Smith & Nephew launches robotic assistant for knee ops

The Navio robotics-assisted surgical system helps surgeons implant S&N's Journey II XR total knee system that is one of the only total knee designs allowing retention of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

"With this launch, Navio now offers both partial and total knee options that include the first and only robotics-assisted bi-cruciate retaining knee procedure, commercially available today," the FTSE 100 company said on Monday, saying the platform was designed to help surgeons with implant alignment, ligament balancing and bone preparation.

The system does not require a pre-operative image, such as a CT scan, which allows patients to cut out the extra steps, costs, and radiation associated with additional preoperative imaging.

Dr Vivek Neginhal, one of three surgeons to recently perform the first cases using the robotic assistant highlighted that the tool assisted in a"ccuracy of tibia component placement and a streamlined surgical technique" and that he was "amazed at how fluid the knee motion was on the first postop day".