Bengaluru’s Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road pioneers a new era in Knee replacement surgery with the introduction of the VELYS Robotic Technology. Dr Narayan Hulse, Principal Director of Orthopaedics, Fortis Hospital, pioneers this surgery highlighting the success of the surgery.
Published May 08, 2025 | 6:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 08, 2025 | 6:00 AM
Fortis Bannerghatta showcases success of VELYS Robotics-assisted knee replacement in press conference. (Supplied)
Synopsis: A 63-year-old Yemeni woman found relief from chronic knee pain through robot-assisted knee replacement at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru. Using VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, the surgery offers high precision, faster recovery, and reduced pain. Dr Hulse highlights its success across age groups, with over 2,000 procedures done. This advanced technique ensures improved outcomes and quicker mobility.
63-year-old Yemini patient Zamzam, had been living with excruciating knee pain for five years.
What began as mild discomfort gradually turned into a constant struggle making even basic daily activities like standing or walking nearly impossible, thus confining her mobility. In addition to her knee pain, she also experienced minor lower back issues with radiating pain down her left leg.
Although managed with medication, this further limited her mobility and impacted her quality of life. Despite consulting several hospitals in her home country, she found no long-term relief.
Desperate for a medical solution, Zamzam travelled to India and sought consultation at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road. After a thorough evaluation, Dr Narayan Hulse, Principal Director of Orthopaedics, diagnosed her with advanced bilateral knee osteoarthritis. He recommended robot-aided bilateral total knee replacement surgery.
The results were life-changing as she was able to stand and walk with support soon after surgery, taking her first steps toward a pain-free life.
Joint replacement, traditionally done by hand, has now received a technological upgrade. The robotic joint replacement surgery uses artificial intelligence and robotic arms to assist the surgeon during the procedure.
Unlike the conventional approach that relies heavily on human judgment for bone cuts and implant placements, this method uses real-time mapping and pre-surgical planning to ensure unparalleled accuracy.
“Think of it as the Google Maps of surgery,” Dr Hulse explains, “It helps us navigate inside the body with precise directions, reducing guesswork and increasing confidence.”
In this particular surgery, the medical team has used VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution— a type of robotic technology used by the orthopaedics to perform the knee replacement surgery.
The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, brings a high level of precision to the surgical process. Using real-time data and advanced mapping technology, the system assists surgeons in planning and executing the procedure with remarkable accuracy.
The robot also helps ensure optimal alignment and placement of the implant, minimising the risk of errors and inconsistencies.
It is also designed for minimally invasive surgery, which typically results in less tissue damage, reduced pain, and faster post-operative recovery.
Ramaswamy Shetty, a mechanical engineer by profession, shared his experience with robotic- assisted knee replacement surgery after being diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
“I was initially terrified at the thought of undergoing knee replacement surgery,” he recalled. “But to my surprise, I experienced no pain during the procedure. In fact, I had both my knees replaced using robotic-assisted technology.”
Comparing his recovery to that of his siblings, Ramaswamy added, “Both of my sisters had conventional knee replacement surgeries in Chennai, and it was a painful journey for them. They struggled during physiotherapy and often cried from the discomfort. They were shocked to see me walking comfortably and without pain so soon after my surgery.”
Commenting on the success of robot-assisted knee surgeries, Dr Narayan Hulse said, “Since the introduction of the VELYS robot-assisted technology for joint and knee replacements at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, we have successfully completed over 150 surgeries in just four months, and over 2,000 using other robotic systems. The outcomes have been very encouraging, with patients experiencing less pain, quicker recovery, and significantly improved accuracy in implant placement,”
He further added, “We have also performed over 100 robotic total hip replacements and 100 robotic partial knee replacements — the highest in the state. This cutting-edge medical technology allows us to plan and execute surgeries with enhanced precision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients,”
The cost of the robotic- assisted knee replacement surgery is comparable to other major operations, typically ranging between ₹3 to ₹4 lakhs.
However, with the support of health insurance and government schemes, much of this expense can be covered. “If people understand the importance of insurance and increase awareness, it can benefit many,” says Dr Hulse.
Here is where the robotic edge truly shines, with patients walking within 24 hours. Recovery timelines are shorter, pain is more manageable, and the hospital stays are reduced. The technology minimises damage to surrounding tissues and improves alignment, which enhances the healing process.
“Complete healing takes place within 6 to 7 weeks; however, one can resume walking since the second day itself, and resume daily chores with ease, without, feeling pain,” says Dr Hulse.
Surprisingly, robotic joint replacement is not limited to the elderly. While arthritis and joint degeneration are more common in older adults, younger patients with injury-related joint damage are also opting for this advanced method.
“Age is not the only factor, quality of life is,” says Dr Hulse, adding, “If pain is affecting your daily activities and the joints are damaged, you are a candidate.”
People between the ages of 60 and 70 often suffer from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which can lead to severe pain and increased bone fragility. Dr Hulse recommends that individuals in this age group strongly consider undergoing joint replacement surgery.
Meanwhile, active individuals in their 40s and 50s are also opting for joint replacements earlier, encouraged by faster recovery times and longer-lasting implants.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
