North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust to introduce robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery
Published date: Tuesday 28 July 2026
North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust is preparing to carry out its first robotic-assisted knee replacement operations after introducing a new robotic knee system to its orthopaedic service.
The Robotic Surgical Assistant (ROSA), used by surgical teams during knee replacements, gives consultants detailed information about a person’s knee anatomy before and during the operation. It is designed to support more accurate planning and placement of the implant, while the surgeon remains in control throughout.
A knee replacement is carried out when damaged parts of the joint are removed and replaced with an artificial implant. Small differences in bone shape, alignment and movement can affect how the new joint sits, so careful positioning is an important part of the operation.
ROSA builds a three-dimensional picture of the knee and provides live measurements in theatre. It also acts as a surgical assistant, offering information and guidance while the consultant directs each stage of the surgery.
For surgeons, this means that decisions can be based on the person in front of them, helping them to tailor implant positioning to each patient’s needs and support improved outcomes and recovery.
Gareth Stables, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at NCM, said: “No two knees are exactly the same, and that is what makes this system valuable. It gives us another layer of information during an operation, so we can plan and position the implant with greater confidence.
“For someone having knee replacement surgery, the aim is to get them moving well again and back to everyday life. This approach allows us to tailor the operation more closely to their anatomy, which is a significant step for our service.
“This is an exciting development for our patients and our surgical teams, and the first cases are expected to take place in September.”
NCM is expected to be one of the first NHS trusts in the North West of England to use ROSA for knee replacement surgery with preparations underway for the first surgery. This development means people across Cheshire and Merseyside will be able to access this form of treatment closer to home, rather than travelling further afield, helping to reduce waiting times and speed up their recovery.
The arrival of the equipment has also brought a lighter moment for theatre teams, who were invited to choose a nickname for the new assistant. After a staff vote, it will be known locally as ROSA McKnee.