Knee Replacement Questions?

Discover new, game-changing technologies that can help you start living your full life again—a more normal feeling knee,1 a smoother recovery2,3 and implants built to last.

Official joint replacement technology of the
Pro Football Hall of Fame

The ultimate knee replacement experience

See how knee replacement has changed—and what it can do for you.

Designed for you

With 3D digital modeling from the CORI◊ Surgical System you get a surgical plan that’s customized to your unique anatomy. That means your surgeon can perform your procedure more efficiently and accurately than traditional knee replacement surgery.

Robotics-assisted Surgery

Every patient is unique. So why do other robotic systems restrict surgeons to only one or two implant options? Our CORI Surgical System lets your surgeon choose from a wide selection of implants available. This means that whether you’re getting a partial or a total knee replacement, you know your implant will be precision-matched to your needs.

The latest innovation from Smith+Nephew is our handheld robotics-assisted technology for partial and total knee replacements. This advanced technology enables your surgeon to plan and perform your surgery with a greater degree of accuracy than is possible with traditional methods.9

A unique plan

Your knee replacement surgery is as unique as you are. After all, it is the only one that’s based on the combination of your individual knee anatomy and the specific implant your surgeon has determined is right for you. To help ensure your implant is positioned and aligned correctly to your anatomy, the CORI◊ Surgical System creates a customized 3D digital model of your knee. This three-dimensional view helps your surgeon choose the right implant for you. In addition, the 3D digital model eliminates the need to get a CT scan of your knee before your surgery, which reduces your exposure to harmful radiation.

A natural fit

The benefits of robotics-assisted surgery is about more than just a detailed 3D view of your knee. The CORI◊ Surgical System also helps ensure your procedure is performed as the surgeon planned it, giving you the benefits of enhanced accuracy when compared to traditional knee surgery. Accuracy is important because it not only helps the implant function as intended, it also helps avoid uneven wear which can shorten the longevity of an implant.

More implant options

Unlike other robotics platforms, our system works with all of our partial and total knee implants – including those made from our exclusive VERILAST Technology for added durability. This wide selection allows your surgeon to chose the right implant for you.

An implant built to last

With Smith+Nephew knee implants, your surgeon has access to OXINIUM◊ Oxidized Zirconium. This unique metal alloy is designed to reduce the effects of implant wear and tear. In fact, OXINIUM knee implants have been lab-tested for durability 9-times longer than the international standard for joint replacements7.

What is OXINIUM◊ Oxidized Zirconium?

If it is determined that an implant made with VERILAST◊ technology is right for you, the femoral – or thighbone portion – of your implant will be made from – a patented and award winning ceramicised metal alloy that Smith+Nephew spent more than a decade developing.

During manufacture, OXINIUM implants undergo a process that transforms the implant’s surface into a hard, ceramicised metal – while still retaining all of the durability of the underlying metal. In addition to being more durable than a true ceramic, this metal implant’s ceramicised surface is more than twice as hard and therefore twice as resistant to the kind of scratching that can cause a cobalt chrome implant to wear out before its time.10

A wide selection

Every patient is unique. So why do other robotic systems restrict surgeons to only one or two implant options? Our CORI Surgical System lets your surgeon choose from a wide selection of implants available. This means that whether you’re getting a partial or a total knee replacement, you know your implant will be precision-matched to your needs.

What is VISIONAIRE Patient Matched Technology?

Your surgeon performs an examination of your knee and arranges for MRI and X-ray images.

The images are sent to Smith+Nephew, where VISIONAIRE Technology is used to construct a 3D model of your knee. This model is used to design surgical instruments to match your unique anatomy.

The tools are then produced through a 3D printing process.

A VISIONAIRE engineer works with your surgeon to create a detailed surgery plan for your procedure. It contains information on your anatomy, the customized instruments, and the Smith+Nephew implant to be used in your knee replacement.

Schedule a consultation

Feed your curiosity

Not every orthopaedic surgeon is trained to use advanced technologies.

Michael Swank, MD

Dr. Michael Swank is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine who specializes in Out-Patient Total Hip and Knee replacement surgery. After completing medicine as well as his residency from Northwestern University in Chicago. IL, he went on to receive fellowships in both Adult Reconstructive Surgery and Reconstructive Spinal Surgery.

Dr. Swank is a pioneer in minimally-invasive computer and robotic assisted hip and knee surgery. He is appointed President and Medical Director of Cincinnati Orthopaedic Research Institute as well as Medical Director of Beacon Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

He has been honored as a Health Care Hero for Innovation by the Cincinnati Business Courier, Top Doctor with Cincy magazine for multiple years the most recent being 2022, and as a Healthcare Award Winner by Venue magazine.

Discover the benefits

Request an appointment with us today to learn about robotics-assisted surgery that delivers a more normal feeling knee,1 a quicker, smoother recovery2,3 and an implant built to last.

How bad is your knee pain?

Answer these common, multiple choice questions to help your doctor better understand your knee pain.

Section 1 of 3

1. Which knee is causing you problems?
2. How would you describe your knee pain?

Section 2 of 3

Section 3 of 3


Most important:
Next most important:
Third most important:
Fourth most important:

You're almost done!

Print out your results

You can print your assessment answers by clicking the "Print Results" button below. A separate window will open to display your answers. Print these out and click the Find a physician button to find a physician near you. If you do not see your results, please ensure you do not have pop-up blockers enabled for this site.

What is the MasterFit™ Knee Replacement?

There are three components of the MasterFit™ knee replacement that I have developed over the last 30 years.

  1. Medial Skin Incision
  2. Subvastus, Muscle Sparing Approach
  3. Custom Fit Using Computer Assistance

It’s these three components: medial incision, muscle sparing, and custom fit that distinguish the MasterFit™ from more traditional approaches to knee replacement surgery.

Download Full PDF

Discover the Summit Woods Difference

At Beacon Orthopaedics Summit Woods, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional orthopedic care to the Sharonville community. Our state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of services, including:

  • Urgent Care: Get fast, expert treatment for sprains, strains, fractures, and other orthopedic injuries.
  • Physical Therapy: Our skilled therapists will help you recover from injuries and improve your mobility.
  • Orthopedic Surgery: Access advanced surgical procedures performed by highly qualified orthopedic surgeons.
  • Imaging Services: Get accurate diagnoses with our on-site X-ray and MRI facilities.
  • Personalized Athletic Services: Our sports medicine specialists provide tailored care for athletes of all ages and levels.

JointVue™

JointVue’s patented OrthoSonic™ 3D Surgery Planning Technology is the only ultrasound device currently on the market to deliver 3D preoperative planning. JointVue’s technology allows surgeons using Smith+Nephew’s Journey II knee arthroplasty to create a personalized surgical plan, which may provide opportunities to improve patient satisfaction and operating room efficiency. Pre-operative surgical planning provides the surgeon with information about the patient’s anatomy to help the surgeon determine the preferred implants before the surgery begins.

Yes – you can

It’s time to stop settling and start getting on with your life. You can take the stairs.8 You can go for walks. You can stop being afraid. You can – with the ultimate knee replacement experience.

Schedule a consultation
VISIONAIRE
Knee Know Your Options

Knee pain doesn’t necessarily mean knee surgery. There are many options for you to discuss with your doctor to help alleviate knee pain.

VISIONAIRE
Knee Replacement Complications

Although knee replacement surgery is often referred to as a “mainstream procedure,” and is considered one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine, every surgical procedure comes with risk of complications.

VISIONAIRE
Knee Replacement Recovery

Knee replacement is most commonly performed as an inpatient procedure in a hospital. However, as healthcare options expand and surgical techniques continue to improve, alternatives including outpatient surgery and shorter hospital stays are becoming more common.

VISIONAIRE◊
  1. Smith+Nephew 2020. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the accuracy, efficiency and satisfaction using VISIONAIRE. Internal Report. EA/RECON/VISIONAIRE/001/v6.
  2. Smith+Nephew 2021. Accuracy of total knee arthroplasty component sizing as determined preoperatively with the VISIONAIRE patient matched cutting guides. Internal Report. EO.REC.PCS025.001.v1.

The information listed on this site is for informational and educational purposes and is not meant as medical advice. Every patient’s case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor’s specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation.

◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. The information on this site is intended for US residents only © 2026 Smith+Nephew
Smith+Nephew Facebook Page | Follow Smith+Nephew on Twitter | Privacy & Cookies | Terms of Use

References

  1. Hall, et al. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (alias uni-knee): an overview with nursing implications. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2004;23(3):163-171. Accessed April 25, 2019.
    • Based on pre-surgical pain levels in UKA patients.
  2. Mayman DJ, Patel AR, Carroll KM. Hospital related clinical and economic outcomes of a bicruciate knee system in total knee arthroplasty patients. Poster presented at: ISPOR Symposium; May 19-23, 2018; Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  3. Nodzo SR, Carroll KM, Mayman DJ. The Bicruciate Substituting Knee Design and Initial Experience. Techniques in Orthopaedics. 2018;33(1):37-41
    • Compared to non-JOURNEY II knees; Based on BCS evidence
  4. 1Short-term Range of Motion is Increased after TKA with an asymmetric bicruciatestabilized implant.AcceptedPoster Presentation, AAOS 2018 New Orleans. Kaitlin M. Carroll, Peter K. Sculco, Brian CMichaels,RichardL. Murphy, Seth A, Jerabek, David J. Mayman
  5. 2J Orthop. 2017 Jan 7;14(1):201- 206. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2016.12.005. eCollection 2017. Bi-cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty improved medio-lateral instability in mid-flexion range
  6.  In Vivo Kinematic Comparison of a Bicruciate Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty and the Normal Knee Using Fluoroscopy Trevor F. Grieco, MS a, *, Adrija Sharma, PhD a, Garett M. Dessinger, BS a, Harold E. Cates, MD b, Richard D. Komistek, PhD. The Journal of Arthroplasty, September 2017
  7. Testing concluded at 45 million cycles, ISO 14242-1 and 14243-3 define test completion at 5 million cycles. The results of laboratory wear simulation testing have not been proven to predict actual joint durability and performance in people. A reduction in wear alone may not result in improved joint durability and performance because other factors, such as bone structure, can affect joint durability and performance and cause medical conditions that may result in the need for additional surgery. These other factors were not studied as part of the testing.
  8. Iriuchishima T, Ryu K. Bicruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty improves stair climbing ability when compared with cruciate-retain or posterior stabilizing total knee arthroplasty. Indian J Orthop. 2019. doi:10.4103/ortho.IJOrtho_392_18.
  9. Smith JR, Picard F, Lonner J, et al. The accuracy of a robotically-controlled freehand sculpting tool for unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics. August 4-9, 2013. Natal, Brazil.
  10. Zardiackas, Lyle D., Kraay, Matthew J., Freese, Howard L, editors. Titanium, Niobium, Zirconium, and Tantalum for Medical and Surgical Applications ASTM special technical publication; 1471. Ann Arbor, MI: ASTM, Dec. 2005

The information listed on this site is for informational and educational purposes and is not meant as medical advice. Every patient’s case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor’s specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation.

◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. The information on this site is intended for US residents only © 2024 Smith+Nephew

References

*Journey II BCS.

  1. Hall, et al. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (alias uni-knee): an overview with nursing implications. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2004;23(3):163-171. Accessed April 25, 2019.
    • Based on pre-surgical pain levels in UKA patients.
  2. Mayman DJ, Patel AR, Carroll KM. Hospital related clinical and economic outcomes of a bicruciate knee system in total knee arthroplasty patients. Poster presented at: ISPOR Symposium; May 19-23, 2018; Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  3. Nodzo SR, Carroll KM, Mayman DJ. The Bicruciate Substituting Knee Design and Initial Experience. Techniques in Orthopaedics. 2018;33(1):37-41
    • Compared to non-JOURNEY II knees; Based on BCS evidence
  4. 1Short-term Range of Motion is Increased after TKA with an asymmetric bicruciatestabilized implant.AcceptedPoster Presentation, AAOS 2018 New Orleans. Kaitlin M. Carroll, Peter K. Sculco, Brian CMichaels,RichardL. Murphy, Seth A, Jerabek, David J. Mayman
  5. 2J Orthop. 2017 Jan 7;14(1):201- 206. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2016.12.005. eCollection 2017. Bi-cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty improved medio-lateral instability in mid-flexion range
  6.  In Vivo Kinematic Comparison of a Bicruciate Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty and the Normal Knee Using Fluoroscopy Trevor F. Grieco, MS a, *, Adrija Sharma, PhD a, Garett M. Dessinger, BS a, Harold E. Cates, MD b, Richard D. Komistek, PhD. The Journal of Arthroplasty, September 2017
  7. Testing concluded at 45 million cycles, ISO 14242-1 and 14243-3 define test completion at 5 million cycles. The results of laboratory wear simulation testing have not been proven to predict actual joint durability and performance in people. A reduction in wear alone may not result in improved joint durability and performance because other factors, such as bone structure, can affect joint durability and performance and cause medical conditions that may result in the need for additional surgery. These other factors were not studied as part of the testing.
  8. Iriuchishima T, Ryu K. Bicruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty improves stair climbing ability when compared with cruciate-retain or posterior stabilizing total knee arthroplasty. Indian J Orthop. 2019. doi:10.4103/ortho.IJOrtho_392_18.
  9. Smith JR, Picard F, Lonner J, et al. The accuracy of a robotically-controlled freehand sculpting tool for unicondylar knee arthroplasty. Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics. August 4-9, 2013. Natal, Brazil.
  10. Zardiackas, Lyle D., Kraay, Matthew J., Freese, Howard L, editors. Titanium, Niobium, Zirconium, and Tantalum for Medical and Surgical Applications ASTM special technical publication; 1471. Ann Arbor, MI: ASTM, Dec. 2005

Additional claim statements and support regarding Smith+Nephew implants and Robotics-assisted surgery

  • Implants that are built to last
  • LEGION◊CR Knee with VERILAST◊ technology was lab-tested for 45 million cycles (estimating 30 years of wear performance) and showed 81% less wear than similar 5-million cycle cobalt chrome implant.
    • Learn More
      • ISO 14243-3
      • VERILAST knee wear testing and results apply only to the VERILAST LEGION CR Primary Knee System only. Extended lab-testing for other VERILAST knee systems have not been performed. The results of laboratory wear simulation testing have not been proven to predict actual joint durability and performance in people. A reduction in wear alone may not result in improved joint durability and performance because other factors, such as bone structure, can affect joint durability and performance and cause medical conditions that may result in the need for additional surgery. These other factors were not studied as part of the testing.
  • Smith+Nephew implants may offer a more normal feeling knee
    • Based on JOURNEY◊ II BCS knee implant
    • Learn More
      • Verstaete MA, Van Onsem S, Zambianchi F, et al. Multi-centre evaluation of knee kinematics during different activities for anatomic total knee design. Poster presented at: 2nd World Arthroplasty Congress; 19-21 April, 2018; Rome, Italy.
      • Sharma A, Dessinger G, Cates H, Komistesk R. In vivo kinematic comparison for subjects having a bi-cruciate substituting TKA vs the normal knee. Poster presented at: 2nd World Arthroplasty Congress; 19-21 April, 2018; Rome, Italy.
      • Kosse NM, Heesterbeek PJC, Defoort KC, Wymenga AB, van Hellemondt GG. Improved maximal flexion after minor adaptations in implant design bicruciate-substituted total knee arthroplasty. Poster presented at 19th Congress of the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT); May 30 – June 1 2018; Barcelona, Spain.
  • 89% of patients were able to take the stairs again after surgery.
    • Based on JOURNEY◊ II BCS knee implant patients
      • Iriuchishima T and Ryu K. Bicruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty improves stair climbing ability when compared with cruciate-retain or posterior stabilizing total knee arthroplasty. Indian J Orthop. 2019. DOI:10.4103/ortho.IJOrtho_392_18
  • A robotics-assisted knee replacement with Smith+Nephew implants may get you back in the game six months sooner than traditional knee replacement surgery
    • Based on UKA patients
      • Canetti R, Batailler C, Bankhead C, Neyret P, Servien E, Lustig S. Faster return to sport after robotic-assisted lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a comparative study. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2018;138(12):1765-1771
  • Over 90% of patients who had a Smith+Nephew knee replacement surgery returned to work within 6 months.
      • Harris AI, Luo TD, Lang JE, Kopjar B. Short-term safety and effectiveness of a second-generation motion-guided total knee system. Arthroplast Today. 2018;4:240–243. 1
  • Robotics-assisted surgery with Smith+Nephew implants may lead to a faster rehabilitation and shorter recovery time than traditional knee surgery when following your doctor’s recovery plan and physical therapy recommendations.
    • Claim 19 & 20 (PCS REC.015)
  • Due to its improved accuracy, Smith+Nephew robotics-assisted UKA has lower revision rates* compared to conventional techniques
    • Shown in clinical studies with follow-up of up to 5.5 years
      • Batailler C, White N, Ranaldi FM, Neyret P, Servien E, Lustig S. Improved implant position and lower revision rate with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019;27(4):1232-1240.
      • Battenberg AK, Netravali NA, Lonner JH. A novel handheld robotic-assisted system for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: surgical technique and early survivorship. J Robot Surg. 2019;14(1):55-60.
      • Gregori A. 5 Yr Experience Semi Active Robotic Partial Knee Replacement: The Financial Impact. Poster presented at: SICOT;October, 2018; Montreal, Canada.
  • A study has shown Smith+Nephew robotic technology has demonstrated faster return to sport (4.2 vs 10.5 months) when compared to conventional techniques*
        • *n= 28 (n=11 robotic procedures), p<0.01
          • Canetti R, Batailler C, Bankhead C, Neyret P, Servien E, Lustig S. Faster return to sport after robotic-assisted lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a comparative study. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2018;138(12):1765-1771
  • Robotics-assisted surgery with Smith+Nephew implants may help patient get discharged sooner
    • Study of UKA patients
      • Sephton BM, et al. EKS Arthroplasty Conference. May 2-3, 2019; Valencia, Spain.
      • Shearman AD, et al. EKS Arthroplasty Conference. May 2-3, 2019; Valencia, Spain.
  • Robotics-assisted surgery with Smith+Nephew implants may provide patients with a smoother recovery
    • Based on JOURNEY II family of implants
      • Mayman DJ, Patel AR, Carroll KM. Hospital Related Clinical and Economic Outcomes of a Bicruciate Knee System in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients. Poster presented at: ISPOR Symposium; May 19-23, 2018; Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
  • Robotics-assisted surgery with Smith+Nephew implants may help patients regain function faster
      • Shearman AD, et al. EKS Arthroplasty Conference. May 2-3, 2019; Valencia, Spain.

Additional statements and support regarding Knee Replacement

  • More than 90% of people who have knee replacement surgery experience dramatic relief in knee pain and are better able to perform common activities.
    • Based on pre-surgical pain levels
      • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon website, http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm
  • The majority of patients experience profound improvements in their physical activity after having knee replacement surgery.
    • Based on pre-surgical activity levels
      • Brandes M, et. al., “Changes in physical activity and health-related quality of life during the first year after total knee arthroplasty.” Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991 Dec;(273):151-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20981812 Accessed Wednesday, April 17, 2019