With over 10,000 orthopedic procedures performed at Narayana Health City, specialists highlight how robotic systems are shaping modern joint and spine care.
Narayana Health City has crossed a significant milestone in orthopaedic care, completing over 10,000 orthopaedic surgeries in the past three years, including more than 1,000 robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures. The milestone reflects the hospital’s growing experience in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from degenerative joint disorders to complex spine and reconstructive surgeries.
Indicatively, a larger shift is being observed in the way orthopaedic procedures are being planned and performed today. Increasingly, surgeons are using a combination of advanced imaging, digital planning tools and robotic-assisted systems to enhance precision during surgery and improve functional outcomes for patients. A gradual transformation in orthopaedic surgery is underway as hospitals begin integrating robotic systems and advanced digital planning technologies into procedures such as joint replacement and complex spine reconstruction. These tools allow surgeons to map procedures in advance, study joint alignment in detail and execute surgeries with greater accuracy in the operating room, particularly in cases where even small variations in implant placement can influence long-term outcomes.
In this evolving landscape, doctors at Narayana Health say the impact of these technologies is increasingly visible in day-to-day clinical practice, particularly in complex orthopaedic cases that require careful planning and surgical precision.
Speaking at a press conference in Madikeri Dr. Abhinandan S Punit, Senior Consultant and Clinical Lead – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, explained that robotic systems allow surgeons to tailor procedures more closely to a patient’s anatomy. “In joint replacement surgery, even small variations in implant alignment can affect how a joint function and how long the implant lasts. Robotic-assisted systems allow us to analyse the patient’s joint anatomy in detail and plan the procedure with a high level of accuracy before entering the operating room. During surgery, the platform provides real-time guidance that helps us execute bone cuts and implant positioning with greater precision. This level of planning and control helps achieve better joint balance and stability, which ultimately supports smoother recovery and improved long-term outcomes for patients”.
This approach is becoming increasingly relevant as orthopaedic surgeons encounter more complex cases linked to ageing populations, lifestyle-related joint degeneration and delayed treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. In one such instance, a 69-year-old patient suffering from advanced knee osteoarthritis approached the hospital after persistent pain and restricted movement had significantly reduced his mobility. Detailed imaging revealed severe joint degeneration, and the surgical team opted for a robotic-assisted total knee replacement. The technology enabled surgeons to plan the procedure in advance and customise bone preparation and implant alignment according to the patient’s anatomy. The patient was mobilised soon after surgery, demonstrating how precise surgical planning can support faster rehabilitation and improved joint function. Robotic guidance and advanced planning systems are also finding increasing application in complex spine procedures, where implant placement must be extremely accurate.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Vinu Raj, Consultant – Spine Surgery, informed that the technologies such as navigation systems and precision instrumentation play a critical role when operating close to the spinal cord and major nerves. “Spine surgery demands an extremely high level of accuracy because we are operating close to the spinal cord and critical nerve structures. Even small deviations in screw placement can lead to complications. Advanced navigation and guidance systems allow us to visualise the patient’s anatomy in real time and place implants with much greater precision. While technology improves accuracy and safety, surgical experience and judgement remain central to every step of the procedure”.
One such case involved a 64-year-old woman who had been struggling with severe lower back pain and limited mobility for several months. Investigations revealed lumbar spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips over another, leading to nerve compression and significant pain. The surgical team performed a lumbar fusion procedure, stabilising the spine using specialised instrumentation after decompressing the affected nerve roots. With structured physiotherapy and post-operative care, the patient gradually regained mobility and experienced substantial relief from pain.
The hospital has also managed several medically complex orthopaedic cases requiring careful coordination between surgical, anaesthesia and rehabilitation teams. In one such instance, a 71-year-old patient with multiple underlying medical conditions, including a history of cardiac surgery and ongoing medical treatment, presented with a severe shoulder fracture following a seizure episode. Considering the complexity of the fracture and the patient’s medical profile, surgeons performed a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, a specialised joint replacement procedure often used for complex fractures in elderly patients.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. K S Kushalappa, Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, said that the advances in implant design and surgical planning tools have significantly expanded the possibilities for treating such injuries. “Many orthopaedic patients today present with complex fractures or multiple medical conditions, particularly in older age groups. Advances in implant technology, imaging and surgical techniques now allow us to reconstruct joints and restore stability even in cases that were once extremely difficult to treat. Procedures such as reverse shoulder arthroplasty help us restore function and mobility in patients with severe shoulder injuries, allowing them to regain independence in their daily activities”.
Robotic assistance and advanced surgical planning tools are not limited to joint replacement alone. They are increasingly being used in revision surgeries, spinal deformity correction, and reconstructive orthopaedic procedures, where precision and long-term implant stability are critical. At the same time, specialists emphasise that technology must be viewed as part of a larger ecosystem that includes clinical expertise, rehabilitation support and early diagnosis.
As musculoskeletal disorders continue to rise globally driven by ageing populations, sedentary lifestyles and sports injuries orthopaedic care is expected to rely increasingly on technology-supported surgical planning and minimally invasive approaches that aim to improve accuracy while helping patients recover mobility sooner. With more than 10,000 orthopaedic procedures completed at Narayana Health City in recent years, clinicians say the growing use of robotics and advanced surgical tools reflects a broader transformation in how orthopaedic care is evolving in India.
For more information, visit https://www.narayanahealth.org
