CORI Robotic Knee Replacement in Birmingham
Smith & Nephew CORI handheld robotic knee replacement by Mr Shakir Hussain, available across all three Birmingham hospital sites. CT-free intraoperative mapping. One of the UK's few surgeons certified in all three robotic platforms: MAKO, ROSA, and CORI.
Triple-certified robotic surgeon
Total procedures
Verified patient reviews
Medically reviewed by Mr Shakir Hussain, MBBS MRCS FRCSEd (Tr & Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon · Last reviewed: July 2026 · Next review due: July 2029
In Short
CORI robotic knee replacement uses a compact handheld robotic system from Smith & Nephew that maps the knee during surgery, with no pre-operative CT scan. Mr Shakir Hussain, certified on all three major robotic platforms, uses CORI for partial, total, and revision knee replacement across all three of his Birmingham hospitals. The operation takes 60 to 90 minutes, most patients go home within 1 to 3 nights (or the same day), and packages start from £14,050.
Also known as: Smith and Nephew CORI, handheld robotic knee replacement, image-free robotic knee surgery. For how CORI compares with the other platforms Mr Hussain uses, see the robotic knee replacement overview.
On This Page
What Is CORI Robotic Knee Replacement?
CORI robotic knee replacement uses the Smith & Nephew CORI Surgical System, a compact handheld robotic device that maps the knee intraoperatively and delivers accurate bone preparation without a robotic arm and without a pre-operative CT scan.
Unlike MAKO, which uses a large robotic arm, CORI uses a handheld robotically-controlled burr. The surgeon holds the cutting instrument in the same way as a conventional procedure, but the device actively senses position in real time and restricts the cutting to within the pre-planned boundaries. If the burr moves outside the safe zone, it automatically slows or stops.
The knee is mapped at the start of surgery using anatomical registration points. CORI builds an intraoperative model of the patient's unique anatomy and generates a surgical plan that can be reviewed and adjusted by Mr Hussain before cutting begins. This imageless approach avoids the need for pre-operative CT, reducing patient preparation time and radiation exposure.
CORI is certified for both total and partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement. Mr Hussain holds full CORI certification and uses the system across all three of his Birmingham hospital sites: the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, and Harborne Hospital (HCA Healthcare). For a full evidence-based comparison of the three platforms, read why the image-free CORI system is his platform of choice.
CORI at a glance
Manufacturer: Smith & Nephew
Planning: Intraoperative bone mapping (CT-free)
Technology: Handheld robotically-controlled burr, not a robotic arm
Suitable for: Total and partial knee replacement
Key advantage: Compact, fast to set up, no pre-op CT scan
Mr Hussain's certification: Fully certified in CORI; available at all three Birmingham hospital sites
What Are the Benefits of CORI Knee Replacement?
Handheld, not arm-based
CORI uses a compact handheld robotic burr rather than a large robotic arm. The surgeon holds the instrument in the natural surgical position, while the device controls the cutting boundaries. This approach feels closer to conventional surgery while still delivering robotic accuracy.
No CT scan required
CORI maps the knee intraoperatively with no pre-operative CT scan needed. This reduces preparation time, lowers radiation exposure, and makes robotic surgery accessible in settings without dedicated pre-op CT facilities.
Accurate bone preparation
The CORI system controls cutting speed and position in real time, restricting the burr to the planned boundaries. Multiple studies confirm CORI delivers accurate, reproducible bone preparation comparable to other leading robotic systems.
Suitable for partial knee
CORI is certified for unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement as well as total knee replacement. Patients suitable for partial knee surgery can benefit from robotic precision with CORI while preserving more healthy tissue.
Fast setup, consistent results
CORI's compact design and imageless workflow means faster setup than some other robotic systems. The technology is designed to fit smoothly into the surgical workflow without adding significant operating time.
Part of a triple-platform practice
Mr Hussain offers CORI alongside MAKO and ROSA, and selects the most appropriate platform for each patient. This breadth of certification is rare among UK knee replacement surgeons.
Am I Suitable for CORI Knee Replacement?
CORI robotic knee replacement is suitable for most patients undergoing total or partial knee replacement. It is particularly practical for patients who prefer to avoid a pre-operative CT scan, or where CT is not easily available.
Mr Hussain uses CORI across all three of his Birmingham hospital sites: the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, and Harborne Hospital. At your consultation, he will discuss which robotic platform and hospital is most appropriate for your anatomy and procedure type.
You may be a good candidate for CORI if:
- You are having your surgery at any of Mr Hussain's three Birmingham hospital sites
- You are having a total or partial knee replacement
- You prefer to avoid a pre-operative CT scan
- Your anatomy is suitable for an imageless planning approach
What to expect
Before surgery: Standard pre-operative tests. No CT scan required. Mr Hussain will review your X-rays and existing imaging to plan your procedure.
On the day: Surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia and typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The CORI system is set up at the start of the procedure. Most patients stand within hours of surgery.
Recovery: The same as for all knee replacement surgery at Mr Hussain's practice. Most patients go home within 1 to 3 nights, or the same day for day-case cases.
Getting Back On Your Feet
Recovery After CORI Knee Replacement
Recovery after CORI robotic knee replacement follows the same enhanced-recovery pathway as all knee replacement surgery at Mr Hussain's practice, with some patients reporting less early pain after robotic-assisted surgery. Most patients follow a path like this:
- Day of surgery: standing and walking with physiotherapy support within hours of surgery.
- Days 1 to 3: home once pain is controlled and you are safe with walking aids; suitable patients go home the same day as a day-case.
- Weeks 1 to 6: progressive physiotherapy and swelling management; most patients return to driving at around 6 weeks.
- Month 3: return to most daily activities.
- Month 12: full recovery, with the knee continuing to feel more natural over the first year.
Follow-up reviews are at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.
Fees & Funding
CORI Robotic Knee Replacement Cost in Birmingham
Mr Hussain's private knee replacement packages start from £14,050, including robotic-assisted options, covering the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist, the implant, and your hospital stay. The final package price is confirmed in writing after your consultation.
Treatment is covered by all major private medical insurers: Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA, and Aviva. Mr Hussain is fee-assured with the major insurers, and Wendy, his secretary, can guide you through authorisation. Full details, including what each package covers, are on the fees and pricing page.
Why Choose Mr Hussain for CORI Knee Replacement?
Mr Hussain is certified in CORI, MAKO, and ROSA, making him one of a small number of UK knee replacement surgeons with triple robotic certification. CORI is available across all three of his Birmingham hospital sites: the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, and Harborne Hospital. His platform recommendation is driven entirely by what is best for each patient's anatomy and procedure. In June 2026 he performed the Midlands' first CORI robotic revision knee replacement at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, one of the first in the UK.
Key Takeaways
CORI Knee Replacement at a Glance
- CORI is a compact handheld robotic system from Smith & Nephew: the surgeon stays in full control while the device restricts cutting to the planned boundaries.
- No pre-operative CT scan is needed; the knee is mapped in 3D during the operation, avoiding radiation and extra appointments.
- The plan is built on your knee as it is on the day, and ligament balance is checked objectively through the full range of movement.
- CORI covers partial, total, and revision knee replacement on a single platform, and Mr Hussain uses it at all three of his Birmingham hospitals.
- Mr Hussain is one of a small number of UK surgeons certified on MAKO, ROSA, and CORI, and recommends the platform that best suits each patient.
- Packages from £14,050 including robotic-assisted options; all major private medical insurers are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
References and further reading
- NHS. Knee replacement. nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Cutting-edge robotic surgery gets green light as 11 systems are recommended. 2025. nice.org.uk
- Comparative assessment of current robotic-assisted systems in primary total knee arthroplasty. Bone & Joint Open, 2023. boneandjoint.org.uk
- National Joint Registry (NJR). Annual reports and implant performance data. njrcentre.org.uk
Medically reviewed by Mr Shakir Hussain, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Last reviewed: July 2026. Next review due: July 2029.
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