The use of robotics in knee arthroscopy represents one of the most significant advances in Orthopaedics over the last decade, with great benefit for patients, being now available at Hospital da Misericórdia de Évora (Hospital da Luz Network). The first surgery of the kind, for knee prosthesis placement, was performed here last October 13, by a team under the coordination of Frederico Correia . “Robotic technology allows extremely precise surgery planning, based on three-dimensional images of the patient’s knee, adapting the position and dimension of the prosthesis to the individual anatomy. During surgery, the robotic system helps in the bone cuts and the implant placement with millimetric precision, reducing the risk of deviation and enhancing ligament balance”, explains the surgeon. This CORI robotic system is portable and comprises a monitor, hogh-precision cameras, sensors capturing 3D images, and a computer. It allows the surgeon to plan a surgery with the maximum level of precision, in compliance with the predefined parameters. The surgical plan is therefore customized based on the digital 3D model of the knee produced by the robot. During surgery, the system guides the surgeon in the execution of the necessary cuts and other procedures, which are performed with much higher precision compared to conventional surgery. The same applies to the positioning and placement of the prosthesis. Frederico Correia synthetizes the advantages for patients resulting from the use of robotics: “The goal we seek is that these innovations are translated in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, more natural mobility, and higher durability of the prosthesis. In sum, robotics allows a more predictable and customized surgery, with clear and long-term sustainable clinical benefits.” The first surgery of the kind at Hospital da Misericórdia de Évora was performed for knee prosthesis placement, but the same robotic system may also be used in unicompartmental knee replacements and hip replacement surgery . Hospital da Misericórdia de Évora thus takes another significant step in the enlargement of differentiated healthcare offered to the population, resorting to innovative technology. In the photo above, the team that performed the surgery on October 13 th : from left to right, nurse João Charuto, the two orthopedic specialists Frederico Correia and João Sampaio and nurse Jorge Madeira
