European first for Golden Jubilee knee replacement patients

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Reviewed

Jul 7 2016scot.nhs.uk

A groundbreaking device which could revolutionise post surgery care for knee replacement patients is being trialled for the first time in Europe at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.

The remote control knee device allows the Arthroplasty team to monitor patients who have had knee replacement surgery, with an aim of improving recovery for thousands of patients across Scotland.

Patients wear a motion tracker which synchronises with a tablet application (app) to monitor the range of motion in their new knee. A key indicator of improvement following surgery, patients should aim to achieve a range of motion of at least 90 degrees flexion at six weeks, with 120 degrees seen as significant progress.

The app runs patients through a daily exercise routine and records the results from the motion tracker. Consultants receive regular updates and can provide up-to-date advice to the patient before their six-week check-up.

Frederic Picard, Orthopaedic Consultant at the Golden Jubilee, said: “As one of the largest elective orthopaedic centres in Europe, it is a real honour for the Golden Jubilee to be the first hospital testing this new device.

“Sometimes patients can feel frustrated if they are not making as much of a recovery as they would have hoped for, but with this device, they can see for themselves that they are making real progress. It also helps educate patients and show how the exercises will benefit them and their new knee.”

The Golden Jubilee’s concept for this device was scoped out in partnership with academia and further developed by industry.

Mike Higgins, Medical Director at the Golden Jubilee Foundation, said: “As the home of innovation for the NHS in Scotland, the Golden Jubilee has a very strong track record of pioneering new treatments for the benefit of its patients.

“It is hoped this new device will significantly improve recovery for patients having knee surgery, allowing consultants to check on their progress more regularly, whether they stay 20 or 200 miles away.

“This cements our commitment to working with colleagues throughout different sectors to improve services for patients across Scotland.”

Wendy Dunnett was one of the first patients at the Golden Jubilee to be treated with the device and found it invaluable as she recovered from a knee replacement.

She said: “The remote control knee device was a massive help to me as I carried out exercises to build strength up in my knee.

“I could see on a daily basis how I was progressing and it really motivated me to keep doing my physio and encouraged me to do the best I could. It was also really reassuring that I was able to see I was doing the right exercise in the right way.

“I would recommend this device to all knee patients and hope in the future that it will benefit lots more patients. It was a huge help in my recovery.”

A national institution, independently run by its own NHS Board, the Golden Jubilee Foundation is helping to redefine the concept of the public hospital, with a vision of ‘Leading quality, research and innovation’ for NHSScotland.

The Golden Jubilee Foundation family includes: