Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral Delivers UK’s First Revision Total Knee Replacement Using Pixee Augmented Reality Technology

• Mr Alan Highcock at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral performs UK’s first revision knee replacement using Pixee augmented reality AR 

Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral has achieved a national milestone, as Mr Alan Highcock, Consultant Hip & Knee Surgeon, successfully performed the UK’s first-ever Revision Total Knee Replacement (TKR) using Pixee augmented reality (AR) surgical guidance. This landmark procedure represents a significant advancement in orthopaedic surgery and reinforces Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral’s commitment to pioneering innovation and delivering exceptional patient care.

Pixee Medical’s AR technology is designed to enhance surgical precision, efficiency, and personalisation during knee replacement procedures. An intuitive augmented reality interface combined with high precision surgical tools enables real time intraoperative guidance, helping surgeons achieve accurate alignment and optimal implant positioning. The system integrates seamlessly into the operating theatre environment.

Traditionally, computer-assisted or robotic knee surgery involves additional imaging, complex hardware, or invasive reference points. Pixee’s compact, surgeon controlled AR solution represents a new generation of guidance technology, providing advanced visualisation without increasing surgical footprint or complexity.

 Pixee augmented reality guidance system used in revision knee surgery at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral

While Pixee AR technology has seen successful adoption internationally, this procedure marked its first use in any sector in the UK for a revision TKR, symbolising an important step forward for British orthopaedics.

Mr Highcock shared his reflections on this milestone: “Revision knee replacement surgery is among the most complex procedures we perform, and precision is absolutely critical. Being able to use augmented reality technology in real time allows us to visualise alignment and positioning with an unprecedented level of accuracy. To perform the UK’s first revision total knee replacement using Pixee AR is an exciting milestone, and one that ultimately supports better outcomes for patients undergoing challenging revision surgery.”

He added: “Augmented reality has the potential to change how complex orthopaedic surgery is performed. Using Pixee AR in revision knee replacement allows surgeons to combine experience with real-time visual guidance, supporting more informed intraoperative decision-making. I’m proud to be leading the UK’s first revision TKR using this technology at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral.”

Revision knee replacement procedures are inherently complex, often requiring enhanced precision due to altered anatomy or previous implants. Incorporating augmented reality guidance has the potential to improve alignment accuracy, support personalised surgical decision-making, enhance outcomes in challenging revision cases, and reduce reliance on more invasive or resource-heavy navigation technologies.

As an institution, Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral continues to invest in next-generation technologies that support improved surgical outcomes and patient recovery.

Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral is a leading provider of private hospital services in the North West, offering advanced elective surgery, state-of-the-art clinical facilities, and access to some of the region’s most experienced consultants.

 Orthopaedic theatre team at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral