A grandad of six from Kirkby, Liverpool, has had his knee replaced using a system which is the first of its kind in the NHS, thanks to teams at Broadgreen Hospital.
Alan Brooks, 64, a retired floor fitter, has lived with chronic knee pain for over a decade. Having previously undergone conventional knee replacement surgery on his left knee, Alan was once again treated by the same orthopaedic team at Broadgreen Hospital, this time with the cutting-edge VELYS™ Robotic Assisted Solution from Johnson & Johnson, which was being used for the first time in the NHS.
The advanced robotic technology, which was installed just days before Alan’s surgery, allows for a highly precise, patient-specific approach to knee replacement. By improving implant alignment and placement, the system enhances surgical accuracy, reduces pain and speeds up recovery, meaning patients spend less time in hospital and can return to their daily lives more quickly. The benefits also extend to the NHS, with reduced costs for surgical instruments and sterilisation services and increased longevity of the new knee leading to a reduced need for secondary operations.
Alan, who had been forced to retire due to his knee pain, is now looking forward to enjoying an active lifestyle once again with his family, including playing football with his grandchildren, going on holidays with his wife Carol, a cancer research nurse at Aintree University Hospital, and returning to the gym and swimming, something he has not been able to do pain free for many years.
Speaking about his experience, Alan said: “As a former floor fitter, my knees have taken a lot of wear and tear. I had my left knee replaced a few years ago, and when the pain in my right knee became too much, I knew surgery was the right choice again.
“When Mr. Phillipson told me I would be the first NHS patient in the UK to undergo this type of robotic-assisted procedure, I was surprised but really optimistic.
“The whole team at Broadgreen Hospital has been fantastic, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had access to this technology. I can’t wait to get back to enjoying time with my family, pain-free.
“Having this surgery means I’ll soon be able to get back to playing football with my grandchildren in the park and days out at the seaside, as well as being more mobile on holidays and getting back into swimming.”
Mr. Andrew Phillipson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, who led the procedure, highlighted the significance of this innovation:
“We are extremely proud to be the first NHS team in the UK to offer this type of robotic-assisted surgery. This technology is a major step forward, allowing us to operate with even greater precision, which leads to faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and better long-term outcomes for patients.
“As we continue to reduce recovery times, we can also treat more patients more efficiently, helping to clear waiting lists and improve access to care. We’re excited to see the positive impact this will have for patients like Alan and many others in the future.
“Broadgreen Hospital’s adoption of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery marks an exciting advancement in NHS orthopaedic care, bringing state-of-the-art treatment to patients in Liverpool and beyond.”
- Pictured above (L-R) : Mr Kevin Syam, Orthopaedic Fellow, Mr David Melling, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Broadgreen Hospital; patient Alan Brooks, Dr Sally Hargreaves, Consultant Anaesthetist and Mr Andrew Phillipson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Broadgreen Hospital.