Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Mr Shakir Hussain offers robotic knee replacement surgery in Birmingham and the West Midlands, certified in all three leading systems: MAKO (Stryker), ROSA (Zimmer Biomet), and CORI (Smith & Nephew). He is one of very few UK surgeons with triple robotic certification.
Triple-certified robotic surgeon
Total procedures
Verified patient reviews
What Is Robotic Knee Replacement?
Robotic knee replacement in Birmingham uses computer-guided technology to position the knee implant with greater precision than manual instruments alone. Mr Shakir Hussain is one of very few UK surgeons certified in all three leading robotic systems, MAKO, ROSA and CORI, and performs robotic-assisted knee replacement at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston and The Harborne Hospital.
Robotic knee replacement uses computer-guided technology to assist the surgeon in positioning the knee implant with greater precision than conventional instrumentation alone. The robotic system maps the patient's knee anatomy, guides bone preparation, and provides real-time data on implant alignment and soft tissue balance throughout the operation.
The robot does not perform the surgery independently. The surgeon controls every step of the procedure. Robotic technology acts as a highly precise tool that amplifies the surgeon's skill and provides a level of accuracy that is difficult to achieve consistently with manual technique.
Mr Hussain is certified in all three leading robotic surgery platforms used for knee replacement in the UK: MAKO (Stryker), ROSA (Zimmer Biomet), and CORI (Smith & Nephew). Very few surgeons hold triple certification. This means Mr Hussain can recommend the platform best suited to each patient's anatomy and circumstances, rather than defaulting to whichever system he has access to.
Robotic knee replacement: key facts
Mr Hussain's certifications: MAKO, ROSA, and CORI
How it helps: Improved implant accuracy, patient-specific planning, real-time guidance
CT scan: Required for MAKO; not required for ROSA or CORI
Who it suits: Selected patients where precision is likely to make a meaningful difference
Cost: Robotic surgery may carry a small additional cost. See the Fees page for details.
MAKO, ROSA, and CORI: Which Is Right for You?
Each of the three platforms Mr Hussain uses has distinct advantages. The right choice depends on your anatomy, the procedure being planned, and where your surgery will take place.
MAKO (Stryker)
CT-based 3D pre-operative planning with a haptic robotic arm. The most extensively researched robotic knee platform. Suitable for total and partial knee replacement. Requires a CT scan before surgery.
MAKO in detail →ROSA (Zimmer Biomet)
Intraoperative optical tracking with no CT scan required. Provides continuous real-time ligament balance data throughout surgery. Particularly strong for total knee replacement where soft tissue balance is a priority.
ROSA in detail →CORI (Smith & Nephew)
Compact, imageless handheld robotic system. Uses intraoperative bone mapping, no CT scan required. Fast to set up. Suitable for total and partial knee replacement. Available at Harborne Hospital.
CORI in detail →| Feature | MAKO | ROSA | CORI |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT scan required | Yes | No | No |
| Planning | 3D pre-op model | Intraoperative optical tracking | Intraoperative bone mapping |
| Robotic element | Haptic robotic arm | Optical guidance | Handheld robotic burr |
| Partial knee | Yes | Primarily total knee | Yes |
| Evidence base | Largest in class | Strong | Strong |
| Available at | Royal Orthopaedic Hospital | Priory Hospital Edgbaston | Harborne Hospital |
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Knee Replacement?
Robotic assistance offers several potential benefits over conventional knee replacement. The evidence is strongest for improved implant accuracy and alignment, which is important because malaligned implants are a leading cause of pain, stiffness, and early failure.
- More accurate implant positioning within planned tolerances
- Patient-specific surgical planning rather than population averages
- Real-time intraoperative feedback on bone cuts and soft tissue balance
- Potential for better long-term implant survival in active patients
- Reduced risk of complications related to malalignment
Not every patient needs robotic surgery. A conventional knee replacement performed by an experienced surgeon remains an excellent operation with high success rates. Mr Hussain will advise whether robotic assistance is likely to offer you a meaningful benefit at your consultation.
Robotic surgery vs conventional: what the evidence says
Multiple randomised controlled trials and large registry studies have compared robotic and conventional knee replacement. Key findings include:
- Robotic systems consistently achieve implant positioning within tighter tolerances
- MAKO studies show reduced revision rates at medium-term follow-up
- Patient-reported outcomes are broadly similar, with some studies showing modest improvements in robotic groups
| Feature | Robotic-assisted | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical planning | Patient-specific 3D or intraoperative plan | Standard instrument jigs and population averages |
| Implant alignment | Positioned within tighter, pre-defined tolerances | Relies on manual jigs and surgeon judgement |
| Soft-tissue balancing | Real-time data on ligament balance during surgery | Assessed manually by feel and trial components |
| Intraoperative feedback | Live measurements guide every bone cut | Limited objective intraoperative data |
| Evidence base | MAKO shows reduced revision rates at medium-term follow-up | Excellent long-established track record |
| Recovery timeline | Same as conventional knee replacement | Same as robotic knee replacement |
How Much Does Robotic Knee Replacement Cost in Birmingham?
Robotic knee replacement in Birmingham is available as an all-inclusive self-pay package or through private medical insurance. Robotic-assisted surgery may carry a small additional cost compared with conventional knee replacement, and most major insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA, cover it when it is medically indicated.
For self-pay patients, robotic knee replacement is offered as an all-inclusive package covering the surgeon's fee, the implant, the anaesthetist, and your hospital stay. Fees are quoted as a guide range rather than a single fixed price, because the final cost depends on the hospital, the implant chosen, and the complexity of your case.
Insured patients are covered by all major UK insurers when robotic knee replacement is clinically appropriate. Wendy Richards, Mr Hussain's secretary, handles all pre-authorisation paperwork with your insurer on your behalf. See the fees and insurance page for current self-pay package guidance, or book a consultation to discuss the cost for your individual case.
Robotic knee replacement cost: key points
Self-pay: All-inclusive package (surgeon, implant, anaesthetist, hospital stay), quoted as a guide range
Insured: Covered by Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and others when medically indicated
Robotic element: May add a small cost over conventional knee replacement
Pre-authorisation: Handled for you by Mr Hussain's secretary
Where: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Priory Hospital Edgbaston, and The Harborne Hospital
Why Mr Hussain's Triple Certification Matters
Most surgeons offering robotic knee replacement are certified in a single platform. Mr Hussain holds certification in all three leading systems used in the UK: MAKO, ROSA, and CORI. This matters because it means his recommendation is based entirely on what is best for each patient's anatomy and circumstances, not on which system is available at a particular hospital.
His 5,000+ arthroplasty procedures are matched by 33 peer-reviewed publications and three consecutive Doctify Outstanding Patient Experience Awards, reflecting a practice built on both technical excellence and compassionate patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Discuss Your Knee Replacement?
Take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Book a consultation with Mr Hussain to discuss your options in confidence.