NAVIO Robotic Knee Surgery: Precision, Personalisation, and Faster Recovery
Knee pain can be debilitating and put a damper on your quality of living, especially when simple things in life become a chore. For people with an underlying knee disease or severe arthritis, the removal and replacement of the knee joint is usually the best treatment. Robotic knee surgery is a game-changer for the way knee surgery is delivered, because it offers precision that conventional methods just can’t provide.
At Chase Lodge Hospital, we are delighted to provide the NAVIO robotic system, a state-of-the-art innovative development in orthopaedic surgery. Combining real-time data and state-of-the-art imaging, NAVIO improves surgical precision, resulting in better implant placement, reduced recovery time, and better long-term patient outcomes.
What is Robotic Knee Surgery with NAVIO?
The NAVIO system is an advanced, computer-assisted surgery system developed to help make the most precise and accurate cuts<sup>1-5</sup> of the bone during a knee replacement. But unlike full automation, NAVIO isn’t operating on you—instead, it’s a smart assistant, helping your surgeon along the way with detailed 3D maps and real-time information.
NAVIO constructs a virtual model of the patient’s knee during the operation via sensors and an accurate tracking device, without the requirement for a preoperative CT scan. This model permits the surgeon to modify the surgery to the patient’s anatomy on an individual basis and to determine the final implant position intraoperatively.
Supported by evidence-based literature, robot-assisted surgery has been demonstrated to radically improve implant accuracy. In 2021, there was a study on PubMed, and they found that robotic systems such as NAVIO have reduced inter-surgeon variability and better alignment compared to conventional methods (see PubMed link).
Benefits of Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
Selecting robotic knee surgery has many benefits compared to traditional knee replacement:
Enhanced Precision
- With NAVIO, the surgeon is able to position the prosthesis with submillimetre precision, thus achieving the correct alignment and preservation of the joint dynamics. This accuracy can potentially minimise risk of post-operative complications and implant loosening.
Minimised Tissue Damage
- Robotics facilitates a minimally invasive approach and precise movement at the surgery site. This helps reduce trauma to the surrounding muscles and tissues—and that means less pain and faster healing.
Faster Recovery
- Shorter hospital stays and faster return to activities for many patients. It allows for more repeatable results through robotics, which can then add the confidence for postoperative mobility.
Improved Longevity
- Patients with a properly placed implant are seeing them last longer. This translates to fewer revision surgeries and more long-term patient satisfaction with the operation.
Customised Treatment
- Every knee is different. NAVIO works for the unique anatomy of your joint, providing a tailored surgical plan for your body for the best outcome.
How Long Does Robotic Knee Surgery Take?
One of the most frequently asked questions patients want to know is, “How long does robotic knee surgery take?” At the end of the day, the overall time may be a little bit longer (with the planning phase and mapping), but the duration of actual surgery is generally 1 to 2 hours, about the same as traditional knee replacement.
There are many other factors that can impact the overall time in the operating room, including the extent of joint decay, the type of knee replacement, and the amount of surgical experience. With Chase Lodge Hospital, you can trust in comprehensive care and no compromise on quality, care, or accuracy.
Recovery After Knee Robotic Surgery
The recovery process after robotic knee replacement is generally easier than with traditional surgery due to less tissue trauma and precision implant placement. Most patients can expect:
- Less pain and swelling during the first days after the operation
- Shorter hospital stays, including one or two days only
- Early mobility, with most commencing physiotherapy within 24–48 hours
- Get back to your routine in as few as six weeks (results may vary)
A rehabilitation programme including physiotherapy is crucial to recovering strength and mobility. At Chase Lodge Hospital, we work with all patients to create a personal treatment programme to ensure the best long-term results.
Conclusion
We’re specialists in NAVIO robotic knee surgery, which represents nothing short of a revolution in the way we conduct joint replacement surgery. Best Knee Replacement Implant Options—It may not be the cheapest option on the list, but with a proven record and high-quality clinical performance, it’s a good option for a long-lasting solution for your knee pain.
If you would like to learn more about whether NAVIO robotic surgery is suitable for you, then please do make an appointment to see one of our orthopaedic experts at Chase Lodge Hospital.
