New app supports faster recovery for knee replacement patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd

4 February 2026

A new app is helping patients recover faster and more effectively following knee replacement surgery at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

The app, mymobility®, developed by Zimmer Biomet, guides patients through pre- and post-operative exercises while tracking progress and providing personalised feedback.

One recent patient, former nurse Jen French, 62, began experiencing knee pain seven years ago, which gradually limited her ability to enjoy activities like hiking, walking her dogs, and playing golf. She started using mymobility® six weeks before her surgery and found the pre-operative exercises and educational resources motivating and helpful in preparing for the operation.

After surgery, she continued to follow the app daily alongside physiotherapy at Llandudno Hospital. The app tracks walking parameters and each exercise, allowing patients to monitor their own progress. It works both on Android and Apple smartphones and can optionally be linked to the apple watch.

In addition, a new AI-driven functionality in the app enables knee replacement patients to effortlessly track their postoperative knee range of movement using their smart phone camera. This data can also be securely monitored by their clinicians and physiotherapists, allowing for more personalised recovery guidance and timely interventions when needed.

Jen said: “The app has made such a difference in my recovery. I can see my progress each day, and it really motivates me to keep going with my exercises. I feel like I’ve recovered faster than I expected, and being able to track my own improvements keeps me positive and focused. It’s very easy to use and helps me take ownership of my recovery. I also want to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have cared for me – the support from the hospital teams has been fantastic.”

Sion Quinn, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said he was impressed with the app’s potential. “We hope to expand its use to include community physiotherapists, so they can monitor patients remotely. This could reduce unnecessary appointments for patients recovering well and allow us to focus more on those who need intensive support,” he said.

Mr Muthu Ganapathi, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Ysbyty Gwynedd, who performed the operation, added: “This technology complements the ROSA knee Robot we use during surgery. We are proud that we are the first hospital in the UK to use the new AI powered remote range of movement assessment facility in the MyMobility® app, and we’re excited to see patients benefiting from the digital innovation which also complements our virtual joint school. We are grateful to Zimmer Biomet for providing this as part of their robotics support package at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

“All our patients undergoing hip and knee replacements are offered access to this app, ensuring they benefit from continuous support, progress tracking and a more personalised recovery journey.”

The app showcases how digital innovation and AI can empower patients to achieve faster recovery, stay motivated, and regain independence following joint replacement surgery. It also supports the NHS by enabling a more personalised approach to physiotherapy and postoperative care – ensuring resources are targeted where they are most needed.

Although first linked to the robotic service at Ysbyty Gwynedd, the app will now be implemented for patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, with a view to wider adoption across the Health Board.