Mr George Performs First Robotic Knee Replacement at The Rivers Hospital

Mr David George has performed the first VELYS™ robotic-assisted knee replacement at The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth, marking a new step forward in the technology available to his patients locally in Hertfordshire and Essex.

A New Option for Local Patients

Robotic-assisted knee replacement has been growing in adoption across leading UK orthopaedic centres in recent years, and its introduction at The Rivers Hospital means patients across Hertfordshire and Essex can now access this technology closer to home, without needing to travel into central London.

What the VELYS System Does

VELYS is a robotic-assisted surgical system that supports the planning and execution of knee replacement surgery. Before the operation, detailed data about the patient's individual knee anatomy is used to build a personalised surgical plan, rather than relying on generic implant positioning based on average anatomy.

During the procedure, the system provides real-time feedback that helps guide implant placement with a high degree of accuracy. It's important to be clear about what this means in practice: the surgery is performed by Mr George; the robotic system functions as an advanced planning and precision tool, not an autonomous device operating independently.

The Benefits for Patients

The central aim of robotic assistance is a more personalised, precisely positioned implant for each individual patient's knee. This supports more consistent alignment than manual instrumentation alone typically allows, which can contribute to more natural-feeling movement and, for many patients, a smoother recovery.

This level of precision is particularly valuable in knees with more complex deformity or significant wear, where accurate alignment has a meaningful impact on how the joint functions after surgery.

A Milestone for the Practice

This first procedure reflects Mr George's ongoing commitment to offering patients access to the most advanced techniques available, building on his EFORT Robotic Travelling Fellowship training and his broader focus on hip and knee subspecialism.

Is Robotic-Assisted Surgery Right for You?

Not every patient is automatically a candidate for robotic-assisted knee replacement, and conventional techniques remain entirely appropriate for many cases. Mr George assesses each patient individually and will discuss honestly whether robotic assistance is suitable for your specific knee as part of your consultation.

If you'd like to find out more about robotic-assisted knee replacement at The Rivers Hospital, get in touch to arrange a consultation with Mr George or follow this link to his dedictated page for the surgery.