Spire Little Aston Hospital reaches milestone of performing over 1,000 robotic surgeries

• Consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Spire Little Aston Hospital perform over 1,000 robotic hip and knee replacement surgeries, revitalising those who had previously suffered from hip or knee pain living in the region

Spire Little Aston Hospital has been using the robotic Mako system since 2018 and has now celebrated performing over 1,000 cases. This advanced technology has transformed how hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed and has contributed to positive patient outcomes at the Sutton Coldfield-based hospital for both self-funding and insured patients.

Mako-assisted surgeries can provide several benefits to patients, including increased surgical precision, accelerated recovery times, and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional joint replacement methods. The use of Mako technology enables surgeons to minimise the trauma to the hip or knee joint, whilst preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue.

One of the 1,000 patients to benefit is 77-year-old Mr Derek Giddins, who underwent a Mako assisted knee replacement with Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, Mr James Arbuthnot, after living with knee problems for a decade throughout his retirement.

Mr Giddins said: “I had been having knee problems since around 2013 and had unsuccessful treatment from the NHS. My knee sometimes gave way, and although I managed to keep active, I was starting to feel limited, especially when cycling, swimming, or climbing church tower stairs for bell ringing.”

He explained his decision to come to Spire Little Aston Hospital: “When I came here for a previous surgery, I noticed a board in the entrance advertising Mako assisted surgery. It looked interesting, so I decided when the time came, I would investigate this procedure. I opted to come privately because I wasn’t ‘ready’ from the NHS point of view, and I wanted to keep active.”

Reflecting on his treatment, Mr Giddins added: “From beginning to end, the whole experience at Spire was excellent. Mr Arbuthnot explained the procedure clearly, and the nursing and physiotherapy team were all first-class. When I went home, I found the pain relief I took was minimal and I didn’t really need it. Two weeks after the operation, I remember walking into the kitchen and then realising I had left my crutches behind without even noticing – that was a big moment.”

Since surgery, Mr Giddins has returned to an active lifestyle.

Derek Giddins (pictured) during a cycling outing

“The new knee has certainly allowed me to keep doing what I love. I’m cycling off-road again in Cannock Chase, I can manage stairs for bell ringing with no problem, and on a recent trip to Portugal, I was cycling up to 50 miles a day on an e-bike along the Atlantic Coast, including some steep climbs. Before the surgery, that simply wouldn’t have been possible.”

Mr James Arbuthnot, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at Spire Little Aston Hospital, commented on the achievement: “It is very rewarding to see patients like Mr Giddins regaining their independence and returning to the activities they enjoy. The Mako robotic-assisted system allows us to deliver a more personalised approach, which can mean improved recovery and excellent long-term outcomes.”

Vicky Morris, Hospital Director at Spire Little Aston Hospital, said: “Since successfully incorporating Mako technology into our surgical practices in 2018, we continue to provide the best possible care to our patients at Spire Little Aston Hospital. This is a significant milestone for our hospital and I would like to congratulate all our expert consultant orthopaedic surgeons and the entire clinical team for their dedication and excellence in making this achievement possible.”