PATIENTS who need hip and knee replacements are set to benefit from revolutionary surgery thanks to a new robot assistant.

Nuffield Health Bournemouth is preparing to unveil its state-of-the-art Mako robotic arm and is one of the first private hospitals in the UK to invest in the pioneering technology.

The robotic arm will assist in partial knee replacements and total hip replacements from September with full knee replacements due to be offered in 2018.

The state-of-the-art robotic arm will work alongside orthopaedic consultants Professor Robert Middleton and Paul Pavlou, who have both undergone intensive training in Basel, Switzerland. Before surgery, a personalised 3D model is created based on the patient’s own CT scan, allowing the exact size and orientation of the hip or knee implant to be planned. During the operation the robot arm guides the surgeon, following a customised pre-surgery plan, to improve the accuracy and precision of the procedure.

Paul Pavlou said: “I have a lot of experience working with this technology and very similar navigational technology currently being used in mainland Europe and Australia. To date more than 80,000 successful robotic-arm assisted procedures have been completed worldwide. During operations I will have full control of the robotic-arm but using this technology allows us to be more accurate and minimises any risk of error.

“Other benefits to the patient include a quicker recovery, less complications, less pain when healing, better function and less chance of fractures and further surgery in the future. Stryker Mako implants should last 15 years or more.”

Mr Pavlou added: “The robotic-arm refers to the patient’s pre-operative CT scan data from the hip, ankle and knee to ensure the joint and implant is aligned correctly. Correct orientation ensures that the patient gets many years from their implant.”

David McNair, hospital director at Nuffield Health Bournemouth, said: “We are pleased to now offer our patients a procedure that is going to ensure a speedier, less painful recovery from very common procedures. As Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital celebrates its 60th anniversary we’re reflecting on what makes us so successful including our excellent customer service and facilities, but also looking to the future to what’s next in medicine and technology and investing in Mako robotic-arm assisted technology is an example of this.”