The Mater’s orthopaedic surgeon Matt Lyons has become the first in Australia to perform 1,000 knee replacements using the Velys robotic system.

The operation, which took place in May, saw patient John Dalzell, 56, receive a new knee joint following years of pain and limited mobility.

Total knee replacement is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in Australia with over 70,000 procedures being performed annually.

The Velys Robotic-Assisted Solution is a first-of-its-kind, operating table-mounted robotic system. It uses advanced real-time planning and a robotic-guided saw to help surgeons accurately cut and position implants relative to each patient's unique anatomy and soft tissue.

In November 2021, the Mater made history by becoming the site of Australia's first ever clinical use of the system. Dr Lyons and his team were among the first in the world to use the technology in a clinical setting — placing Australia in an exclusive group of early-adopting nations.

The Mater has six robots and five robotics platforms for knee and hip surgery that allows surgeons to tailor operations and implants for the specific needs of each patient.

Dr Lyons said having two Velys robots means bilateral knee replacements can be done at the same time.

“We’re always trying to make a good operation better,” he said.

“The robot allows us to be very precise with our bone cuts, implantation and that’s reflected in better outcomes.”

John Dalzell, an avid cyclist and rock climber, said he is keen to get back to the things he loves doing.

“The robots are meant to be excellent in terms of the accuracy of the bone cutting and the placement of the prosthesis,” he said.

“I haven’t skied for years so I’m hoping to go skiing at the end of the year, it’s been years because the pain’s been too bad for that. So that’s what I’m hoping for.”

The milestone comes as the Mater has been invited to renew its membership with the prestigious International Society of Orthopaedic Centers (ISOC). ISOC is a network of leading orthopaedic centres worldwide focused on improving musculoskeletal care through collaboration, research, and shared expertise. With only 24 members globally, membership recognises the Mater as one of the top performing orthopaedic centres in the world.

St Vincents Private Hospitals

Mater Celebrates 1,000 Robotic Assisted Knee Replacements

Mater Celebrates 1,000 Robotic Assisted Knee Replacements

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