mr Bradbury, said: “I just couldn’t continue anymore. I had been struggling with severe arthritis in both knees for years. Fourteen years ago, I had my left knee replaced, and it was inevitable that my right knee would need surgery too.
“I put it off and put it off. It got to the point where I was struggling with simple day-to-day things like walking, and I’m an active person.
“Having robotic-assisted knee surgery with Mr Bradbury will be life-changing. Regaining more mobility and being able to do more physical activities than before is important to me.
“I’m actively involved in the parish council, library services and café for the local community in Bishop Sutton, and I love gardening.”
