Spire Fylde Coast Hospital Completes First Mako Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

• 82-year-old patient experiences pain free recovery in landmark procedure using cutting edge Mako technology. 

Spire Fylde Coast Hospital has successfully completed its first Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement, marking a major milestone for the hospital’s orthopaedic service and transforming the life of local resident Mr Max Read, aged 82, who says he experienced “no pain at all” following surgery.

Mr Read, who had endured years of worsening osteoarthritis, became one of the first patients in the region to undergo knee replacement using the state-of-the-art Mako robotic-arm assisted technology, delivered by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Amit Shah.

Before surgery, Mr Read had lived with constant discomfort, loss of mobility, and significant difficulty even performing simple everyday tasks such as walking, standing, and gardening.

“I’d reached the point where I could barely walk without pain,” said Mr Read. “My leg had started to twist because the joint was bone on bone. I knew something had to be done.”

Despite being warned by friends, that knee replacement surgery could be extremely painful, Mr Read says his experience was the complete opposite after receiving robotic-assisted treatment.

“I had absolutely no pain. None at all,” Mr Read said. “I was given painkillers but I didn’t need them. I only took paracetamol. Even when they got me walking on the day of surgery, I still felt no pain.” 

Mr Max Read with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Amit Shah following his robotic-assisted knee replacement

Mr Read’s recovery astonished physiotherapists, who measured his progress during post-surgery rehabilitation.

“They said I was in the top two or three percent of patients for range of movement and recovery,” he added. "Within a couple of weeks I was walking without crutches. My knee feels like a normal knee now.”

Realising how severely his mobility had declined prior to surgery, Mr Read is certain that without intervention he would have eventually required permanent walking aids or even a wheelchair.

Mr Shah said: "When I saw Mr Read the day after surgery, he was amazed at how little pain he felt. Three weeks later, his recovery is ahead of expectations. The precision and personalised planning MAKO technology offers truly supports smoother, faster recovery – and I’m proud we can now provide this here at Spire Fylde Coast." 

Spire Fylde Coast Hospital recently invested in the Mako robotic system—the most advanced technology in knee and hip replacement surgery. The system enables highly personalised planning, precision placement of implants, and minimally invasive techniques that help reduce pain and speed up recovery.

Mr Read was among the very first patients in the North West to benefit from this technology, as Spire Fylde Coast is currently the only Spire hospital in the region offering the Mako robotic system. 

His wife added: “We were very fortunate with the timing. If the operation had been earlier, he wouldn’t have had access to the robotic system. It made all the difference.” 

Mr Read praised the entire surgical and nursing team for their professionalism, compassion, and thoroughness. 

“I was looked after incredibly well,” he said. “From the physios to the nursing staff to Mr Shah, everyone was excellent. The care was first-class.” 

Following such a positive experience, Mr Read is now preparing to have his second knee replaced and says he feels confident and even “excited” to undergo the robotic-assisted procedure again. 

“I’m actually looking forward to the next one,” he said. “I know exactly what to expect — and the recovery speaks for itself.” 

When asked what he would tell others considering the surgery, Mr Read offered clear encouragement:

“I would have no hesitation recommending it. Do the exercises, follow the physio guidance, and don’t be afraid. This surgery gave me my life back.”  

 Mako robotic-assisted surgery uses advanced CT-based planning to map each patient’s anatomy with pinpoint accuracy. Surgeons guide the robotic arm during the operation, ensuring precise implant positioning tailored to the patient’s unique needs. Benefits can include less postoperative pain, faster recovery, greater accuracy and joint alignment, and improved long-term outcomes.

Mr Max Read back to gardening after his Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement at Spire Fylde Coast Hospital