Published on 21 January 2026
Mr Alex Chipperfield and Mr Raman Thakur, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons at Benenden Hospital, explain how robotic-assisted surgery is transforming orthopaedics.
“I’ve seen first-hand how knee arthritis can restrict people’s lives and diminish their quality of life” says Mr Alex Chipperfield, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital. “Symptoms such as stiffness, deformity, weakness and of course chronic unremitting pain can be a terrible burden. Lifting that burden, relieving the pain and restoring function can be transformative for people. Knee replacement offers that solution.”
“Knee replacement surgery has been a trusted solution for decades, giving patients their mobility and independence back, but like all medical innovations, things change over time: implants are more anatomical and conforming, advanced material manufacture of the metals and plastics has resulted in devices that last decades. The way we perform the operation has also evolved and one of the most exciting developments in recent years is robotic-assisted knee replacement, and this year, the partial knee replacement.”
What makes robotic-assisted knee replacement different?
Traditional knee replacement is already a highly successful operation. It involves removing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replacing them with smooth metal implants that move comfortably against each other, cushioned by next generation plastics. The surgery is tried and tested, and the results are life changing. However, the procedure relies heavily on the Surgeon’s eye and experience when it comes to angles, alignment, and fit. Even with the most skilled hands, there is some degree of variability. That’s where robotic assistance comes in.
“With ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant), it’s possible to plan your surgery with even greater precision, and we can do this without the need for expensive preoperative tests and scans. The ROSA technology allows your Surgeon to map out the procedure in advance, tailoring it exactly to your anatomy. During the operation, ROSA provides real-time data and feedback, helping to adjust alignment and implant placement down to fractions of a millimetre,” says Mr Chipperfield.
Why would a ROSA Partial Knee Replacement be recommended?
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Raman Thakur explains:
“In a partial knee replacement (PKA), only one part of the knee is replaced. This is typically done when arthritis or damage is limited to just one area of the knee - either the medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (under the kneecap) compartments. If arthritis is confined to one area, PKR can help preserve the rest of the knee. Generally, recovery is quicker compared to total knee replacement and the knee movement feels more natural since more of the original joint is preserved. Patients often experience less pain and experience a faster return to normal activity. If arthritis progresses in other areas of the knee, a second surgery may be needed in the future to revise or replace the remaining portions of the joint.
“The ROSA Partial Knee System offers state-of-the-art robotic assistance with enhanced precision of bony resection and implant positioning. The system provides real-time data on soft tissue tension throughout the range of motion, allowing the Surgeon to optimise component rotation and balance, which is critical for knee function.”
The key thing to remember is this: the robot doesn’t replace the Surgeon it is simply a more advanced tool that is used to perform the surgery with improved accuracy. The Surgeon remains fully in control of every cut and every movement but is armed with a level of detail and guidance that’s simply not possible with the human eye alone.
The benefits for patients
So, what does all this technology mean for you if you’re considering knee replacement surgery?
- ROSA supports both partial and total knee procedures with the same platform, and allows intraoperative transition from PKA to TKA (Total knee replacement) if needed, improving efficiency and utilisation.
- Faster recovery: Many patients notice that they can get back on their feet more quickly, with less discomfort in the early weeks after surgery.
- Greater accuracy: Better implant alignment leads to a more natural feeling knee and, by extension, to improved long-term outcomes.
- Fewer complications: By ensuring precise fit and balance, robotic assistance can reduce the risk of implant wear, instability or the need for revision surgery later on.
- Personalised surgery: Every knee is unique. With robotic planning, your replacement is designed around your own anatomy, not an average template.
Mr Alex Chipperfield continues: “As someone who has specialised in knee surgery for many years, I’ve seen the incredible difference joint replacement can make. Introducing ROSA into my practice has been a game-changer. I was initially sceptical about the ROSA system; I was not convinced that I’d see a significant difference in the results of an already highly successful operation that I have performed hundreds of times a year for decades.
“Now that I’ve carried out a significant number of these procedures, I can honestly say that the outcomes speak for themselves. The early days of recovery progress more smoothly, patients hit their early milestones more quickly. Patients frequently tell me that their new knee feels more natural and that they’re back walking, gardening, golfing, or simply enjoying life much sooner than they expected.
“One of the things I value most is being able to give my patients confidence, not just that their operation will relieve their pain, but that it will be done with the very best technology available, by a Surgeon who has used it many times before.”
Is robotic-assisted knee replacement right for you?
“Some patients with severe deformity, very poor bone quality or complex joint pathology may not be suitable candidates for robotic partial knee surgery and would require traditional or different surgical approaches,” says Mr Thakur.
Not every patient needs robotic assistance, but for many it represents a real step forward. If your knee pain is limiting your life, and you’re considering surgery, it’s well worth exploring your options. The best way to find out is to book a consultation here at Benenden Hospital where we can examine your knee, review your investigations, and talk you through the benefits and considerations of both conventional and robotic-assisted surgery.
Accessing private robotic-assisted knee surgery at Benenden Hospital
If you have questions about robotic-assisted partial knee replacement or other treatment options for knee pain, get in touch via our online enquiry form or Livechat. You can also book your initial consultation online or call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.