A REVOLUTIONARY new surgical procedure being carried out at a North-East hospital means less pain and quicker recovery for patients.

Patients having knee and hip replacement operations at BMI Woodlands Hospital, Darlington, are benefitting from the newest technology that results in greater accuracy, and therefore improved post-operative recovery.

Accuracy of replacing knee and hip joints has been greatly enhanced by the use of the NAVIO™ surgical system, which provides a robotics-assisted handpiece to achieve the precise positioning of the implant, based on each patient's unique anatomy.

Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon at BMI Woodlands Hospital, Craig White, has been one of the first practitioners in the UK to use the system since its introduction.“By using robotic techniques we have the ability to carry out knee and hip replacements with improved precision and greater accuracy,” he explained. “This is a very sophisticated tool that allows us to work to a much more detailed plan, specific to each patient.”

The Northern Echo: Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon Craig WhiteConsultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon Craig White

“The advantages for the patient are that it should lead to a better-functioning implant that lasts longer, because we know that the more accurately they are put in, the better they will perform.

“We are getting evidence that, because we are putting the prosthesis in in a much better position, it’s leading to fewer complications, such as dislocations and issues with starting rehab.”

“There is also evidence that patients are recovering with less pain and disruption, so they can get on with their lives more quickly.”

Craig is only one of two orthopaedic surgeons in the UK using this technique regularly, and said that the technology complements the implants that he is already using.

The Northern Echo: The NAVIO robotics-assisted handpieceThe NAVIO robotics-assisted handpiece

“I’m already extremely happy with the prosthesis I use – it’s one of the best performing hip and knee replacements in the National Joint Registry,” he confirmed. “Because I already know the equipment I’m using is excellent, all I’m trying to do is make sure that my implanting of that equipment is the best it can possibly be.

“For the best possible outcome, you need good equipment, good surgeons, and good technique – and that’s what patients get at BMI Woodlands Hospital.”

www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/hospitals/bmi-woodlands-hospital

BMI Woodlands Hospital, Morton Park, Darlington DL1 4PL

Telephone: 01325 341700