Robotic knee surgery is becoming increasingly common as more people choose the accuracy and personalised planning it offers. At Ramsay Health Care, we use the CORI® Surgical System by Smith+Nephew for both partial and total knee replacement, supporting highly precise, surgeon-led care.
This page explains what robotic knee replacement is, how CORI® works, the benefits, success rates, recovery, and cost. You can also explore our wider robotic joint replacement services.
Robotic knee replacement with the CORI® Surgical System is an advanced technology that helps your orthopaedic surgeon plan and perform knee replacement surgery with a high level of accuracy.
Instead of relying on a pre-operative CT scan, CORI® creates a real-time 3D model of your knee during surgery using a small handheld scanner. This personalised digital map allows your surgeon to plan your procedure based on your unique anatomy and the way your knee moves.
During the operation, the CORI® system provides live guidance to support your surgeon in removing only the damaged bone and positioning your implant with precision. The goal is to achieve a balanced, natural-feeling knee with as little disruption to healthy tissue as possible.
Robotic knee surgery with CORI® is suitable for people with osteoarthritis affecting one or more compartments of the knee, particularly when symptoms are no longer responding to non-surgical treatments.
It’s important to know that your surgeon remains fully in control throughout the procedure. CORI® simply adds an extra layer of accuracy, information, and confidence, helping your surgeon deliver consistent, highly tailored results.
The CORI® robotic system is designed to support your surgeon in achieving highly accurate implant placement, tailored to the natural shape and movement of your knee. Although the technology is advanced, the process remains entirely surgeon-led from start to finish.
Step-by-step overview
Real-time 3D mapping - your surgeon uses a small handheld probe to scan the surface of your knee. This creates a live 3D model of your joint without the need for a CT scan, avoiding additional radiation exposure.
Personalised surgical planning - the CORI® software analyses your knee’s alignment, ligament tension, and movement patterns to determine the optimal implant size and position for a stable, natural-feeling result.
Precision bone preparation - guided by the robotic arm and supported by haptic (touch-sensitive) feedback, your surgeon removes only the necessary amount of bone. This helps preserve healthy bone and soft tissue.
Implant placement - a partial or total knee implant is positioned and secured with high accuracy, following the personalised plan created during mapping.
The evidence on the benefits of robotic knee replacement surgery continues to develop, and outcomes differ from person to person, so these benefits should be viewed as overall trends rather than guaranteed results.
The benefits include:
Greater accuracy - robotic guidance supports more precise implant positioning than conventional techniques, which may improve long-term function and comfort.
Smaller incisions - the minimally invasive approach reduces soft-tissue disruption, helping to lower postoperative discomfort.
Faster recovery - many patients experience a quicker return to mobility and a shorter hospital stay (typically 1 to 3 nights).
Lower complication risk - improved accuracy may reduce the likelihood of implant misalignment and the need for revision surgery.
No CT scan required - CORI® uses real-time mapping, eliminating the need for pre-operative CT imaging and reducing radiation exposure.
A more natural-feeling knee - personalised implant positioning aims to restore smoother movement and a more natural range of motion.
This option is suitable when osteoarthritis or injury is limited to one compartment of your knee. Benefits include:
Preservation of more natural bone and ligaments
Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption
Typically, quicker recovery and more natural knee movement
Recommended when arthritis affects multiple compartments of your knee. With CORI® guidance, the procedure remains minimally destructive, allowing:
Accurate resurfacing of all affected joint surfaces
Balanced ligament tension
Improved long-term stability and function
Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise whether a partial knee replacement surgery or total knee surgery is most appropriate following a full clinical assessment.
For a general overview of knee replacement surgery, visit our page on knee replacement.
Robotic knee replacement surgery has shown high success rates, with research demonstrating improvements in implant accuracy, early recovery, and patient-reported outcomes compared with conventional knee replacement.
Multiple high-quality studies report:
Improved implant alignment and fewer alignment outliers - a 2025 umbrella review of 10 systematic reviews found that robotic-assisted knee replacement consistently achieved superior alignment accuracy compared with conventional surgery.
Better early functional outcomes in many studies A systematic review of 22 clinical studies reported that robotic knee replacement surgery produced statistically better postoperative functional scores (including HSS and WOMAC) in 12 studies, with more accurate mechanical alignment in 14 studies.
High patient satisfaction - evidence shows that robotic systems can reduce early postoperative pain and improve early mobility, which may contribute to higher satisfaction in the early recovery period.
Modern implants are lasting 20+ years - while implant longevity depends on activity level, weight, and overall health, modern knee implants including those placed robotically are designed to last 20 years or more, consistent with long-term outcomes reported for total knee arthroplasty.
Outcomes depend on individual factors - studies emphasise that long-term results vary based on age, bone quality, general health, and rehabilitation. Your surgeon will discuss expected outcomes based on your personal clinical profile.
The cost of robotic knee replacement can vary depending on your Ramsay hospital, your type of procedure (partial or total), and your individual clinical needs. After your consultation, you will receive a personalised, fixed-price quote so you know exactly what to expect.
Ramsay welcomes self-pay patients, with a range of payment plans available to help spread the cost. We are also recognised by most major private medical insurance providers, and many policies include robotic knee replacement when clinically appropriate.
Please contact us for a quote.
Your care begins with a full orthopaedic consultation and assessment, where your surgeon will examine your knee, review your symptoms, and confirm whether a partial or total robotic knee replacement is the most appropriate option.
You’ll receive personalised pre-operative instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking (usually nil by mouth from six hours before surgery) and any medication adjustments needed ahead of your procedure.
Robotic knee replacement surgery is carried out under either a general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic. Many patients benefit from spinal anaesthesia, as it can offer fewer side effects and better pain control immediately after surgery.
Once you are comfortable and anaesthetised, your surgeon will use the CORI® robotic system to create a real-time 3D map of your knee and guide the precise placement of your implant. The procedure remains entirely surgeon-led, with the robotic system providing enhanced accuracy and control.
Most patients stay in hospital for 1 to 3 nights, depending on the type of knee replacement and individual recovery needs.
You will usually begin weight-bearing on your day of surgery, supported by our physiotherapy team. Crutches or a walking aid are typically needed for 1 to 2 weeks, with mobility improving steadily as strength returns.
Many people notice a significant improvement in knee function by 4 to 6 weeks, especially when following a structured rehabilitation plan. Ramsay offers access to experienced physiotherapists who will guide your recovery and help you regain confidence in your knee.
For more information about our wider orthopaedic services, visit our orthopaedics page.
Choosing robotic knee replacement at Ramsay gives you access to expert orthopaedic surgeons who are highly experienced in using the CORI® robotic system to deliver precise, personalised knee surgery.
Patients benefit from shorter waiting times compared with the NHS, with fast access to consultations, diagnostics and treatment. Many Ramsay hospitals offer on-site MRI, CT and X-ray, helping your surgeon assess your knee and plan your care without delay.
Your recovery is supported by our dedicated physiotherapy teams, who work with you to rebuild strength, mobility and confidence after surgery.
Ramsay welcomes self-pay patients, offers flexible payment plans, and is recognised by most major private medical insurance providers.
You can learn more about our wider robotic services via robotic joint replacement and find your nearest hospital using our hospital finder.
Book an appointment or call us on 0808 223 0500.
Robotic knee replacement is a surgeon-led procedure that uses the CORI®™ Surgical System to create a real-time 3D model of your knee and guide the precise placement of your implant. It can be used for both partial and total knee replacement.
Robotic knee surgery offers greater accuracy, more personalised planning, and can support a more natural-feeling knee after recovery. Studies show improved implant alignment and, in many cases, better early functional outcomes. Your surgeon will advise whether robotic surgery is the best option for you.
Research shows high success rates, with robotic systems improving implant positioning, early recovery, and patient-reported outcomes. Modern implants are designed to last 20 years or more, depending on individual factors.
Most people stay in hospital for 1 to 3 nights, begin weight-bearing on the day of surgery, and use crutches for 1 to 2 weeks. Many notice a significant improvement in knee function by 4 to 6 weeks, supported by physiotherapy.
Costs vary depending on the hospital, procedure type, and your individual needs. Ramsay offers self-pay, payment plans, and accepts most major private medical insurance.
You may be suitable if you have osteoarthritis affecting one or more knee compartments, ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments. Your consultant will confirm suitability after assessment.
A GP referral is helpful but not always required for self-pay patients. If using private medical insurance, your insurer may request a referral depending on your policy.
Mr Mahbub Alam
Orthopaedics
Mr Mahbub Alam is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a clinical interest in knee surgery and sport injuries
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Mr Tim Parratt
Orthopaedics
Mr Tim Parratt is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Colchester who specialises in hip and knee surgery
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