Sulis Hospital Insights: Modern Advancements in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Sulis Hospital successfully hosted a patient information evening, addressing the widespread impact of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and the surgical innovations transforming patient outcomes.
With nearly 18% of UK adults over 45 living with knee osteoarthritis and 11% experiencing hip osteoarthritis, the educational event focused on surgical interventions and the multidisciplinary approach to joint care.
Regional Centre of Excellence for Hip and Knee Replacement
The event highlighted the hospital's established position as a regional Centre of Excellence for Orthopaedics. As the first facility in Bath to integrate groundbreaking Mako robotic-arm assisted technology, Sulis Hospital has set the gold standard for arthroplasty. This dedicated elective care focus allows patients to schedule their surgery and recovery journey at a time that suits their personal and professional commitments.
The Evolution of Arthroplasty: Robotic vs Standard Techniques
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Rohit Dhawan detailed the clinical shift towards precision medicine, particularly through robotic-assisted joint replacements.
Mr Dhawan discussed how robotic systems utilise patient-specific data to optimise implant positioning, protect soft tissue and enhance joint replacements. He explained the various techniques and how greater precision directly correlates with smoother post-operative recovery and improved long-term quality of life.
Evidence-based Rehabilitation
Specialist MSK Physiotherapist, Jo Gotley, addressed the important role of pre-operative conditioning and targeted post-operative rehabilitation. Highlighting that over 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis, Jo shared evidence-based protocols designed to manage progressive joint pain.
Successful long-term outcomes rely equally on surgical precision and the hospital's Enhanced Recovery Programme which has pioneered same-day discharges for hip and knee replacements in the region, supporting the reduction in NHS waiting lists while maintaining excellent outcomes.
Patient-Centred Clinical Excellence
The evening finished with an interactive discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions on specific surgical concerns and rehabilitation expectations. Recent patient data underscores the efficacy of this collaborative care model, with individuals praising the team's exceptional clinical care from initial consultation through to final surgical discharge.
Feedback from a patient who attended the event: "I am awaiting a total knee replacement and I now feel a lot happier having listened to your talk. Thank you for such an informative event and for making us feel so welcome."
Save the Date: Upcoming Sulis Patient Events
Sulis Hospital continues its commitment to community health education with several upcoming public events.
Ask the Expert: Deep Dive into Arthritis
- Speaker: Consultant Rhuematologist
- Date & Time: Thursday 17th September 2026 at 18:30 - 20:00
- Location: The Oak Room, Combe Grove, Bath
- Focus: Navigating the complexities of arthritis and managing joint inflammation effectively
Ask the Expert: Preserve Your Performance & Protect You Knees
- Speaker: Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Date & Time: Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 18:30 - 20:00
- Location: Comberwell Park, Bradford on Avon
- Focus: Joint preservation strategies to maintain mobility, prevent injuries and sustain peak athletic performance.