Persistent knee pain can affect almost every part of daily life. Walking, climbing stairs, getting out of a chair and even sleeping comfortably may become difficult when the knee joint is severely damaged.
Medicines, physiotherapy, activity modification and injections can help many people manage knee pain. However, when advanced arthritis causes persistent pain and reduced mobility despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, a knee replacement may be considered.
With advances in orthopaedic technology, patients can now discuss both conventional and robotic-assisted knee replacement with their surgeon. Robotic assistance can help the surgeon plan and perform certain parts of the operation with greater precision, but it does not replace the surgeon’s experience or clinical judgement.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. These components are designed to reduce painful contact between damaged joint surfaces and restore smoother movement.
Depending on the areas affected, a patient may undergo:
- Total knee replacement, involving multiple surfaces of the joint
- Partial knee replacement, involving only the damaged compartment
- Revision knee replacement, performed when an earlier implant needs correction or replacement
The appropriate procedure depends on the pattern of arthritis, the condition of the ligaments, the patient’s age, overall health, activity expectations and examination findings.
When May Knee Replacement Be Recommended?
A knee replacement surgeon may consider surgery when a patient has:
- Persistent knee pain during walking or other routine activities
- Pain while resting or sleeping
- Severe stiffness that limits movement
- Difficulty climbing stairs or standing from a seated position
- Knee deformity, such as bowing inward or outward
- Advanced arthritis visible on imaging
- Inadequate relief from medicines, physiotherapy or other treatments
Not every patient with arthritis requires surgery. A detailed evaluation is necessary to understand the cause and severity of symptoms.
What Is Robotic Knee Replacement?
Robotic knee replacement is a surgeon-controlled procedure supported by a robotic-assisted system. Before or during the operation, the technology helps create a personalised plan based on the patient’s anatomy.
The system may provide information about bone alignment, joint balance and the intended position of the implant. During surgery, the surgeon remains in control and uses this information to guide bone preparation and implant placement.
The robot does not independently perform the operation. It functions as an advanced surgical tool that assists the trained orthopaedic surgeon.
Ortho Relief Hospital & Research Centre introduced robotic knee replacement in 2024 with the DePuy Synthes Johnson & Johnson VELYS system. The hospital has provided orthopaedic care in Nagpur since 1992 and has experience in conventional, computer-assisted and robotic joint-replacement procedures.
Robotic Versus Conventional Knee Replacement
Both conventional and robotic-assisted knee replacement aim to reduce pain and improve mobility by replacing damaged joint surfaces.
In conventional surgery, the surgeon uses standard instruments and anatomical reference points to prepare the knee and position the implant. In robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon also receives information from a computerised system to support planning and execution.
Potential advantages of robotic assistance may include:
- A surgical plan adapted to the patient’s anatomy
- Additional information about alignment
- Controlled preparation of the bone
- Assistance in assessing joint balance
- Support for accurate implant positioning
However, robotic surgery is not automatically suitable or superior for every patient. The outcome also depends on the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s health, the condition of the knee, implant selection, rehabilitation and adherence to postoperative advice.
Patients should ask their surgeon why a robotic or conventional approach is being recommended for their particular condition.
What Happens Before Surgery?
The preoperative process may include:
- A discussion of symptoms, medical history and previous treatment
- Physical examination of the knee, hip and walking pattern
- X-rays and other imaging when required
- Blood tests and medical fitness evaluation
- Review of medicines and existing medical conditions
- Consultation with an anaesthesia specialist
- Planning for rehabilitation and support at home
Patients should tell their doctor about diabetes, heart disease, allergies, infections, blood-thinning medicines and any previous surgery.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The patient receives suitable anaesthesia. The surgical team then prepares the knee under sterile conditions.
The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and a measured amount of underlying bone. Trial components may be used to assess alignment, stability and movement. The final metal and plastic components are then positioned to recreate the joint surfaces.
In robotic-assisted surgery, the system supports the surgeon in following the personalised operative plan. The incision is then closed, and the patient is transferred to a recovery area for monitoring.
Recovery After Robotic Knee Replacement
Recovery varies from one patient to another. Physiotherapy and guided movement usually begin soon after surgery, depending on the patient’s medical condition and the surgeon’s instructions.
During the early recovery period, the patient may be guided to:
- Stand and walk with support
- Perform ankle and breathing exercises
- Practise bending and straightening the knee
- Use a walker or other walking aid
- Follow wound-care instructions
- Take prescribed medicines
- Attend physiotherapy sessions
Some patients may go home within a few days, while others may need a longer stay based on their recovery and general health. Full recovery generally takes several months, and improvement may continue gradually with regular rehabilitation.
Benefits, Risks and Realistic Expectations
Knee replacement may help reduce arthritis-related pain, improve mobility and make everyday activities easier. However, it is a major operation and carries possible risks.
These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels, implant-related problems and reactions to anaesthesia.
The surgeon should explain the expected benefits, limitations and individual risk factors before surgery. No surgical outcome can be guaranteed.
How to Choose a Knee Replacement Hospital in Nagpur
Patients researching a knee replacement hospital in Nagpur should consider:
- Qualifications and relevant training of the surgeon
- Experience in conventional and robotic procedures
- Availability of diagnostic and operating-room facilities
- Anaesthesia and critical-care support
- Infection-control practices
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation support
- Clear explanation of costs, risks and alternatives
- Follow-up care after discharge
Ortho Relief Hospital expanded to a 50-bed facility in 2021, with operating theatres, ICU support, CT imaging and outpatient and inpatient facilities. Its joint-replacement team includes surgeons trained in conventional and robotic joint replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is robotic knee replacement suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on the type of arthritis, bone condition, general health, previous operations and other clinical factors.
Does the robot perform the surgery independently?
No. The orthopaedic surgeon performs and controls the operation. The robotic system assists with planning and surgical execution.
When can I start walking?
Many patients begin supported walking soon after surgery, but the exact timing depends on medical fitness and the surgeon’s advice.
How long does recovery take?
Initial mobility may improve over the first few weeks, while strength, flexibility and confidence can continue improving for several months.
Will physiotherapy be necessary?
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. The physiotherapy plan should be personalised according to the procedure and the patient’s progress.
Consult a Knee Replacement Specialist in Nagpur
Persistent knee pain should not be ignored, particularly when it limits walking, sleep or everyday activities. A clinical examination and suitable imaging can help determine whether non-surgical treatment, conventional knee replacement or robotic-assisted surgery may be appropriate.
To discuss knee replacement in Nagpur, patients can schedule a consultation with the joint-replacement team at Ortho Relief Hospital & Research Centre.
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