Robotic Knee Replacement in Peterborough: Why I Use the CORI System

Jonathan White
Dec 4, 2025
3 min read

"Is a robot going to perform my surgery?"

This is the most common question I get asked in my clinic. The short answer is: No.

A robot does not replace the surgeon; it enhances them. Think of it like the lane-assist and parking sensors in a modern car. You are still driving, but the technology ensures you stay perfectly positioned, making the journey safer and smoother.

In the world of knee replacement, "Robotics" is the new gold standard. However, not all robots are the same.

While many hospitals use older, bulky systems that require extensive pre-planning, I have chosen to invest in the Smith&Nephew CORI Surgical System. Here is why I believe it offers a smarter, safer, and more personalised result for my patients in Cambridgeshire and Rutland.

1. No CT Scans Needed (Radiation-Free)

Most robotic systems (like the Mako) require you to undergo a CT scan weeks before your operation. This scan is used to build a 3D model of your knee.

The downside? It exposes you to radiation, requires an extra trip to the hospital, and locks the surgeon into a plan based on a static picture of your knee.

The CORI Advantage: The CORI system is Image-Free. We don’t need a CT scan. Instead, I use a smart stylus during the operation to "paint" a digital model of your knee in real-time. This saves you a hospital visit, eliminates radiation exposure, and creates a model based on your actual anatomy on the day of surgery, not a scan from weeks ago.

2. We Map Your Knee in Motion

A knee doesn't just sit still; it moves. It bends, twists, and bears weight.

Traditional robotic planning is often done on a static image. The CORI system allows me to map your knee’s tension and ligament balance while moving your leg through its full range of motion.

This allows for "Dynamic Balancing." I can adjust the implant position by fractions of a millimetre to ensure that your knee feels stable and natural whether you are sitting, standing, or swinging a golf club.

3. Handheld Precision (The Surgeon is in Control)

Some robotic systems involve a massive robotic arm that takes up space in the operating theatre.

The CORI system is a handheld, intelligent tool. It works like a sculptor's precision instrument. As I remove the damaged bone, the tool automatically stops if I get too close to healthy tissue. It creates a "safety boundary" that is invisible to the naked eye but virtually impenetrable by the burr.

This creates a level of safety and accuracy that human hands alone simply cannot match, while keeping the surgeon 100% connected to the patient.

The Result: A "Forgotten" Knee

The ultimate goal of knee replacement isn't just to remove pain; it is to give you a "forgotten knee"—a joint that feels so natural you forget it's artificial.

By combining my surgical experience with CORI’s sub-millimetre accuracy, we aim for: