Robotic Knee Surgery for Partial and Total Knee Replacement in Bath & Bristol

Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery uses advanced planning and precision guidance to help position knee replacement components accurately and consistently. It can be used for partial knee replacement (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartments) and for total knee replacement. The goal is to improve alignment, balance, and implant placement in a way that supports a smooth recovery and a reliable long-term outcome.

Mr Simon Abram, Consultant Specialist Knee Surgeon, offers robotic-assisted knee replacement assessment and treatment planning in Bath and Bristol. The most appropriate approach depends on your knee arthritis pattern, anatomy, goals - and whether a partial replacement or total replacement is the best option for you.

What is robotic-assisted knee replacement?

In robotic-assisted knee surgery, the surgeon uses a robotic platform to support planning and execution of the procedure. The robot does not operate independently. Instead, it helps the surgeon:

Create a precise plan for implant positioning based on your knee anatomy
Make accurate bone preparation within the planned boundaries
Fine-tune alignment and knee balance during the operation

Robotic assistance is best thought of as a precision tool that supports consistency–especially in complex anatomy or when very accurate compartment work is required.

Why robotic assistance may be helpful

Modern knee replacement aims to restore comfort, stability, and function. Robotic assistance may help by:

Improving the accuracy of component positioning
Supporting more consistent restoration of limb alignment
Helping the surgeon balance the knee through its range of movement
Supporting bone preservation in partial knee replacement procedures

Robotic partial knee replacement (medial, lateral, patellofemoral)

A partial knee replacement replaces only the worn compartment of the knee, preserving the healthy compartments, bone, and ligaments where possible. Robotic assistance is particularly relevant for partial replacements because the targets are smaller and precision matters.

Medial partial knee replacement (inner side)

Medial unicompartmental knee replacement is used when arthritis is mainly on the inner side. Robotic assistance can support accurate positioning and balance while preserving the rest of the knee.

Lateral partial knee replacement (outer side)

Lateral unicompartmental knee replacement is used when arthritis is mainly on the outer side. This compartment can be more variable in anatomy, and robotic planning can help with alignment and tracking to support a stable, natural-feeling outcome.

Patellofemoral joint replacement (kneecap joint)

Patellofemoral joint replacement is used when arthritis is mainly behind the kneecap and in the trochlear groove, with the rest of the knee relatively preserved. Because kneecap tracking and groove alignment are important, robotic assistance may help refine component placement in selected cases.

Partial replacement can be an excellent option when arthritis is truly compartment-specific. It is not suitable when arthritis is significant across multiple compartments.

Robotic total knee replacement

Total knee replacement is usually recommended when arthritis affects multiple compartments of the knee, or when the pattern and symptoms make a partial replacement less reliable.

Robotic assistance in total knee replacement can help the surgeon:

Plan component positions to match your anatomy
Restore alignment and joint line position in a controlled way
Balance the knee through bending and straightening

Robotic assistance does not replace the need for a careful diagnosis and a well-matched surgical plan. The decision between partial and total replacement remains the most important factor.

Who may be suitable for robotic-assisted knee replacement?

Robotic assistance may be considered if you are suitable for knee replacement surgery and:

You have a clear compartment pattern (for partial replacement)
Your anatomy or alignment would benefit from precision planning
You want a highly planned, data-driven approach to implant positioning

It is not a guarantee of a better outcome for every patient. The priority is choosing the right operation for your knee–partial (medial, lateral, patellofemoral) versus total–and ensuring rehabilitation is optimised.

Assessment and planning (Bath & Bristol)

Robotic knee surgery begins with careful pre-operative assessment. Mr Simon Abram offers specialist assessment for robotic partial and total knee replacement in Bristol and Bath, focusing on whether you are better suited to a compartmental replacement or a total knee replacement.

Assessment usually includes:

History: pain location, function limits, swelling, and goals
Examination: movement, stability, alignment, and kneecap tracking
X-rays: weight-bearing x-rays to confirm the arthritis pattern and weight-bearing alignment
CT Scan: Required for surgical planning when using the MAKO robotic system.

The key decision is selecting the procedure that fits your arthritis pattern to produce the most reliable improvement.

What happens during robotic-assisted knee replacement?

While exact steps vary by system and procedure, robotic knee replacement typically involves:

Creating a surgical plan based on your anatomy
Confirming landmarks and balancing information during the procedure
Using robotic guidance to prepare bone accurately to the plan
Placing implants and confirming stability and range of movement

The surgery is performed by the surgeon, with the robotic platform assisting with accuracy and consistency.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery after robotic-assisted knee replacement is broadly similar to non-robotic surgery. The biggest drivers of recovery are:

Good pain control and swelling management
Early, safe mobilisation and walking progression
Structured physiotherapy and strengthening
Time for tissues to heal and the knee to “settle”

Partial knee replacement often recovers faster than total knee replacement, but recovery varies by individual, implant type, and pre-operative fitness.

Risks and limitations

The risks of robotic-assisted knee replacement are similar to standard knee replacement surgery. Potential risks include:

Infection
Blood clots (DVT / pulmonary embolus)
Stiffness or prolonged swelling
Persistent pain or dissatisfaction
Instability, loosening, or wear over time
Fracture: very rarely the pins used to guide the robot can weaken the bone and increase the risk of a fracture

Robotic assistance is a tool to support accuracy, but it does not remove the inherent risks of surgery or guarantee a specific outcome. A personalised discussion should cover what robotic assistance adds in your case and whether it is likely to be beneficial.

Frequently asked questions

Does the robot perform the operation?

No. The operation is performed by the surgeon. The robotic system supports planning and guides accuracy during bone preparation and implant positioning.

Is robotic knee replacement better than standard knee replacement?

Robotic assistance may improve precision and consistency, but the most important factor is the specialist experience of the surgeon performing the surgery. Even with robotic assistance, the surgeon must select the right type of knee replacement and understand the ideal positioning of the knee replacement for you and your knee.

Can robotic surgery be used for patellofemoral joint replacement?

Yes, robotic assistance can be used in selected cases for patellofemoral joint replacement where accurate positioning and kneecap tracking are important considerations.

Does robotic surgery reduce recovery time?

Recovery is mainly driven by the type of operation (partial vs total), pain/swelling control, and rehabilitation. Some patients feel their early recovery is smoother, but results vary.

What robotic systems can be used? MAKO and CORI

In Bath and Bristol, Mr Simon Abram uses two established robotic platforms for knee replacement surgery: Mako and CORI. These systems support a planned, precision-guided approach to both partial knee replacement (medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments) and total knee replacement in selected patients. Both Mako and CORI are tools used by the surgeon to improve accuracy and consistency. The most important factor remains choosing the surgeon who will be responsible for operating the robot, planning and performing the surgery.

Can I be assessed for robotic knee replacement in Bath or Bristol?

Yes. Mr Simon Abram offers robotic partial knee replacement (medial, lateral, patellofemoral) and robotic total knee replacement in Bath and Bristol.