Concierge orthopaedics · London
CORI robotic-assisted knee surgery, CT-free, in the hands of a consultant.
Smith+Nephew’s handheld semi-autonomous robotic system — with real-time gap balancing, image-free navigation and no pre-op CT — delivered by a fellowship-trained knee surgeon in a proper theatre.
Why patients choose us
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Fellowship-trained knee surgeon, with real CORI hours
A consultant knee surgeon who has done the CORI training and — more importantly — a proper volume of robotic cases, not just a handful.
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Robotic or conventional — the honest call
CORI is excellent, but it is not the only sensible option. If a well-done conventional or navigated TKR fits you better, we say so.
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Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic and no implant company, so the recommendation on system, implant and surgeon is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What CORI robotic knee surgery costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner hospitals — including MAKO, ROSA and conventional TKR as comparators. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A CORI TKR in our network: £17,500–£24,000, walking the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical theatre time | Hospital stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORI robotic total knee replacement (TKR) | £17,500–£24,000 | 90–120 min | 1–3 nights |
| CORI robotic unicompartmental knee (UKR) | £14,500–£19,500 | 75–100 min | Day-case–1 night |
| MAKO robotic TKR (comparator) | £18,500–£26,000 | 90–120 min | 1–3 nights |
| Computer-assisted (CAS) TKR — no robot | £13,500–£18,500 | 75–100 min | 1–3 nights |
| Conventional TKR | £12,500–£17,000 | 75–100 min | 1–3 nights |
| Consultant knee opinion only | £250–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital, by surgeon, by implant chosen (cemented or uncemented, TKR or UKR), and by length of stay. Insurers usually cover robotic TKR when medically indicated. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right robot, the right surgeon, the right implant.
Robotic knee surgery is now marketed hard by every hospital group — and the choice of system, implant and surgeon matters more than any of the marketing. We help you cut through it.
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Not sure a robot helps you?
For some knees, a well-done conventional or navigated TKR is genuinely as good. We say so before you pay for CORI or MAKO.
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CORI, MAKO or ROSA?
They are not interchangeable. The right choice depends on your anatomy, the surgeon’s volume on that system, and the implant they use.
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Want the honest evidence?
Robotics improves alignment and balance. Long-term functional benefit is still being measured — we quote the data, not the brochure.
The journey
From imaging to rehab — what happens, in order.
One consultant from first message to six-week review — including prehab, theatre and enhanced-recovery physio.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Imaging, prehab, workup
Phase 2 · On the day
Theatre and first steps
Phase 3 · After
Rehab and review
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Which knee, how long, what imaging you already have, and how the pain is limiting you.
- 02
Before
Imaging and workup
Weight-bearing and long-leg X-rays are the mainstay for CORI — no CT is needed, unlike MAKO. Bloods, ECG and anaesthetic review are arranged.
- 03
Before
Prehab and preparation
Two to four weeks of quadriceps and hip strengthening, dental review, and a clear plan for blood-thinners, weight and smoking before surgery.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and consent
Admission, marking of the operative knee, and a final chat with the surgeon and anaesthetist about spinal or general anaesthetic and nerve blocks.
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On the day
CORI in theatre
Intra-operative surface mapping registers your knee — no CT scan needed. The surgeon then uses the handheld semi-autonomous burr with real-time gap balancing.
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On the day
Recovery and first steps
Standing and walking the same day with the physio, ice, elevation and a clear pain plan. Increasingly a day-case for well-selected UKR patients.
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After
Rehab and review
Enhanced-recovery physio for six to twelve weeks, wound check at two weeks, and consultant review at six weeks with a fresh X-ray.
Typical end-to-end: 4–6 weeks from enquiry to theatre. Return to driving: 4–6 weeks after surgery.
When it helps
When CORI knee surgery is the right step.
The clinical situations where a CORI TKR or UKR is genuinely on the table — plus the red flag that means A&E, not a clinic.
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Severe knee osteoarthritis
Bone-on-bone changes on X-ray, night pain, and function limited despite injections and physio — the commonest reason for TKR.
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Isolated medial or lateral OA (UKR)
Wear confined to one compartment with intact ligaments and a correctable deformity — a good CORI unicompartmental case.
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Rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis
Once medical treatment has done what it can, a robotic TKR can restore alignment and function in a well-optimised patient.
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Avascular necrosis of the knee
Osteonecrosis affecting the femoral condyle or tibial plateau — sometimes UKR, sometimes TKR, depending on the extent.
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Post-traumatic arthritis
Years after a tibial-plateau or femoral fracture, mal-alignment and joint damage often end in a planned robotic knee replacement.
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Failed conservative treatment
When weight loss, physio, NSAIDs, and steroid or hyaluronic acid injections no longer control pain and function.
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Deformity or instability
Fixed varus or valgus deformity, or a knee that gives way — CORI’s real-time gap balancing is particularly useful here.
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Red flag: hot, swollen, unwell
A hot, red, exquisitely painful knee with fever — especially after previous surgery — is a possible joint infection. Same-day A&E, not a clinic appointment.
CORI vs alternatives
CORI is not the only sensible option.
The main robotic and non-robotic approaches to knee replacement — how they differ, and where each one earns its place.
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CORI TKR (Smith+Nephew)
Handheld semi-autonomous robotic burr with image-free navigation and real-time gap balancing. CT-free — mapping is done in theatre.
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CORI UKR (Smith+Nephew)
Same system used for unicompartmental replacement in medial or lateral OA. Bone-preserving and often a day-case in well-selected patients.
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MAKO robotic TKR (Stryker)
Larger table-mounted robotic arm, CT-based planning. Excellent evidence base, but requires a pre-op CT scan and a bigger footprint in theatre.
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ROSA knee (Zimmer Biomet)
Robotic-assisted system compatible with X-ray or CT-based planning. Table-mounted arm, integrates with Persona and NexGen implants.
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Computer-assisted TKR (CAS-TKR)
Image-free navigation without a robot — trackers guide the cuts. Improves alignment accuracy but does not physically constrain the cutting tool.
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Conventional TKR
The tried-and-tested manual technique with jigs. Still delivers excellent long-term results in experienced hands.
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Patient-specific instrumentation
Custom cutting guides made from MRI or CT — a middle ground between conventional jigs and full navigation or robotics.
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Non-operative first
Weight loss, physio, NSAIDs, and steroid or hyaluronic acid injections. Sensible before any knee replacement, robotic or not.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of knee surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant knee surgeons across central, north, west and south London with documented CORI volume. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every knee surgeon in our network.
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Fellowship-trained consultant knee surgeons with documented CORI case volume
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On the National Joint Registry with published revision and PROMs data
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Enhanced-recovery pathway with same-day mobilisation and day-case UKR where suitable
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Anaesthetist-led spinal, nerve-block and multimodal pain protocols
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
CORI knee surgery is safe in trained hands, but knee replacement of any kind is still major surgery. The risks worth planning for are infection, clots, stiffness, and the small chance of long-term implant issues.
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Infection — the one that matters
Deep prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is uncommon but serious. Antibiotics at induction, laminar-flow theatre and dental clearance beforehand all reduce risk.
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DVT and pulmonary embolism
Prophylactic anticoagulation, calf pumps and early mobilisation reduce clot risk. Chest pain or sudden breathlessness needs same-day assessment.
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Stiffness and MUA
A knee that will not bend past 90° at six weeks may need a manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). Prevented by early, honest physio.
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Patellar issues and maltracking
Anterior knee pain or a poorly tracking kneecap is worth mentioning early — sometimes helped by physio, occasionally by a small revision.
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Instability
A knee that gives way or feels unstable after replacement is not normal — usually a soft-tissue balance issue that needs a specialist review.
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Aseptic loosening
Long-term, a small proportion of implants loosen without infection. Better alignment from CORI and MAKO may reduce this — long-term data is still maturing.
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Periprosthetic fracture
A fracture around the implant after a fall is uncommon but serious. Bone health, vitamin D and DEXA scanning matter, especially in older patients.
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Robotic system downtime
On rare occasions the CORI unit is unavailable on the day. Your surgeon will have a clear conventional or navigated back-up plan agreed in advance.
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Red flags after discharge
A hot swollen knee, fever, wound discharge, calf pain, chest pain or sudden breathlessness — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever robotic or conventional technique was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and side operated
Why the procedure was done — OA, RA, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic — and which knee, along with your alignment and range beforehand.
- 02 Technique
CORI system, implant and technique
The CORI mapping method used, the implant chosen (cemented or uncemented, TKR or UKR), the alignment target and the real-time gap-balancing data.
- 03 Findings
Intra-operative findings and balance
Cartilage wear pattern, ligament balance in extension and flexion, patellar tracking, and any deviations from the pre-op plan.
- 04 Impression
Recovery plan and warning signs
Read this first: weight-bearing status, physio milestones, DVT prophylaxis, wound care and the red flags that mean call, not wait.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for CORI robotic knee surgery is usually granted when TKR or UKR is medically indicated. Some insurers reimburse the surgical fee only, not the robotic-specific hospital surcharge — we confirm cover in writing before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CORI robotic knee surgery.
Quick answers on how CORI differs from MAKO and ROSA, whether you need a CT scan, cost, recovery and the real risks.
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What is CORI robotic-assisted knee surgery?
CORI is Smith+Nephew’s handheld, semi-autonomous robotic system for total and unicompartmental knee replacement. The surgeon guides a small burr that is haptically controlled by the robot, using image-free navigation and real-time gap balancing — no pre-op CT scan is needed.
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How is CORI different from MAKO and ROSA?
MAKO (Stryker) uses a large table-mounted robotic arm and requires a pre-op CT scan. ROSA (Zimmer Biomet) is also table-mounted and can use X-ray or CT-based planning. CORI is handheld, portable and CT-free — using intra-operative surface mapping instead. All three are excellent in trained hands.
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Is CORI better than conventional or computer-assisted TKR?
The evidence shows CORI and other robotic systems deliver more accurate implant positioning and better soft-tissue balance than conventional jig-based TKR. Long-term data on functional benefit and implant survival is still maturing, but early PROMs are encouraging.
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Do I need a CT scan before CORI knee surgery?
No — that is a defining feature of CORI. It uses intra-operative surface mapping to build a 3D model of your knee in theatre. Weight-bearing and long-leg X-rays are usually all that is needed pre-operatively.
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Can CORI be used for unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement?
Yes. CORI is widely used for medial and lateral UKR, where its bone-preserving accuracy is a real advantage. Well-selected UKR patients are increasingly discharged as day-cases.
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How much does private CORI knee surgery cost in London?
Roughly £17,500–£24,000 for a CORI TKR and £14,500–£19,500 for a CORI UKR, all-inclusive. MAKO is broadly similar; a well-done conventional TKR is £12,500–£17,000. We confirm a firm quote within one working day.
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How long is recovery after CORI knee replacement?
Most people are walking with a frame the same day, on sticks within a week, and driving at four to six weeks. Return to office work is around six weeks; heavier work and sport nearer three to six months.
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What are the main risks?
Infection (PJI), DVT or PE, stiffness needing manipulation, patellar problems, instability, long-term aseptic loosening, and periprosthetic fracture. Robotic system downtime is a rare logistical risk — a conventional back-up is always planned.
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When should I see a GP or A&E urgently after surgery?
A hot, swollen, red knee with fever, wound discharge, sudden calf pain, chest pain or sudden breathlessness are all reasons for same-day medical review — do not wait for your six-week appointment.
Related tests and treatments
Looking for something else?
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Computer-assisted navigation TKR
Image-free navigation without a robot — accurate cuts, lower cost.
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Conformis custom knee replacement
Patient-specific implants made from your own CT scan.
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Knee arthroscopy
Keyhole diagnostic and treatment procedure for the knee joint.
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All tests and procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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Osteoarthritis Hip Knee
Related condition guide.
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Plantar Fasciitis
Related condition guide.
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Musculoskeletal MRI
Related diagnostic test.
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X Ray
Related diagnostic test.
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In practice, in London
Why private cori robotics assisted knee surgery moves differently in London
For cori robotics assisted knee surgery, the private London route is mostly about consultant fit and hospital choice rather than raw waiting time. The wait for cori robotics assisted knee surgery on the NHS depends heavily on where you live and how urgently the referral is graded. Central and West London private clinics can normally book within a week, with imaging or a procedure slot to follow shortly after. It’s worth being honest about the reason for going private: usually it’s time, not a fundamentally different test.
A private cori robotics assisted knee surgery pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For cori robotics assisted knee surgery in particular, we bias towards consultants who do this every week rather than every month.
Where a good concierge earns its keep is in the matching. There are dozens of consultants in London who see cori robotics assisted knee surgery — but not all of them are the right fit for every case. We narrow it down based on subspecialty, insurer coverage, the specific question being asked, and whether continuity into treatment matters. The right first appointment saves you from repeating yourself later.
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