What Is Robotic Surgery in Orthopaedics?
Robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery represents one of the most significant advancements in musculoskeletal care over the past decade. Unlike what many patients imagine, the robot does not operate independently — instead, it serves as an incredibly precise tool guided by the surgeon's expertise, combining human judgement with machine-level accuracy.
In a robotic joint replacement procedure with the J&J VELYS platform — used by Dr. Hardik Shah at DHS Hospital — advanced real-time digital mapping creates a detailed virtual model of the patient's unique anatomy directly inside the operating theatre, with no pre-operative scan required. The surgeon uses this live model to determine the optimal implant size, position, and alignment down to sub-millimetre precision. A robotic arm then assists the surgeon in executing the plan with extraordinary accuracy, adapting continuously as the procedure progresses.
Key Takeaway
Robotic surgery doesn't replace the surgeon — it enhances their capabilities. The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure, while the robotic system provides real-time feedback and precision guidance.
How Does Robotic Joint Replacement Work?
The process of a robotic-assisted joint replacement typically follows three stages:
1. Pre-Operative Planning
With many older robotic systems, this stage required a pre-operative CT scan to generate a 3D model of the patient's joint — adding radiation exposure and a separate appointment before the patient even entered the operating theatre. Dr. Hardik Shah's use of the J&J VELYS platform changes this entirely.
The VELYS system employs an imageless workflow, meaning no pre-operative CT scan is needed at all. Instead of relying on a scan taken days or weeks before surgery, VELYS performs real-time digital mapping of the patient's anatomy during the procedure itself. Sophisticated intra-operative sensors capture the precise geometry of the knee — bone contours, alignment, and joint mechanics — in the moments that matter most.
The advantages for patients are meaningful:
- Zero radiation exposure from pre-operative imaging — a particular benefit for patients with concerns about cumulative scan exposure
- No extra appointments — the imaging step is eliminated from the patient's pre-surgical journey entirely
- Live, dynamic data — real-time mapping reflects the patient's anatomy as it actually is during surgery, rather than from a scan taken under different conditions on a different day
- Faster path to the operating table — without the scheduling delay of a CT scan and its processing time, the overall timeline from decision to surgery is shortened
This imageless approach represents a genuine leap forward in convenience and safety, and it is one of the key reasons Dr. Hardik Shah chose the VELYS platform for his practice at DHS Hospital, Ahmedabad.
2. Intra-Operative Guidance
During the actual procedure, the robotic system tracks the patient's anatomy in real time using optical sensors. As the surgeon operates, the robotic arm provides haptic feedback — a physical resistance that prevents the cutting tool from deviating beyond the pre-planned boundaries. Think of it as invisible guardrails that keep every bone cut precisely on track.
3. Real-Time Verification
Throughout the surgery, the system continuously verifies that the actual bone cuts and implant positioning match the pre-operative plan. If any deviation is detected, the surgeon is immediately alerted. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the final result matches what was planned with remarkable fidelity.
Benefits of Robotic Orthopaedic Surgery
The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery extend across the entire patient journey — from the operating room to long-term outcomes:
- Superior implant alignment — Studies show robotic systems achieve optimal implant positioning in over 95% of cases, compared to approximately 80% with conventional techniques.
- Less tissue damage — The precision of robotic guidance means less disruption to surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in less post-operative pain.
- Faster recovery — Many patients begin walking within hours of surgery and return to daily activities significantly sooner than with traditional approaches.
- Shorter hospital stay — Most robotic knee replacement patients are discharged within 1–2 days, compared to 3–5 days historically.
- Greater implant longevity — Precise alignment reduces uneven wear patterns, which is expected to extend the lifespan of artificial joints by several years.
- Improved joint feel — Patients frequently report that their robotic-assisted replacement feels more "natural" than traditionally placed implants.
Robotic vs. Traditional Joint Replacement
| Factor | Traditional Surgery | Robotic-Assisted |
|---|---|---|
| Implant alignment accuracy | ~80% | >95% |
| Bone cut precision | ±2–3 mm | ±0.5 mm |
| Soft tissue preservation | Moderate | High |
| Average hospital stay | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| Return to daily activities | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
| Patient satisfaction | ~85% | >95% |
Who Is a Candidate for Robotic Surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery is suitable for a wide range of patients requiring joint replacement. You may be an ideal candidate if you have:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee or hip that hasn't responded to conservative treatment
- Rheumatoid arthritis causing significant joint damage
- Post-traumatic arthritis following a previous injury
- Avascular necrosis where the bone has lost its blood supply
- A previous joint replacement that needs revision surgery
Robotic surgery is particularly beneficial for younger, active patients who demand greater precision and longevity from their implants, as well as for patients with complex anatomy or significant deformities where accurate alignment is more challenging.
"In my experience performing over 15,000 joint replacement surgeries, the introduction of robotic assistance has been the single most impactful advancement in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction." — Dr. Hardik Shah
What to Expect: The Patient Journey
Before Surgery
With Dr. Hardik Shah's VELYS imageless platform, there is no pre-operative CT scan required — which means you skip the scan appointment entirely and move straight from your consultation to surgery day. There is zero extra radiation exposure, and zero extra trips to the hospital before your procedure.
All anatomical mapping happens live in the operating room on the day of surgery itself. Sophisticated intra-operative sensors capture the precise geometry of your knee in real time — bone contours, alignment, and joint mechanics — at the moment they are needed most. Your pre-surgical preparation focuses entirely on a consultation with Dr. Hardik Shah, covering the planned approach, expected outcomes, implant selection, and any questions you may have. It is a simpler, faster, and safer path to the operating table.
Day of Surgery
The procedure itself typically takes 60–90 minutes — similar to a conventional joint replacement. You'll be under regional or general anaesthesia. Most patients report significantly less pain upon waking compared to traditional surgery.
Recovery
Physiotherapy begins on the same day or the morning after surgery. Most patients walk with support within hours of the procedure. Hospital discharge typically occurs within 1–2 days. A structured rehabilitation programme over the following weeks helps you regain full strength and range of motion.
Recovery Timeline
Day 1: Walking with support. Week 2: Light daily activities. Week 4: Driving and independent mobility. Week 8–12: Return to sports and full activity.
The Technology Behind the Precision
Modern robotic orthopaedic systems — such as the Mako, ROSA, and CORI platforms — incorporate several layers of technology:
- Imageless intra-operative mapping — with VELYS, anatomy is captured live in the OR using optical sensors, entirely replacing the pre-operative CT scan step used by older robotic platforms
- Optical tracking systems that monitor joint position in real time
- Haptic boundary control that physically restricts the saw or burr to the planned area
- Dynamic ligament balancing that measures soft tissue tension during surgery
- Predictive analytics that help surgeons visualise the post-operative range of motion before closing
This combination of technologies creates a surgical environment where the margin for error is reduced to near zero, while the surgeon's clinical expertise remains the driving force behind every decision.
Why Choose DHS Multispecialty Hospital for Robotic Surgery?
At DHS Multispecialty Hospital, Dr. Hardik Shah brings together over a decade of surgical experience with advanced robotic technology and international training from Germany. Our approach centres on:
- Personalised surgical planning — Every procedure is mapped to your unique anatomy
- Proven expertise — Over 15,000 successful joint replacements performed
- Comprehensive care — From initial consultation through rehabilitation, your entire journey is managed by our team
- Transparent communication — We believe informed patients are confident patients
If you're living with joint pain that limits your daily life, robotic-assisted surgery may be the path to lasting relief. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss whether this approach is right for you.
