Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses computer-assisted planning and intraoperative technology to help the surgical team plan and execute bone preparation and implant positioning according to the patient's anatomy. Performed by Dr. Vijay Chandar at Manipal Hospitals, Kanakapura Road.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a surgical approach that combines the surgeon's clinical judgement and technique with computer-assisted planning and intraoperative guidance. It is not autonomous surgery — the surgeon remains fully in control of every decision and every step of the procedure.
Imaging (which may include a CT scan) is used with specialised software to build a digital model of the patient's knee anatomy. The surgical team uses this model to plan bone preparation and implant positioning according to the patient's specific anatomy.
During the procedure, the robotic-assisted platform provides intraoperative guidance for bone preparation and implant positioning based on the pre-operative plan and intraoperative measurements taken by the surgical team.
Intraoperative measurements assist the surgeon in evaluating soft-tissue balance during the procedure, contributing to overall surgical planning and adjustments.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is one tool within the overall treatment process. Suitability depends on the individual patient's condition and anatomy, and robotic assistance does not replace surgeon expertise. Published clinical studies suggest that computer-assisted alignment and soft-tissue balancing may improve implant positioning consistency compared with conventional instrumentation. Long-term outcomes depend on patient factors, surgical technique, rehabilitation and other variables.
During your consultation, Dr. Vijay Chandar will discuss whether robotic-assisted or conventional knee replacement is appropriate for your specific condition, and will explain the reasoning based on your imaging and clinical examination.
Both robotic-assisted and conventional knee replacement are established surgical approaches for treating advanced knee arthritis. Neither is universally superior to the other. The choice between them depends on the individual patient's diagnosis, severity of arthritis, anatomy, deformity, prior surgery, functional requirements and surgeon assessment — and on the available technology at the treating hospital.
Conventional knee replacement uses established surgical instruments and techniques and has decades of published outcomes. Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses computer-assisted planning and intraoperative technology to help the surgical team plan and execute bone preparation and implant positioning according to the patient's anatomy.
Reported clinical differences between the two approaches vary between studies and between patients. Robotic assistance is one tool within the overall surgical process and does not replace surgeon expertise. Long-term outcomes depend on patient factors, surgical technique, rehabilitation and other variables.
During your consultation, Dr. Vijay Chandar will discuss whether robotic-assisted or conventional knee replacement is appropriate for your specific condition, and will explain the reasoning based on your imaging and clinical examination.
Whether robotic-assisted knee replacement is appropriate for a specific patient is decided together by the patient and the surgeon after clinical examination, imaging review and discussion of options. Suitability may depend on:
Not every patient with knee arthritis is a candidate for surgical treatment. When surgery is appropriate, both robotic-assisted and conventional knee replacement are established options, and neither is universally preferred over the other. The decision is individualised.
Conventional knee replacement remains an established and well-studied approach. It may be considered in a wide range of clinical situations. Whether conventional or robotic-assisted knee replacement is more appropriate for a specific patient is discussed during consultation.
Not every hospital in Bangalore offers robotic knee replacement. And of those that do, not every setup is equal. Manipal Hospitals Kanakapura Road offers:
Initial OPD visit: X-rays, examination, discussion of options. If robotic replacement is agreed, we schedule the CT scan, blood investigations, cardiac clearance, and anaesthesia evaluation. Total 2-3 visits.
Your CT scan is used to build the 3D digital model of your knee. Dr. Vijay reviews it and finalises the surgical plan — exact implant size, position, and alignment. You can see this plan during your final pre-op consultation if you want.
Admission in the morning at Manipal Kanakapura Road. Surgery takes 60-90 minutes per knee. Same-day mobilisation — you take your first steps that evening or the next morning.
Daily physiotherapy sessions. Discharge criteria: walking independently to the bathroom with a walker, managing 2-3 stairs with support, pain controlled with oral medication.
Home physiotherapy 3-4 times weekly. Walker for the first 2-3 weeks. Follow-up at 2 weeks (stitch removal) and 6 weeks (X-ray review).
Recovery after knee replacement varies between patients. Many patients begin walking with assistance soon after surgery, followed by progressive physiotherapy and strengthening. The timeline for independent walking, returning to driving, work, exercise and other activities depends on the individual's health, surgical findings, rehabilitation and surgeon's advice. Approximate ranges specific to your case will be discussed with you during your pre-operative visits.
Approximate all-inclusive pricing at Manipal Hospitals Kanakapura Road:
| Procedure | Approximate range (₹) |
|---|---|
| Robotic total knee replacement — single side | 3.2 – 4.6 lakh |
| Robotic total knee replacement — both sides simultaneous | 5.5 – 7.5 lakh |
| Robotic partial (unicondylar) knee replacement | 2.6 – 3.4 lakh |
| Traditional total knee replacement — single side (for comparison) | 2.5 – 3.8 lakh |
Pricing shown is indicative and may change. Final cost depends on implant selection, room category, hospital package and individual medical requirements. Please confirm current pricing with Manipal Hospitals.
Insurance coverage and cashless eligibility depend on the patient's individual policy, insurer, hospital package and preauthorization requirements. Our team can help patients understand the applicable process. See our pricing and insurance guide →
Bring your recent X-rays or MRI. We’ll examine your knee, review your imaging, and give you a clear recommendation — robotic, traditional, or non-surgical.