Robotic-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery at Ramsay Health Care at Oaks Hospital

Ramsay Health Care UK is a prominent leader in independent healthcare and was recently named Private Hospital Group of the Year at the 2026 Health Investor Awards. The Ramsay Group uses multiple cutting-edge robotic systems across its hospitals nationally, to deliver high precision, personalised joint replacements.

We are recognised as an NJR Gold Quality Data Provider, which means our hospitals consistently submit complete and accurate joint replacement data to the National Joint Registry. This reflects our strong commitment to transparency, clinical quality and continuous improvement in joint replacement outcomes.

Robotic systems act as precision tools that help surgeons plan and perform joint replacement with greater accuracy. They do not operate independently, and your consultant orthopaedic surgeon remains fully in control at every stage, with the robot providing enhanced visualisation, planning and guidance.

This page explains what robotic assisted orthopaedic surgery is, the robotic systems used at Ramsay, the evidence behind them, who may be suitable, and how to access treatment.

What is robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery?

Robotic surgery for orthopaedic conditions combines 3D digital planning with a robotic arm or smart handheld tool, controlled entirely by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon who has been trained to use this advanced technology. Many patients ask, “what is robotic surgery?”, and in joint replacement it simply means adding digital precision to the surgeon’s existing expertise. The system helps the surgeon prepare bone and position implants with a level of precision that is difficult to achieve using manual instruments alone.

Unlike the idea of a “self-operating robot”, these systems do not make decisions or perform surgery autonomously. They act as high-accuracy instruments, responding only to the surgeon’s movements and providing real-time feedback, a key advantage in robotic knee replacement surgery.

Compared with traditional joint replacement, which relies solely on manual tools and the surgeon’s visual judgement, robotic systems add a digital layer of pre-operative planning, intraoperative mapping, and live guidance to support more consistent implant placement.

Two main technology types are used at Ramsay:

Image-based systems, such as ROSA® and Mako SmartRobotics™ which use a pre-operative CT or MRI scan to create a 3D model of the joint
Imageless systems, such as the CORI® Surgical System which builds the 3D model during surgery using optical or sensor-based mapping

Both approaches are consultant-led and used across Ramsay hospitals.

Robotic surgery systems at Ramsay

Ramsay is one of the few independent providers in the UK with real-world experience with multiple robotic platforms across multiple hospitals, offering patients access to the most appropriate system for their needs. This breadth of expertise is a key differentiator in the robotic surgery UK landscape.

ROSA® Knee System (Zimmer Biomet)

What it is: A robotic‑arm assisted system designed for total knee replacement, using sensors and intraoperative data to create a detailed 3D model of your knee. Many patients refer to it simply as the ROSA robot.

How it works: ROSA® combines live soft‑tissue feedback, precise bone measurements, and a robotic arm that helps your surgeon position the implant accurately. The system allows your surgeon to assess knee balance with the implant in place before finalising the procedure.

Key benefit: Supports highly accurate implant placement with the ability to make final precise adjustments during surgery.

Available at: Clifton Park Hospital, The Cherwell Hospital and The Woodland Hospital.

Find out more about the ROSA system at Ramsay

CORI® Surgical System (Smith & Nephew)

What it is: A handheld robotic-assisted system used for total and partial knee replacement. The Cori robot does not use a fixed robotic arm. Instead, it is a compact, portable system designed to support highly precise bone preparation. CORI is imageless and it gathers your knee’s anatomical data during the operation meaning no pre-operative CT scan is required.

How it works: Your surgeon uses a smart handheld burr guided by real-time optical navigation. The system creates a real-time 3D model of your knee during surgery and sets virtual boundaries to support precise bone preparation while protecting surrounding soft tissues.

Key benefit: No radiation from pre-op imaging, fast setup, and highly accurate bone preparation with built-in soft tissue protection.

Milestone: West Midlands Hospital recently celebrated 100 successful CORI procedures, led by Professor Edward Davis, who has performed computer-assisted joint replacement surgery at the hospital for over 18 years.

Available at: Fitzwilliam Hospital, Oaks Hospital and West Midlands Hospital.

Find out more about the CORI system at Ramsay

Mako SmartRobotics™ (Styrker)

What it is: A CT-based robotic-arm system used for partial knee, total knee, and total hip replacement.

How it works: Mako uses a pre-operative CT scan to build a 3D model of the joint. During surgery, the robotic arm provides haptic boundaries which is a virtual “fence” that helps your surgeon stay within the planned area while preparing bone.

Key benefit: Highly controlled bone preparation with tactile feedback and precise implant positioning.

Available at: Tees Valley Hospital and Winfield Hospital.

Find out more about the Mako 4 system at Ramsay

What are the benefits of robotic-assisted joint replacement?

Evidence from peer reviewed studies, national orthopaedic guidance and manufacturer supported clinical data suggests several potential benefits of robotic assisted joint replacement. The evidence base is still evolving and results vary between individuals, so these benefits should be understood as trends rather than guarantees.

Greater implant precision
Robotic systems support more accurate bone preparation and implant positioning than manual instruments. Improved alignment reduces the risk of malposition, which is a known contributor to pain, stiffness and early implant failure.
Personalised surgical planning
Robotic platforms use either pre-operative scans or intraoperative mapping to create a 3D model of your joint. This allows your surgeon to tailor the procedure to each patient’s unique anatomy rather than relying on standardised cutting guides.
Soft tissue protection
More precise removal of damaged bone while protecting healthy tissue - The technology guides your surgeon to remove only what’s necessary and stay within the planned boundary.
Reduced post-operative pain
Several studies report lower pain scores and reduced use of pain relief medication in the early days after robotic-assisted knee replacement. This is thought to be linked to more accurate bone cuts and less soft tissue disruption. However, this will vary in patients and the degree of arthritis / affected bone pre-operatively.
Shorter hospital stays
Evidence suggests that patients undergoing robotic-assisted knee replacement may be discharged sooner than those having conventional surgery. This reflects smoother early recovery and improved mobility in the first few days. However, the length of stay for all joint replacement surgery has decreased in recent years, as we aim for patients to start moving as soon as possible.
Faster functional recovery
Some studies show that patients may regain knee function more quickly, require fewer physiotherapy sessions and achieve better early range of motion. These findings relate to improved implant alignment and reduced soft tissue trauma.
Reduced revision risk
More accurate implant placement is associated with better long-term performance. While long-term data for robotic systems is still developing, early evidence suggests a potential reduction in revision rates due to improved alignment and stability.

These benefits are particularly relevant if you are considering robotic knee replacement surgery, where precision and soft-tissue protection are especially important.

Is the robot performing my surgery?

No. Your consultant orthopaedic surgeon is in control at every stage of your operation. The robotic system cannot act independently, cannot make clinical decisions and cannot move without the surgeon guiding it. The surgery is robotic assisted, the surgeon leads the procedure with additional information shared by the robot based on that individuals anatomy.

Robotic technology is simply a precision tool. It helps your surgeon plan the procedure in detail and provides real time guidance during surgery, but it does not replace the surgeon’s skill or judgement.

Your surgeon sets the surgical plan, positions the instruments and performs every part of the operation. The robot supports this by giving accurate measurements and creating virtual boundaries that help your surgeon stay within the planned area.

A helpful way to think about it is that robotic assistance works like GPS for a skilled driver. The GPS provides guidance and helps you stay on the best route, but the driver remains fully in control of the car and can still select an alternative route and will still receive guidance.

If anything unexpected arises during surgery, your surgeon can override or stop using the robotic system at any time.

Which procedures can be performed with robotic assistance at Ramsay?

Robotic and computer-navigated technology is used across a growing number of orthopaedic procedures at Ramsay hospitals.

Total knee replacement (TKR)
Robotic systems such as ROSA®, Mako SmartRobotics™ and CORI® can support highly accurate bone preparation and implant positioning for total knee replacement.

Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement
Robotic assistance is commonly used for unicompartmental knee replacement, where precision is especially important due to the smaller area being resurfaced using the CORI® or Mako SmartRobotics system.

Hip replacement
Some Ramsay hospitals offer navigation-assisted hip replacement, including CORI® and Mako SmartRobotics hip navigation at selected sites.

Aquablation therapy
A robotic-assisted, image-guided treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Aquablation uses real-time ultrasound guidance and a robotic waterjet system to remove prostate tissue with precision.

Am I suitable for robotic assisted surgery?

If a patient requires a hip or knee replacement they can ask their consultant whether or not they would be suitable for robotic assisted surgery. Your consultant will assess this at your initial appointment, considering your joint condition, overall health and personal goals for recovery.

Patients particularly well‑suited to robotic assistance

People with complex anatomy - robotic planning can help surgeons tailor the procedure when the joint shape varies from the norm.
Active patients - those who want to return to work, sport or daily activities sooner may benefit from the precision and early‑recovery trends seen in robotic surgery.
Patients with previous surgery on the joint - digital mapping helps your surgeon plan around existing implants or altered anatomy.
People seeking a more personalised approach - robotic systems allow your surgeon to tailor implant positioning to your unique anatomy.

Patients who may not be suitable

Certain neuromuscular conditions - these can affect joint stability or movement patterns, so your consultant will advise carefully.
Some patients with severe obesity - in some cases, body habitus can limit the accuracy of tracking systems.

Suitability is always assessed case by case. Your consultant will explain whether robotic surgery is appropriate for your joint, your health and your goals.

The best way to find out

The most reliable way to understand whether robotic surgery is right for you is to book a consultation with a Ramsay orthopaedic consultant. They will review your symptoms, imaging and medical history, and recommend the safest and most effective treatment option.

Why choose Ramsay for robotic orthopaedic surgery?

Choosing where to have joint replacement surgery is an important decision, and Ramsay offers a combination of national reach, clinical expertise and independently verified quality that sets it apart.

NJR Gold Quality Data Provider - Ramsay is recognised as a National Joint Registry Gold Quality Data Provider across 25 hospitals. This independent benchmark reflects exceptional data accuracy, outcomes transparency and a strong commitment to clinical quality. It is one of Ramsay’s strongest and most verifiable indicators of excellence.
Experienced consultant surgeons - robotic procedures are performed by consultant orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience in computer-assisted joint replacement. This includes Professor Edward Davis at West Midlands Hospital, who has more than 18 years of experience in surgery supported by technology, Mr Mahbub Alam at Oaks Hospital who has been involved in Robotic Surgery & Research for approximately 20 years, Mr Tim Parrott, also at Oaks Hospital, who is the Clinical Director of Knee Surgery at ESEOC.
National scale, local access - robotic and navigation-assisted surgery is available across multiple Ramsay hospitals in England, giving patients access to advanced technology close to home rather than at a single specialist centre.
Leading robotic systems - Ramsay offers ROSA®, CORI® and Mako SmartRobotics™ platforms.
No waiting lists - private patients typically access consultations, diagnostics and surgery significantly faster than on the NHS, helping reduce pain, improve mobility and support earlier return to daily life.
Self-pay and insurance options - patients can choose self-pay packages or use private medical insurance.

How to access robotic surgery at Ramsay

Accessing robotic-assisted joint replacement at Ramsay is straightforward, and you do not need private medical insurance to begin the process.

Step 1: Contact Ramsay

Call, enquire online or book directly. Self-pay patients do not need a GP referral, although a referral can be helpful if you already have one.

Step 2: Initial consultation

Meet with a Ramsay orthopaedic consultant for a full assessment. This may include X-rays or MRI, and a discussion of all suitable treatment options, including robotic-assisted techniques.

Step 3: Personalised treatment plan and fixed-price quote

Your consultant will confirm whether robotic surgery is an option for your joint and outline a tailored treatment plan. You will receive a clear, fixed-price quote detailing what is included.

Step 4: Surgery and recovery

Your procedure takes place at a Ramsay hospital offering robotic assistance, followed by a structured recovery plan and dedicated follow-up appointments.

Ready to take the next step?

Call 0808 223 0500, Book Online or Send an Enquiry

View our pricing guide

FAQs:

Robotic Surgery Specialists at Oaks Hospital

Mr Aziz Ahmad

Orthopaedics

Mr Aziz Ahmad is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon in Essex
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Mr Shafic Al-Nammari

Orthopaedics

Mr Shafic Al-Nammari, Oaks Hospital, Colchester, treats all adult musculoskeletal conditions affecting the Foot & Ankle
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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 Shaishav Bhagat

Orthopaedics

Mr Shaishav Bhagat is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon in Essex providing care for a full range of Spinal conditions including degenerative disorders, trauma, tumours, infections, deformities and sports related injuries
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Mr Mark Blackman

Orthopaedics

Consultant Mr Mark Blackman specialises in spinal surgery in Essex
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Mr Matthew Hynes

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Mr Matthew Hynes is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, treats shoulder pain due to sports injuries, dislocations, impingement, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulders, acromioclavicular joint pain, instability or arthritis.
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Mr Samirul Imam

Orthopaedics

Mr Samirul Imam is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, specialising in Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder Surgery
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Mr Mark Loeffler

Orthopaedics

Mr Mark Loeffler is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip and knee arthroplasty and soft tissue and arthroscopic knee surgery at Oaks Hospital, Colchester, Essex
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Mr D'jon Lopez

Orthopaedics

Mr D'jon Lopez is a Consultant Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon in Essex, specialising in Hip and Knee Surgery
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Mr Edward Massa

Orthopaedics

Mr Edward Massa is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, specialising in hip and knee pathologies.
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Mr William Matthews

Orthopaedics

Mr William Matthews is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Colchester, specialising in hand and wrist surgery.
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Mr Gohar Naqvi

Orthopaedics

Mr Gohar Naqvi is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, specialising in hip and knee surgery
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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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Mr Mark Prempeh

Orthopaedics

Mr Mark Prempeh is a Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon in Essex, Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich who specialises in Spinal surgery
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Mr Manav Raghuvanshi

Orthopaedics

Mr Manav Raghuvanshi is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex specialising in hip and knee replacements
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Mr Mustafa Rashid

Orthopaedics

Mr Mustafa Rashid is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, who specialises in Shoulder Surgery
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Mr Naveethan Sivanadarajah

Orthopaedics

Mr Naveethan Sivanadarajah is a Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics Surgeon in Essex who specialises in Foot & Ankle Surgery
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Mr Philip Sloper

Orthopaedics

Mr Philip Sloper is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip and knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy and revision hip arthroplasty.
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Mr Jeremy Stanton

Orthopaedics

Mr Jeremy Stanton is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, Oaks Hospital.
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Mr Sivakolundu Suresh

Orthopaedics

Mr Sivakolundu Suresh is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, who specialises in Hip and Knee Surgery
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Mr Abdul Waheed

Orthopaedics

Mr Abdul Waheed is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, who specialises in hip and knee surgery
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Mr Nicholas Wardle

Orthopaedics

Mr Nicholas Wardle is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, Oaks Hospital specialising in hip and knee arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and periprosthetic hip fractures.
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Mr Timothy H D Williams

Orthopaedics

Mr Timothy Williams is Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex, offering consultation on disorders of the Foot and Ankle
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Miss Georgina Wright

Orthopaedics

Miss Georgina Wright is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Essex
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