Central Middlesex Hospital has become one of the first in Europe to use pioneering robotic surgery to replace people’s knees.

Surgeon Simon Jennings and his team at the Acton Lane hospital have carried out more than 25 procedures since the new technology was introduced two months ago – making them European leaders in their field.

The hand-held device uses 3D technology so surgeons can “virtually” position the knee, cut bones and reposition tissue with pinpoint accuracy.

The 50-year-old orthopaedic consultant said: “The accuracy with which we can insert and position the replacement knee is fantastic.

“We’re talking about a procedure that is a huge step forward and will hopefully see better patient outcomes, faster recovery times as well as reducing overheads.”

CMH was second in the country to finish an operation, beaten by a private hospital in Herfordshire.

“They pipped us to the post being a European first by 30 minutes but it was still a great achievement,” Mr Jennings added.