A new vision for Orthopaedic surgery in North Wales
6 February 2025
Surgeons in North Wales are trialling advanced augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance precision and patient outcomes in total knee replacement surgery.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Madhusudhan Raghavendra, led the surgical team during the first procedure in Abergele Hospital recently using the Knee⁺ technology.
Prior to the procedure, Mr Raghavendra used advanced imaging software to visualise the patient’s knee joint in 3D and determine the ideal implant positioning for the patient, based on their anatomy. The virtual 3D model of the patient’s knee helps the surgical team evaluate damaged bone and cartilage so they can plan for the surgery and the optimal placement for the implant.
Mr Raghavendra said: “This is the first time this type of technology has been used within the NHS in Wales.
“Augmented reality gives a visualisation of the joint that is more dynamic as it is three-dimensional. The advanced technology helps with planning the procedure and allows for the best positioning of the implant for each patient during the procedure.”
During the procedure, the surgeon wears a pair of augmented reality glasses to view the patient’s specific knee anatomy in 3D. The AR-based platform enables the surgical team to easily adjust, better visualise and determine the proper placement of the implant, which is key to a successful knee replacement procedure.
Sam Loughran, 65, recently underwent a total-knee replacement using the technology and was pleased new ways of operating were being introduced in North Wales.
He said: “When I was offered this procedure using the Knee⁺ technology, I started to do a bit of research online and there was a lot out there praising this system.
“My road to recovery is showing positive signs and I truly believe I have benefited from this surgical approach and wish to praise the work and support of the surgical and medical team at Abergele Hospital, as well as the Physiotherapy team at Colwyn Bay Hospital.”
More surgeons are expected to trial the technology over the coming months and hope to see further good outcomes in patients.
“As a surgeon this technology will really improve the accuracy when it comes to these types of operations and I’m really pleased with the results so far.
“Not only will it benefit our patients but our junior surgeons will also be able to experience this technology which will provide some excellent experience for them,” added Mr Raghavendra.
A key priority of the Health Board is to improve waiting times for treatments and appointments across North Wales. While the use of new techniques to improve outcomes from surgery is a positive development for the Health Board there is still a large focus on reducing waiting lists within Orthopaedics.
Work on the new Orthopaedic Elective Hub in Llandudno Hospital is progressing well and when operational is set to transform elective orthopaedic services and provide benefits for patients, staff and the wider North Wales community, by delivering 1,900 procedures a year.
You can keep up to date on the progress of the project here