Mr Shivakumar Shankar

Consultant Orthopaedic Hip & Knee Surgeon • London & Essex

Regional Pioneer in Essex & North East London

Robotic & Computer-Assisted Hip and Knee Surgery

Mr Shivakumar Shankar is the first orthopaedic surgeon in Essex and North East London to perform robotic-assisted and computer-navigated total hip and knee joint replacement. Fellowship-trained in computer navigation at the world-renowned Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Glasgow, he harnesses robotic precision to achieve sub-millimeter component alignment, dynamic soft-tissue balance, and optimal joint longevity.

How Robotic Surgery Works (The 4 Steps)

1. Pre-Operative 3D CT Virtual Modeling: A high-resolution CT scan of the patient's hip or knee generates a 3D virtual anatomical model capturing unique bony landmarks, deformities, and alignment.
2. Patient-Specific Virtual Planning: Mr Shankar digitally plans exact implant sizes, positioning angles, and resection depths prior to stepping into the operating theatre.
3. Real-Time Dynamic Kinematic Tracking: Infrared optical sensors track joint movement through full flexion, extension, and rotation, assessing ligament tension before bone cuts.
4. Active Haptic Boundary Guidance: The robotic arm physically prevents bone resections outside the approved plan, shielding vital nerves, blood vessels, and collateral ligaments.

Demystifying Robotic Surgery: What It Does & Does Not Mean

What It Does NOT Mean:

The robot does NOT perform the operation independently or make autonomous surgical decisions. There is no automated robot operating on you. The surgeon retains 100% control of all instruments at all times.

What It DOES Mean:

The robotic arm acts as an intelligent high-precision co-pilot. It eliminates human estimation and manual saw blade wobbling, guaranteeing that the plan devised by Mr Shankar is executed with sub-millimeter precision.

Clinical Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Arthroplasty

Sub-Millimeter Precision

Eliminates component malalignment, leg length discrepancies, and implant edge loading.

Soft-Tissue Protection

Haptic safety boundary ensures surrounding muscles, tendons, and neurovascular bundles remain unharmed.

Faster Mobilisation

Reduced trauma and tissue swelling translates directly to earlier unassisted walking and discharge.

Implant Longevity

Optimally balanced joint kinematics minimise bearing wear and lower the risk of early aseptic loosening.

Explore Related Clinical Services

Hip Replacement → Knee Replacement → Patient Guides → Enquire About Robotic →