A hospital’s use of a new robot to help surgeons perform knee surgery is proving successful – with patients praising its impact.
Anne Cavanagh was one of the first patients to benefit after the ROSA robot was brought into use at the University Hospital of Hartlepool earlier this year.
The technology helps surgeons position implants more accurately during an operation.
Anne, from Stockton, was suffering with persistent pain to her left knee for months before having surgery.
Since her joint replacement operation under consultant orthopaedic surgeon Anwar Jafri and his team in January, she is recovering well.
Anne, who is 64, said: “I had been having issues with my knee for the last two years and have been in lots of discomfort.
“Part of my job involves taking minutes in social care, with lots of sitting. I was finding I was in agony.
“When I heard I was due for surgery I was so relieved, it was all then very quick.
“On the day of surgery, Mr Jafri said he would be using the robot – it was only after surgery that I did my homework about it. I had no idea you could use a robot for this.”
Recovering well after surgery
Following a period of recovery where Anne experienced some pain, she is progressing well and back doing what she loves most – riding her horse.
She said: “Mr Jafri and his team are excellent, I am really pleased with the outcome.
“When I have done my research I have found that patients where the robot has been used have had fantastic recovery times. I feel the same applies to me.
“I am now back riding my horse – I am really chuffed with how it has all worked out.”
Mr Jafri said: “We have been using the ROSA robot for several weeks now and are delighted with its success so far.
“This surgical assistant is helping us offer individualised treatment for each patient. It is also help us plan, prepare and position implants with a high degree of precision and consistency for patients like Anne.
“It is also adding to the other cutting-edge technologies we already use in the service.
The robot is also aided by the mymobility patient App for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, pioneered with the trust’s industry partners Apple and Zimmer-Biomet.
The App can be used by a patient on their smartphones – allowing health staff to support patients with education and advice both before and after surgery.