Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a knee replacement in which the surgeon uses a robotic system to plan the operation, measure the knee during surgery, help choose the size of the implant and guide its position and alignment. The robot does not perform the operation on its own; the surgeon makes the decisions and performs the surgery.
Robotic assistance is one option. Conventional knee replacement is a well-tested operation, and not every knee needs robotic assistance. The surgeon advises which approach suits the knee after assessment.
At PMG Hospital, Gota, robotic-assisted knee replacement is performed using the ROSA Knee System (Zimmer Biomet). This page explains how it works, the TriNova approach used at PMG Hospital, who may benefit, recovery, risks and cost factors.
What Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
In a knee replacement, the worn surfaces of the knee are replaced with metal and plastic parts. In robotic-assisted knee replacement, the same implant is used, but a robotic system helps the surgeon with three steps:
- Planning: the size and position of the implant and the alignment of the leg are planned for the individual knee
- Measurement: the position and movement of the knee and the balance of the soft tissues are measured during the operation
- Guidance: the robotic arm positions the cutting guide according to the plan, and the surgeon makes the bone cuts
Related pages: Knee replacement·Total knee replacement
How the ROSA Knee System Works
- 1Before surgery: X-rays of the knee can be used to create a three-dimensional plan of the knee
- 2During surgery: small tracking pins are placed in the thigh bone and shin bone, and a camera follows markers attached to them, so the system can measure the knee as it is moved
- 3Planning on the screen: the surgeon checks the planned size, position and alignment of the implant and adjusts the plan if needed
- 4Bone cuts: the robotic arm positions the cutting guide according to the plan, and the surgeon makes the cuts
- 5Checking: the system shows the alignment and balance of the knee after the trial implant is fitted, before the final implant is fixed
TriNova at PMG Hospital
TriNova is the name used at PMG Hospital for a combination of three choices in knee replacement. They are used when they suit the individual knee, not for every patient.
| Part of TriNova | What it is | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic assistance (ROSA Knee System) | The knee is measured during surgery, and the cutting guide is positioned according to the plan | Intended to help match the implant position and leg alignment to the plan; long-term benefits are still being studied |
| Subvastus approach | The knee is opened beneath the vastus medialis muscle, instead of through the quadriceps tendon | Aims to reduce disturbance of the thigh muscle; any advantage is mainly in the first weeks, and it may not suit every knee |
| Surgery without a tourniquet | The operation is done without a tight cuff around the thigh, so blood continues to flow to the thigh muscles | May reduce thigh pain after surgery; there may be slightly more bleeding during surgery, and medicines to reduce bleeding are commonly used |
Robotic or Conventional Knee Replacement?
| Robotic-assisted | Conventional | |
|---|---|---|
| Implant position and alignment | Measured and guided by the robotic system during surgery; studies show alignment closer to the plan | Guided by standard instruments and the surgeon's measurements |
| Function scores and complications | Similar to conventional surgery in studies so far | Similar to robotic-assisted surgery in studies so far |
| Long-term results | Still being studied | Long-term results well documented |
| Operation time | Can be longer | Usually shorter |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
Source: Alrajeb R, et al. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology. 2024;34:1333–1343 (meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials).
Who May Benefit Most
Robotic assistance may be most useful in knees with significant deformity, unusual anatomy, or an old fracture or implant that makes standard alignment guides difficult to use. Many people with a straightforward knee have good results with conventional surgery. A robotic knee replacement treatment hospital in Ahmedabad should also provide conventional knee replacement and non-surgical treatment, because not every knee needs robotic assistance or surgery.
Assessment Before Surgery
A robotic knee replacement doctor in Ahmedabad - an orthopaedic surgeon - assesses the knee before advising surgery:
- 1History and examination: pain, walking, movement, deformity and stability of the knee, and the hip and spine
- 2X-rays: standing X-rays of the knee and, when needed, the whole leg, which are also used for planning
- 3Fitness for surgery: blood tests, ECG, blood sugar and blood pressure control, and checks of the heart, lungs and kidneys as needed
- 4Infection check and medicines: any infection is treated before surgery, and blood thinners and some other medicines may need to be stopped or changed, only as advised by the doctor
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery in Ahmedabad: Step by Step
The main steps are similar in any robotic knee replacement surgery hospital in Ahmedabad:
- 1Anaesthesia: usually spinal anaesthesia, often with a nerve block for pain relief after surgery
- 2Approach: the knee is opened, using the subvastus approach when suitable
- 3Robotic measurement and planning: tracking pins are placed, the knee is measured, and the plan is confirmed
- 4Bone preparation: the cutting guide is positioned by the robotic arm, and the surgeon makes the bone cuts
- 5Implant: trial parts are checked for alignment and balance, and the final implant is fixed, usually with bone cement
- 6Closure: the tracking pins are removed, and the wounds are closed and dressed
If the robotic system cannot be used during an operation, the surgery can be completed with conventional instruments.
Recovery After Robotic Knee Replacement
| Time | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery or the next day | Standing and first steps with a walker and the physiotherapist |
| First few days | Pain control, exercises, walking with support; discharge when safe |
| Weeks 1–6 | Walking with less support; stitches or staples removed when the wound has healed; home exercises |
| Around 6 weeks | Driving, once the surgeon allows it |
| About 3 months | Return to most daily activities |
| Up to a year | Strength and movement continue to improve |
Physiotherapy is needed after every knee replacement, robotic or conventional. Recovery depends on general health, the condition of the knee before surgery and how regularly the exercises are done.
Risks and Possible Complications
Knee replacement is a common operation, but no surgery is without risk. The surgeon explains these risks before taking consent.
- Infection of the wound or around the implant, which may need further surgery
- Blood clots in the leg veins or lungs
- Stiffness of the knee, or continuing pain in some patients
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels, which is rare
- Fracture of the bone around the implant during or after surgery
- Problems at the pin sites, such as pain or infection, and, rarely, a fracture through a pin site
- Loosening, wear or instability of the implant over time, which may need revision surgery
- Anaesthesia-related and general medical risks, such as heart, lung or kidney problems, especially in older patients or those with other illnesses
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Hospital in Ahmedabad
When choosing a robotic knee replacement hospital in Ahmedabad, check that the treating surgeon is a qualified orthopaedic surgeon with valid medical council registration, that the hospital regularly performs knee replacement with and without robotic assistance, how infection is prevented, which implants are available, what physiotherapy and follow-up are provided, and what the written estimate includes.
Look beyond general phrases such as "a robotic knee replacement hospital with modern facilities" and ask which facilities are actually available on site.
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Ahmedabad
- Robotic-assisted or conventional surgery
- The implant chosen
- One knee or both knees
- Length of hospital stay and room category
- Other medical conditions and any extra care needed
- Physiotherapy and follow-up
A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Insurance
- Medically necessary knee replacement, robotic or conventional, is generally covered under health insurance policies, subject to policy terms and insurer approval
- Some policies have limits on room rent or implant costs; check these with your insurer
- Some policies have a separate limit for robotic surgery; check this with your insurer
- Ask the hospital whether cashless treatment is available with your insurer
Robotic Knee Replacement Doctor in Ahmedabad
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon who works in knee replacement and is trained to use the robotic system. The robot assists; the surgeon plans and performs the operation. Other doctors are involved at different stages:
| Doctor | Role in robotic knee replacement care |
|---|---|
| Family physician | First assessment of knee pain; referral to an orthopaedic surgeon when arthritis is severe or not settling with other treatment |
| Orthopaedic (joint replacement) surgeon | Assesses the knee, advises robotic or conventional surgery, plans the implant position and performs the operation |
| Radiologist | Reports the X-rays used for diagnosis and planning, and other scans when needed |
| Anaesthetist | Checks fitness for surgery, gives spinal anaesthesia and plans pain relief, often with a nerve block |
| Physician | Manages diabetes, blood pressure, heart and kidney conditions before and after surgery |
A physiotherapist, though not a doctor, is a key part of the team, because physiotherapy is needed after every knee replacement.
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Doctor in Ahmedabad
Before agreeing to surgery, it is reasonable to ask your robotic knee replacement surgery doctor in Ahmedabad a few clear questions. The answers help you understand the plan and give informed consent:
- Does my knee need a replacement now, or can non-surgical treatment be continued?
- Why is robotic assistance advised for my knee, and would conventional surgery also suit it?
- Which implant will be used, and why?
- Will the subvastus approach or surgery without a tourniquet be used for my knee, and why?
- Where will the tracking pins be placed, and how should the pin sites be cared for?
- What happens if the robotic system cannot be used during the operation?
- If both knees are affected, should they be operated on together or separately?
- What are the main risks in my case, given my age and other medical conditions?
Robotic Knee Replacement Treatment Hospital in Ahmedabad
Robotic knee replacement needs the robotic system itself and everything a hospital needs for safe knee replacement. These are the facilities that matter most:
| Facility | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| A robotic knee replacement system and staff trained to use it | Robotic assistance needs the system, its planning software and a trained theatre team |
| Conventional knee replacement instruments | Surgery can be completed conventionally if the robotic system cannot be used |
| Operation theatre with strict infection-control practices | Infection around the implant is a serious complication of knee replacement |
| X-ray | Standing and whole-leg X-rays are used for assessment and planning |
| Anaesthesia services | Spinal anaesthesia and nerve blocks are commonly used |
| Blood transfusion support and access to intensive care for high-risk patients | Some patients, especially older people or those with other illnesses, need extra support |
| Physiotherapy | Needed after every knee replacement, robotic or conventional |
The facilities available at PMG Hospital are listed further below on this page.
Treating Surgeon
At PMG Hospital, robotic-assisted knee replacement is performed by:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr. Hiren Patel |
| Qualification | MS (Ortho), B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Specialty | Orthopaedics |
| Designation | Director & Head Joint Replacement Surgeon, PMG Hospital |
| Registration status | Registered Medical Practitioner |
| Registration number | Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. G-20583 |
| OPD availability | Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Facilities at PMG Hospital
- Orthopaedic OPD, Monday to Saturday
- Emergency and trauma care, 24×7
- Orthopaedic physiotherapy centre
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement system (ROSA Knee System)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is robotic knee replacement better than conventional knee replacement?
Robotic assistance is designed to help the surgeon size and position the implant and align the leg according to a plan. Whether this leads to better long-term pain relief, function or implant life than conventional surgery is still being studied. Conventional knee replacement is a well-tested operation, and not every knee needs robotic assistance.
What is ROSA?
The ROSA Knee System, made by Zimmer Biomet, is a robotic system used in knee replacement. It uses a plan made before or during surgery and measurements of the knee taken during the operation, and its robotic arm positions the cutting guide according to the plan. The surgeon makes the bone cuts and performs the operation; the robot does not operate on its own.
What is TriNova?
TriNova is the name used at PMG Hospital for a combination of three choices in knee replacement: robotic assistance with the ROSA Knee System, a subvastus approach in which the knee is opened beneath a thigh muscle instead of through the quadriceps tendon, and surgery without a thigh tourniquet. These are used when they suit the individual knee.
Does robotic knee replacement mean less physiotherapy?
No. Physiotherapy is needed after every knee replacement, robotic or conventional, to restore movement and strength. Regular exercises are a key part of recovery.
Does robotic surgery mean a smaller cut and faster recovery?
Not necessarily. The cut for a robotic knee replacement is usually similar to that for conventional surgery, and small additional cuts may be needed for the tracking pins. Early recovery is often similar to conventional surgery and depends more on the patient, the knee and rehabilitation.
Who may benefit from robotic assistance?
Robotic assistance may be most useful in knees with significant deformity, unusual anatomy, or an old fracture or implant that makes standard alignment guides difficult to use. Many people with a straightforward knee have good results with conventional surgery. The surgeon advises after assessing the knee.
How long does recovery take after robotic knee replacement?
Recovery is usually similar to that after conventional knee replacement. Many patients stand and walk with a walker on the day of surgery or the next day. Driving is usually possible after about six weeks, once the surgeon allows it, most daily activities return over about three months, and strength and movement continue to improve for up to a year.
What facilities should a hospital have for robotic knee replacement?
It should have a robotic system for knee replacement and staff trained to use it, an operation theatre suitable for joint replacement with strict infection-control practices, conventional knee replacement instruments, anaesthesia services, X-ray, blood transfusion support, access to intensive care for high-risk patients, and physiotherapy.
What decides the cost of robotic knee replacement?
The cost depends on the use of robotic assistance, the implant, one knee or both, the length of hospital stay, room category, other medical conditions and physiotherapy. Robotic-assisted surgery usually costs more than conventional surgery. A written, itemised estimate can be requested from the hospital after assessment.
Contact and Location
PMG Hospital
3rd Floor, Athena Avenue, B/H Jaguar Showroom, Nr. Eulogia Inn Hotel, Gota, Ahmedabad, India
- Phone / WhatsApp:
- +91 96627 70141
- OPD:
- Mon – Sat · 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Emergency and trauma care:
- 24×7