Brampton Civic Hospital has achieved a major milestone in medical innovation, performing its 1,000th robot-assisted knee replacement surgery earlier this month using advanced ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) technology. The landmark procedure was performed on Kanwal Walia, a Brampton resident who, after years of debilitating knee pain, is now walking again — and already planning a summer trip to India with her husband.
Walia, who had previously undergone her first robotic knee surgery at the same hospital, became the 1,000th recipient of the cutting-edge treatment when she returned for her second procedure. The operation, led by Dr. John Harrington, Corporate Division Head of Orthopaedic Surgery at William Osler Health System, highlights Brampton Civic’s leadership in adopting patient-specific robotic surgery — and marks a significant advancement in Canadian health care.
“Since 2009, I’ve had problems walking. I couldn’t even stand without help,” said Walia. “Now I’m on my feet, walking independently, and it feels like I’ve got my life back.”
Developed by Zimmer Biomet, ROSA enables surgeons to perform total knee replacements with greater accuracy and less trauma to surrounding tissues. By using real-time data and imaging, ROSA customizes each procedure to match a patient’s anatomy, minimizing pain, swelling, and recovery time. According to Dr. Harrington, this technology represents a shift from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” surgical approach to one that is more personalized and effective.
“With ROSA, we can make more accurate and patient-specific measurements that improve implant placement and recovery outcomes,” said Harrington. “Patients are walking sooner, experiencing less pain, and returning to normal activities faster than before.”
Brampton Civic remains one of only three hospitals in Ontario utilizing ROSA technology, alongside Humber River Hospital and North York General Hospital, making it the only facility in the Greater Toronto Area offering this level of robotic precision in knee replacements.
Harrington, who has performed over 3,000 knee replacements in his career — including more than 350 using ROSA — said he consistently sees improved outcomes with robotic assistance. “Patients often tell us they recover faster with ROSA than with traditional methods. It’s not entirely pain-free, but it’s a significant improvement,” he said.
Approximately 70% of all knee replacements at Brampton Civic are now conducted using ROSA, with expectations that the technology will soon become the standard of care. Future applications could extend to hip and shoulder surgeries as the technology evolves.
For Kanwal and her husband Jesse, the difference in her recovery has been profound. “Last time, she needed a walker for weeks. This time, she’s moving more freely and using the stairs already,” said Jesse. “We’re grateful to Dr. Harrington and the team for giving her independence back.”
Walia added, “It’s been hard living with pain for so many years, but today I walked up 14 stairs by myself. I want to exercise and live normally again.”
The milestone marks a proud moment for Brampton Civic Hospital and signals a promising future for robotic-assisted surgery in Ontario.