Published on: 25th February 2026
RNOH has taken a major step forward in surgical innovation with the installation of a new, cutting-edge surgical planning, imaging and navigation ecosystem from Brainlab. The integrated solution aims to transform outcomes in complex spinal surgery, support advanced clinical research, and drive long-term improvements in orthopaedic care nationwide.
At the heart of this upgrade is an end-to-end Brainlab digital ecosystem that enhances every phase of surgery, from preoperative planning to intraoperative navigation, and postoperative data management.
The Brainlab solution introduces server-based surgical planning, enabling RNOH surgeons to prepare complex cases remotely, outside the operating theatre. This approach aims to increase planning accuracy, improve workflow efficiency, and reduce time patients spend under anaesthetic during surgery. Paired with the Brainlab dedicated Spine & Trauma Navigation software, surgeons gain access to highly accurate, real‑time guidance throughout each procedure.
In a London first for orthopaedic surgery, RNOH is among the earliest adopters of Brainlab Spine Mixed Reality Navigation using the integrated Magic Leap glasses. Since launching several days ago, the suite has already seen a number of successful cases and in this video, you can see and hear Chris, a patient - together with Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Mr Nicholas Haden and Clinical Director Julian Leong - discussing Brainlab’s benefits and opportunities from their unique perspectives.
Brainlab’s immersive mixed reality technology enables surgeons to visualise and interact with patient-specific 3D anatomy, both before and during surgery. Surgeons benefit from better hand-eye coordination compared with conventional navigation systems as well as reduced need to switch their attention back and forth between the operative field and the navigation screen display.
The Brainlab suite - comprising Loop-X mobile imaging robot, Curve Navigation System, and Digital O.R environment - delivers a fully integrated, precision-driven workflow. This combination addresses accuracy at every step of surgery, reduces complexity, and enables incremental improvements that collectively enhance patient outcomes.
Prof. Paul Fish, Chief Executive of RNOH, said: “This new Brainlab surgical suite is a transformative step for the RNOH and for the patients we serve. It brings world‑leading innovation directly into the hands of our clinicians, enabling safe, fast, and precise surgery for some of the most complex spinal conditions in the country. At its heart, this investment is about improving patients’ lives - giving them access to cutting‑edge technology that aims to enhance outcomes and reduces the impact of major surgery. It reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in specialist care, and we are incredibly excited by the benefits this will unlock for our patients now and in the future.”
Mr. Julian Leong, Clinical Director of RNOH Private Care/Clinical Director of RNOH Spinal Surgical Unit, said: “This is now the flagship Brainlab theatre suite in Europe. It represents a significant step forward in how we deliver complex spinal surgery in this country, bringing together surgical expertise, navigation technology, and innovation at the highest level. This investment reflects our commitment to improving precision, safety, and outcome for patients. It is only possible because of the support of our trust board whose vision and backing have made this possible. We're really excited about what this enables for spinal surgery at the RNOH and, more importantly, for our patients.”
Nils Ehrke, EMEA President at Brainlab, added: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone installation at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. The integration of this Brainlab ecosystem into clinical practice is a testament to the paradigm shift taking place in spinal surgery. Advancements in this field are increasingly driven by open platform systems, intelligent data-driven software solutions, and collaborative robotic technologies that are seamlessly embedded into streamlined clinical workflows that help optimize every detail to improve accuracy, efficiency, and ultimately patient outcomes. Brainlab is excited to partner with the forward-thinking team at RNOH to elevate spinal care to the next level.”
