Medically reviewed by: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Founder and Owner, MAHI Multispecialty Hospital, Kilpauk, Chennai
Last medically reviewed: October 2026
Knee arthritis and other joint conditions can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods. When these symptoms persist, an orthopaedic assessment can help identify the cause and determine suitable treatment options.
At MAHI Hospitals, Chennai, patients can enquire about orthopaedic consultations and robotic-assisted knee replacement. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the extent of joint damage, symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and response to non-surgical treatment. A robotic knee surgeon in Chennai evaluates whether robotic-assisted knee replacement is appropriate for an individual patient and explains the procedure, potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and recovery requirements.
What is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which an orthopaedic surgeon uses a robotic guidance system to support surgical planning and certain steps of the operation. The surgeon remains responsible for the procedure and makes clinical decisions throughout the surgery.
Depending on the system used, planning may involve preoperative imaging or information collected during surgery. The technology can help the surgeon assess knee anatomy, plan implant positioning, and guide selected surgical steps.
Robotic assistance does not mean that a robot independently performs the operation. The procedure still requires the surgeon’s judgement, training, and assessment of the patient’s anatomy and condition.
Who May Be Considered for Robotic Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement may be considered for selected patients with significant knee joint damage. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, functional limitations, and overall health.
A consultation may be appropriate for patients experiencing:
- Persistent knee pain associated with arthritis.
- Stiffness or difficulty bending and straightening the knee.
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs because of knee symptoms.
- Knee deformity associated with advanced joint damage.
- Limited improvement after appropriate non-surgical treatment.
These symptoms do not automatically mean that surgery is necessary. The doctor may recommend further assessment or conservative treatment depending on the findings.
How Does Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Work?
1. Preoperative Assessment
The surgeon reviews the patient’s medical history, examines the knee, and recommends imaging or other investigations when necessary. Medical conditions that may affect surgery or recovery are also assessed.
2. Surgical Planning
Depending on the robotic system, imaging or intraoperative mapping may be used to assess knee anatomy and support planning for implant positioning and alignment.
3. Surgery
The orthopaedic surgeon performs the knee replacement using the selected surgical technique. The robotic system provides guidance for specific steps, but the surgeon remains in control and adapts the procedure when clinically necessary.
4. Postoperative Care
After surgery, the care plan may include pain management, wound monitoring, supervised mobilisation, exercises, and physiotherapy. Progress is monitored according to the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s recommendations.
Potential Benefits and Limitations of Robotic Knee Surgery
Robotic assistance may support surgical planning and help the surgeon assess implant positioning and alignment. However, the benefits vary according to the technology, surgical approach, and individual patient factors.
Patients should understand that:
- Robotic assistance does not eliminate the risks associated with surgery.
- It does not guarantee a particular level of pain relief or mobility.
- Recovery time varies from person to person.
- Robotic-assisted surgery may not be necessary or suitable for every patient.
- The surgeon’s experience, the patient’s health, and rehabilitation all contribute to the treatment process.
Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, alternatives, and additional costs, if any, before making a decision.
Robotic-Assisted vs Conventional Knee Replacement
Both approaches involve replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. The main difference is how the surgeon plans and guides certain steps of the procedure.
Conventional knee replacement uses established surgical planning and instrumentation. Robotic-assisted surgery adds a technology-based guidance system to selected parts of the procedure.
The appropriate approach depends on the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s assessment, the available equipment, and the expected clinical benefit. Patients should discuss both options rather than assuming that one method is suitable for everyone.
Meet Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal holds MBBS and MS (Orthopaedics) qualifications and is associated with orthopaedic and joint replacement care at MAHI Hospitals, Chennai.
Patients considering robotic-assisted knee replacement can discuss their symptoms, previous treatments, investigation findings, and treatment preferences during a consultation. The doctor can explain whether knee replacement is indicated and whether robotic assistance is appropriate for the individual case.
What Should You Discuss With Your Surgeon?
Before deciding on knee replacement, consider asking:
- What is causing my knee pain?
- Are non-surgical treatments still appropriate?
- Why might robotic assistance be considered in my case?
- What are the risks and possible complications?
- What alternatives are available?
- What expenses may be involved?
- What rehabilitation and follow-up will I need?
These questions can help you understand the treatment options and make an informed decision with your doctor.
Consultation at MAHI Hospitals
Patients experiencing persistent knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty with movement can enquire about an orthopaedic consultation at MAHI Hospitals.
Read More: Robotic vs Traditional Knee Replacement