Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has expanded its robotic surgery capabilities with the introduction of two advanced robotic systems for hip and knee replacement procedures, further expanding access to advanced orthopaedic care in the UAE.
The solutions support a personalised approach to joint replacement surgery, enabling surgeons to tailor procedures to each patient’s need while enhancing surgical accuracy and implant positioning. Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery is associated with reduced intraoperative blood loss, improved alignment, greater implant precision and faster rehabilitation timelines, helping patients return to mobility sooner.
Commenting on the expansion of robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, Chief Medical Officer at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, said: “Building on the success and continued growth of SSMC’s robotic surgery programme, the introduction of two new robotic systems for hip and knee replacement represents an important expansion of our capabilities within orthopaedics. As we continue to broaden robotic-assisted surgery across multiple specialties, we are investing in technologies and clinical expertise that support greater precision, consistency and improved patient outcomes. This allows us to offer patients access to advanced surgical options closer to home while continuing to strengthen our orthopaedic services.”
Knee Replacement: A 30-Year Wait Ends in 10 Days
SSMC’s orthopaedics team recently performed the hospital’s first robotic-assisted knee replacement on a patient who had been living with chronic knee pain for more than 30 years. Following surgery, the patient was able to walk independently without support within 10 days, highlighting the potential for improved recovery timelines compared to traditional knee replacement procedures.
Dr. Joseph Alsousou, Consultant and Chair of the Orthopaedics Division at SSMC, said: “Many patients who come to us for joint replacement surgery have been living with pain and reduced mobility for years. In this case, the patient was experiencing severe osteoarthritis that had significantly affected her ability to walk and carry out daily activities. Robotic technology allows us to plan and position the joint replacement with a high degree of accuracy based on each patient’s anatomy and functional needs. For us, success is not just about replacing a joint. It is about helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain and return to their daily lives with greater confidence and independence.”
Kafahallah, the first patient who underwent robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery at SSMC, said: “I suffered from knee problems for more than 30 years and tried many treatments over the years, but eventually even the injections stopped working. My mobility became severely limited, and there was a time when I could barely walk. Dr. AlSousou performed my surgery, and it truly changed my life. After the surgery, I gradually regained my ability to walk and today I can walk comfortably without any support. I feel very grateful for the care I received.”
Hip Replacement: Precision Aligned to Patient Anatomy
The expansion of SSMC’s robotic orthopaedic capabilities also included a robotic-assisted hip replacement procedure. Using advanced robotic technology, the surgical team achieved precise implant positioning and joint alignment tailored to the patient’s anatomy, supporting improved mobility, recovery and long-term function following surgery.
Dr. Joseph Alsousou, Chair of the Orthopaedics Division at SSMC, said:
“Robotic-assisted surgery enables us to position the hip implant with exceptional precision while streamlining the procedure. This leads to less blood loss, shorter operating times and hospital stays, improved implants longevity, and ultimately better long-term outcomes for our patients, including optimal restoration of function.”
The introduction of the robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement surgeries mark a significant step in the growth of SSMC’s robotic surgery programme. Now spanning multiple specialties and four robotic systems, the programme supports both complex and high-volume procedures, while helping advance healthcare delivery in Abu Dhabi and strengthening SSMC’s position as a leading centre for robotic surgery and precision-led healthcare in the region.
