Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Will Be Available at The Rivers Hospital
Mr Kosuge is pleased to announce that robotic-assisted total knee replacement using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution will be available at The Rivers Hospital, Sawbridgeworth, from July 2026. This is a significant development for patients in Essex and Hertfordshire seeking the most advanced approach to knee replacement surgery — one that combines Mr Kosuge's surgical expertise with a technology designed to improve precision and personalise each procedure to the individual patient.
What Is the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution?
VELYS is a state-of-the-art surgical technology developed by DePuy Synthes, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech — one of the world's leading orthopaedic companies. The system uses pre-operative planning and real-time intraoperative guidance to assist the surgeon in performing total knee replacement with exceptional accuracy.
Before surgery, a personalised plan is created based on each patient's individual anatomy. During the procedure, VELYS provides continuous real-time data and feedback, helping to ensure the implant is positioned precisely in line with that plan — adjusting dynamically for even the subtlest variations in the patient's anatomy as surgery progresses.
It is important to be clear about what VELYS is and is not. The robot does not operate independently. Mr Kosuge remains entirely in control throughout the procedure. VELYS acts as an advanced assistive tool — enhancing the precision with which the surgery is performed, not replacing the judgement or skill of the surgeon.
Why Precision Matters in Knee Replacement
The accuracy of implant positioning is one of the most consequential factors in knee replacement outcomes. When an implant is correctly aligned to a patient's anatomy and biomechanics, patients typically experience better function, less post-operative pain, and a more natural-feeling result in the replaced knee.
Traditional knee replacement uses mechanical guides and surgical expertise to achieve this alignment — and in experienced hands, outcomes are consistently excellent. VELYS adds a further layer of technological precision, providing objective real-time data to support the surgical plan and helping to ensure consistent accuracy throughout the procedure.
What the Evidence Shows
A peer-reviewed study published in 2025 found that VELYS robotic-assisted total knee replacement was associated with improved mobility, a reduction in hospital stay, shorter surgical duration, and better psychological outcomes compared to conventional approaches. Independent research has also demonstrated greater post-operative range of motion and reduced pain in patients who underwent robotic-assisted procedures.
In one study, all 101 cases achieved the target coronal plane alignment within 3 degrees — a measure of how accurately the implant is positioned in the knee. This level of consistency is a key aim of robotic-assisted surgery and an important contributor to long-term implant function.
Is Robotic-Assisted Surgery Right for You?
VELYS-assisted total knee replacement is suitable for the majority of patients requiring total knee replacement surgery. A consultation with Mr Kosuge will determine whether this approach is appropriate for your specific anatomy, the extent of your joint damage, and your overall health. Not every patient will be an ideal candidate for every technique — Mr Kosuge will always recommend the approach that is best suited to the individual.
For more information about VELYS robotic-assisted surgery.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering knee replacement surgery and would like to discuss whether VELYS-assisted surgery is the right option for you, Mr Kosuge is happy to talk through your situation in detail at an initial consultation. Appointments are available at The Rivers Hospital, Sawbridgeworth — with VELYS robotic-assisted surgery available from July 2026.
Telephone: 01279 602675