Patients at Mater Private Network Cork Can Now Benefit from Cutting Edge ROSA Knee System

Patients undergoing total knee replacement at Mater Private Network in Cork could benefit from quicker recovery times and a more customised overall experience, thanks to the introduction of the new ROSA Knee System. This robotic surgical assistant for total knee replacement supports surgeons during the procedure, helping them to tailor the surgical plan and accurate placement of the knee implant to each individual patient. Mater Private Network in Cork is the first hospital in the country to employ this state-of-the-art technology, developed by Zimmer Biomet. A market leader that prioritises adaptable workflow, the ROSA Knee System possesses features to assist with the bone resections, as well as assessing the state of the soft tissues to facilitate implant positioning during surgery. Surgeons at Mater Private Network in Cork are using the new ROSA Knee system to combine accurate data and a robotic arm with their skill and experience, to target better fit and function of knee replacements compared with traditional methods. The hospital carries out approximately 1,000 joint replacements a year and has an earned reputation of constant innovation in orthopaedics. The ROSA Knee System will help Mater Private Cork surgeons continue their record of good clinical outcomes for their patients.

Having already performed a number of knee replacements using the system, Mr. Karuppiah Mahalingam, lead orthopaedic surgeon at Mater Private Cork, commented: “Everyone’s knee is different, and the ROSA system is an excellent tool to help personalise every knee replacement to reflect this. Over the last number of months, I have successfully completed several procedures using this new technology that assists me and my surgical team with live data and guidance throughout the surgery. This can result in an implant position more accurately placed than by traditional methods, and allows my patients knees to heal faster, regain motion quicker, and feel more natural.” Robotic-assisted knee surgery has been associated with reduced pain, lower usage of pain relief medication, fewer physiotherapy sessions and overall improved knee function following surgery. Robotic surgery has also been linked to shorter hospital stays and lower rates of hospital readmission compared to traditional surgical techniques. As one of Ireland’s major centres for joint replacements, Mater Private Network Cork will continue to make innovative orthopaedic treatment available to patients throughout the Munster region.

More about Rosa Knee System

The ROSA Knee system first uses a series of x-rays to create a 3D model of the knee to help surgeons advise on a clinically proven knee implant system that is best suited to the patient. The surgeon will use their experience alongside the information from ROSA to plan specific details of the knee replacement prior to surgery. During surgery, ROSA uses a camera and sensor to know exactly where the knee is - it can detect even the smallest movements in real-time. Providing live feedback throughout surgery via a digital display and with the help of a robotic guiding arm, ROSA helps surgeons precisely place the implant according to their plan. By providing surgeons with continuous updated data and allowing them to adapt their technique if needed, ROSA results in a more flexible, bespoke, and accurate knee replacement. ROSA also provides optional tools for soft tissue balancing and femoral rotation that can provide information on real time range of motion assessments, varus, valgus laxity measurements throughout the knee state and gap measurements. Finally, to ensure the best possible outcome, ROSA helps the surgeon to assess the knee with the implant in place. This allows surgeons to make final precise adjustments before finishing the surgery. Because of this, robotic-assisted surgery has been shown to improve overall outcomes and is associated with lower post-surgery revision rates.