Diverse disciplines working together at the forefront of personalised orthopaedic care.

The Surgical Technology Lab (STL) brings together surgeons, radiologists, engineers, imaging scientists, data analysts, and students from the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, University College London and partner institutions, with a common goal: to drive innovation in personalised orthopaedic care.

We plan surgeries using 3D scans, design custom implants for complex cases, and create surgical tools that help improve precision and recovery. Our work enhances surgical accuracy, supports better outcomes, and helps implants last longer. Through research, innovation, and collaboration, we aim to reduce the burden of joint disease for patients and healthcare systems alike.

“Our vision is to reduce the cost and burden of joint replacement surgery on patients, healthcare systems and society by creating precise, research-driven and personalised solutions.”

Dr. Anna Di Laura,
Orthopaedic Engineer and Project Lead

Our people

  • Dr. Johann Henckel

    ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON & SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

    Clinical Academic Orthopaedic Unit at the RNOH.

  • Dr. Anna Di Laura

    ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN ORTHOPAEDIC ENGINEERING

    Clinical Academic Orthopaedic Unit at the RNOH.

  • Professor Alister Hart

    ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON & UCL CHAIR of ORTHOPAEDICS

    Clinical Academic Orthopaedic Unit at the RNOH.

Our mission

“To restore and improve musculoskeletal function—especially in individuals with hip and knee conditions or joint replacements—by using advanced imaging and surgical techniques.”