Living with knee pain limits your mobility, whether it makes climbing stairs more tedious, forces you to shorten walks, or prevents you from sitting in your favorite positions. If your doctor has suggested “partial knee replacement” and you’ve resorted to searching if the robotic version is worth the investment, we’ve created this document to help you.
Below, we’ve listed the most frequent questions that patients have when getting robotic partial knee replacement in Mumbai and have tried to provide the answers as clearly as possible.
1.What is partial knee replacement?
The knee consists of three compartments. Osteoarthritis usually attacks one of the three, typically the inner compartment. For patients who only have that compartment affected, the inner compartment can be replaced in a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement. The remaining compartments can then be preserved in a partial knee replacement. Partial knee replacements are less invasive than total knee replacements and can therefore be done with fewer incisions.
Q2. How is “robotic” partial knee replacement different from the traditional method?
A: There are several differences between traditional and robotic-assisted partial knee replacements. Traditionally, the surgeon would use standard tools and rely mainly on their own eyesight and judgement to determine the correct positioning of the implant. In a robotic-assisted partial knee replacement, a robotic arm is used to assist the surgeon in such a way that the robotic arm is controlled by the surgeon to perform the task of positioning the implant by the arm with a precision of less than a millimeter. Throughout this process, the surgeon remains in complete control of the robotic arm as it does not act on its own. In this sense, the robotic system has the functionality of being an exact and highly precise pair of assisting hands, which essentially significantly reduces the margin of error of the process.
At Kneebotics, Dr. Kunal Patel uses the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, which uses imageless technology and does not need a pre-operative CT or MRI to plan the surgeries, making the process easier for the patient.
Q3. Am I even a candidate for a partial knee replacement, robotic or otherwise?
A: There are a few broad categories of patients who would be considered good candidates for partial knee replacement, robotic or otherwise. Good candidates would be patients who:
– Have knee arthritis that is only present in one compartment of the joint as would be seen on X-ray,
– Have a preserved anterior cruciate ligament with good knee alignment,
– Are of normal weight with consideration for each case,
– Have not received significant benefits from medications, etc., and have also failed to receive significant benefits from physiotherapy and knee injection therapy,
It should be noted that partial knee replacement is not the best option for patients who have multi-compartment arthritis. In this case, a total knee replacement would be the better option. This is why an X-Ray and clinical evaluation in person are largely preferred over any partial knee replacement candidate checklists that are done on the internet.
Q4. What are the real benefits of choosing the robotic method?
A: The benefits commonly mentioned include:
– Implant positioning/alignment is more precise since the plan accommodates your knee.
– Less soft-tissue damage because only the affected compartment is worked on.
– Faster recovery and mobilization compared to other invasive methods.
– A more functional knee because your ligaments and healthy bone are retained.
– Imageless planning because there is no extra CT/MRI scan before the operation.
Q5. Does robotic mean automated surgery? Is it safe?
A: This is one of the most prevalent myths, and the answer is no. The robotic arm does not make commands or act on its own. The robotic arm follows the surgeon’s commands to a plan that the surgeon lays out. Think of it as a very advanced tool used to assist the surgeon in performing a precise task.
Q6. What is the recovery time and how long before I walk normally?
A: Exact timeframes depend on the person, but because a partial knee replacement is much less invasive than a total knee replacement, many patients are up and walking with assistance within a day of surgery, and most can walk normally within weeks. Long walks and other lifestyle modifications will also depend on other factors, including the advice of your surgeon and progress during physiotherapy, as recovery will not be based on a general recovery timeline.
Q7. What criteria should I use to find the best possible surgeon for this procedure in Mumbai?
A: Look for these criteria in a potential surgeon:
– Robotic-assisted knee training and experience in addition to traditional knee replacement training and experience
– Honest assessments of candidacy for partial vs. total knee replacement. A good surgeon will offer the best option for your knee and won’t offer the newer, more expensive option if it’s not appropriate for your situation.
– Openness about costs, the hospitals he or she works with, and the support during rehab after the operation
– Verifiable history with patients and good reviews and ratings
Dr. Kunal Patel is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and robotic surgery in Mumbai. He trained at TNMC Mumbai and utilizes the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution and ATTUNE Knee System, and has affiliations with numerous surgical centers in the city.
Q8. Is robotic partial knee replacement more costly than the traditional surgery?
A: The procedure being robotic-assisted adds some cost for the technology, however the difference is case, implant, and hospital specific. The good news is that in India, there is some regulation in place for joint replacement surgery costs. The best and most informative option to get an estimate for costs would be to book a consultation with the surgeon.
Q9. Is it worth it?
A: Robotic partial knee replacement is a great option to consider if you have localized knee arthritis, want to keep the majority of your knee joint, and prefer a highly individualized surgical plan over a generic plan. However, what is “right for me” depends on your X-rays, ligaments, and overall knee alignment. A better question to ask is what is “right clinically” because that will give you the answer you are truly looking for, and the only way to get that answer is through a proper evaluation.
Get in Touch
Dr. Kunal Patel — Robotic Knee & Joint Replacement Surgeon
📍 Address: Plot No 3, S V Road, Punit Nagar, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092
📞 Phone: [+91 93727 37914](https://wa.me/p/6168926246510360/919372737914)
📧 Email: drkunalpatel@gmail.com
🌐 Website: [https://kneebotics.com/]
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FAQs
1.Is robotic partial knee replacement painful?
There is no way to avoid pain post-operatively, however, since robotic partial knee replacement is a much less invasive surgery than a total knee replacement, pain post-operatively is much less.
How long do the implants last?
There is no firm answer, however, it is expected that modern knee implants will last many years. Factors that can influence this include the patient’s health and level of activity. Your surgeon will help you set expectations on the longevity of your specific implant.
Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
After a knee replacement, physiotherapy is critical for recovery. It helps strengthen and increase the range of motion of the knee and helps the patient get confident in moving again.
Can both knees be treated at the same time?
This is based on the health of the patient and the assessment of the surgeon. There are options for either simultaneous or staged procedures, but this is best discussed with your surgeon.
Does the VELYS system require a CT scan before surgery?
No. VELYS is an imageless robotic-assisted system. Therefore, there is no requirement for a preoperative CT scan or MRI as part of the surgical planning, making the preparation of the frame of the surgery easier.
How do I book a consultation?
You can either call or WhatsApp +919372737914, email drkunalpatel@gmail.com, or go directly to the clinic in Borivali West, Mumbai.
This article is to provide a general overview of the topic and is not meant to substitute for a professional/more personalized opinion. You should go to Dr. Kunal Patel or any certified and trained orthopedic surgeon for a diagnosis or treatment for your condition.
