VMMC, Safdarjung Hospital perform robot-assisted total knee replacement

The landmark procedure was performed completely free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme on a 75-year-old economically disadvantaged man

The Central Institute of Orthopaedics (CIO), Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, have achieved a significant milestone in advanced orthopaedic care with the successful performance of its first Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement (TKR).

The introduction of robot-assisted orthopaedic surgery at CIO has been undertaken with the leadership, support and encouragement of Dr Kavita Sharma, Director, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital. The initiative further strengthens the hospital's capacity to provide advanced, technology-enabled orthopaedic care within the public healthcare system.

The procedure was performed under the clinical guidance of Prof. Dr Sumit Sural, Director, CIO, with the dedicated surgical team led by Dr Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, Consultant Professor & Head of Unit.

 

The landmark procedure was performed completely free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme on a 75-year-old economically disadvantaged male beneficiary at this Central Government hospital.

The achievement demonstrates the institution's commitment to making advanced surgical technology accessible to patients from economically weaker sections and strengthening the delivery of sophisticated, technology-enabled healthcare in the public sector.

The procedure was successfully performed by the orthopaedic team led by Dr Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, Consultant Professor & Head of Unit, along with Dr Dhruve Maini and Dr Kartik Yadav.

The anaesthesia team was led by Dr Sushil Guria with essential support from operating theatre nursing staff Sister Rekha and Ritika, and technical staff led by Vijender.

A significant feature of the newly introduced robotic system is its upgradable platform, which provides scope for expanding the range of robot-assisted orthopaedic procedures at CIO.

The platform can support total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and hip joint replacement.

With future technological and software upgrades, the same platform may also support robot-assisted spine surgery, further expanding the range of advanced surgical services available to patients.

Robot-assisted surgery enables precise pre-operative planning and accurate surgical execution, particularly in implant positioning and alignment. The availability of this technology at CIO will help expand access to advanced orthopaedic procedures for future patients.

Importantly, its availability within a Central Government hospital under the Ayushman Bharat framework can help make advanced robotic orthopaedic care accessible to patients from economically weaker sections, further strengthening equitable healthcare delivery.

The successful completion of the first robot-assisted TKR marks an important step in advancing technology-enabled orthopaedic services at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and lays the foundation for expanding robotic-assisted surgical care at the Central Institute of Orthopaedics.