Surgical System Enhances Partial Knee Replacement Options

A patellofemoral joint (PFJ) robotics-assisted surgery application provides a full suite of partial knee replacement options.

The Navio surgical system is intended for patients who may be suffering from early to mid-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and choose partial knee replacement as an alternative to total knee replacement (TKR). The addition of the PFJ application further expands the system's indications. The system uses a computerized tomography (CT)-free, robotics-assisted approach. An open implant architecture design allows users to select a number of different manufacturers' implants.


The system provides precise robotic control via an intelligent, handheld, computer-assisted bone cutting tool that offers increased safety and improved accuracy, while performing bone shaping tasks through minimal incisions. The Navio surgical system is a product of Blue Belt Technologies (Plymouth, MN, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Smith & Nephew (London, United Kingdom) Journey system will be the first implant system available for use with the PJF system application.

“We focus our technology development efforts on clinically relevant applications that can benefit from reproducible precision. Adding patellofemoral replacement was the logical next step for us,” said Eric Timko, president and CEO of Blue Belt Technologies. “This PFJ application will continue to arm our surgeon customers with the next-generation in robotics-assisted tools to safely and effectively treat a greater population of patients.”

The PFJ is where the patella and the femur meet, in a groove within the femur called the patella-femoral groove. Within this groove, the patella moves largely lengthwise, but it has some side-to-side movement and can tilt and rotate as well.

Related Links:
Blue Belt Technologies
Smith & Nephew