Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Omer Sheriff, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Fellowship in Joint Replacement
Years of Experience: 24+ Years
Last Reviewed: October 2026
Knee pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing for long periods and getting up from a chair difficult. Osteoarthritis, previous injuries and other joint conditions can gradually affect knee movement and function. When symptoms become persistent, an orthopaedic assessment can help identify the cause and determine suitable treatment options.
For people researching a robotic Knee Surgeon in Chennai, it is important to understand how robotic-assisted knee replacement works, when surgery may be considered, and how it differs from conventional surgical techniques. Robotic assistance is one approach to performing selected knee replacement procedures; it is not necessary or suitable for every patient.
What is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which an orthopaedic surgeon uses a specialised robotic system to assist with planning and selected steps of knee replacement surgery. The surgeon remains responsible for assessing the patient, making surgical decisions and performing the procedure.
Depending on the system, the process may involve digital planning, assessment of knee anatomy and alignment, and guidance during selected surgical steps. The technology and workflow vary between systems and hospitals.
Robotic assistance does not mean that a robot independently performs the operation. The surgeon directs the procedure and makes decisions based on the patient’s anatomy and clinical findings.
When May Knee Replacement Be Considered?
Knee replacement may be considered for selected patients whose knee joint is significantly damaged and whose symptoms continue to affect daily activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Common reasons for assessment include:
- Persistent knee pain that interferes with walking or routine activities.
- Osteoarthritis with substantial joint damage.
- Stiffness or reduced knee movement.
- Difficulty standing, climbing stairs or bearing weight.
- Limited improvement after suitable medication, physiotherapy or activity modification.
These symptoms do not automatically mean that surgery is required. An orthopaedic surgeon considers the clinical examination, imaging findings, general health, functional limitations and previous treatments before discussing an operation.
How Does Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Work?
The process depends on the robotic system, the type of knee replacement and the hospital’s surgical protocol. It commonly involves the following stages.
1. Preoperative assessment
The surgeon reviews symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings and knee X-rays. Other investigations may be recommended when clinically indicated. This assessment helps determine whether knee replacement is appropriate and whether robotic assistance is a suitable option.
2. Surgical planning
Depending on the system used, digital planning tools may help the surgical team assess knee anatomy, alignment and the intended implant position. The plan is reviewed by the surgeon and may be adjusted according to the findings during surgery.
3. Surgeon-guided procedure
During the operation, the robotic system may provide guidance or feedback for selected surgical steps. The surgeon controls the procedure and uses clinical judgement throughout. The exact role of the system varies according to the technology being used.
4. Postoperative care
After surgery, the team monitors the patient’s condition and provides instructions for pain management, wound care, mobility and rehabilitation. The recovery plan depends on the operation, the patient’s health and progress after surgery.
Robotic-Assisted and Conventional Knee Replacement
Both robotic-assisted and conventional knee replacement aim to address damaged knee joint surfaces and improve joint function in appropriately selected patients. The main difference is the method used to plan and guide certain parts of the procedure.
Robotic-assisted systems may provide additional planning tools and intraoperative guidance. Conventional knee replacement uses established surgical techniques and instruments without the same robotic assistance.
The suitability of either approach depends on the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s assessment, the available technology and the hospital’s facilities. Robotic assistance should not be described as automatically more effective, safer or appropriate for everyone. Patients should discuss the expected benefits, limitations, costs and alternatives before making a decision.
Potential Benefits and Limitations
Depending on the system and the patient’s circumstances, robotic assistance may help the surgeon plan aspects of the procedure and guide selected surgical steps. It may also provide information about alignment or the positioning of surgical instruments during the operation.
However, the technology has limitations:
- It does not eliminate the risks associated with surgery.
- It does not guarantee a particular level of pain relief or mobility.
- It does not remove the need for the surgeon’s clinical judgement.
- It may not be suitable for every patient or every type of knee procedure.
- Availability and additional costs vary between hospitals and treatment plans.
Patients should ask the surgeon what role the robotic system would play in their specific procedure and whether conventional surgery is also a reasonable option.
What are the Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement carries risks associated with knee replacement surgery generally. These may include:
- Infection or delayed wound healing.
- Bleeding or anaesthesia-related complications.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs.
- Persistent pain, swelling or stiffness.
- Injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
- Limited movement or difficulty with rehabilitation.
- Implant wear, loosening or other implant-related problems.
- The possible need for further surgery.
The individual risk depends on the patient’s health, the condition of the knee, the procedure and other factors. The surgeon and anaesthesia team should explain the relevant risks and precautions before surgery.
Recovery After Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Recovery varies from person to person. It is influenced by general health, the severity of the knee condition, the surgical procedure and progress with rehabilitation. Robotic assistance alone cannot determine how quickly an individual will recover.
The postoperative care plan may include:
- Pain management and wound care.
- Supervised movement and walking when medically appropriate.
- Physiotherapy and prescribed exercises.
- Guidance on using a walking aid, if required.
- Gradual progression of daily activities.
- Follow-up appointments to assess healing and knee function.
Follow the treating team’s instructions about weight-bearing, exercise and returning to work or other activities. Report increasing pain, unusual swelling, wound discharge or fever to the healthcare team. Sudden chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency medical attention.
How is a Patient Assessed for Robotic Knee Replacement?
Not every patient with knee arthritis needs a replacement, and not every person undergoing knee replacement requires robotic assistance.
The assessment may include a review of symptoms, physical examination, knee X-rays and the patient’s medical history. The surgeon may also consider other conditions, previous operations, current medicines, mobility and the patient’s expectations.
Before choosing surgery, ask about the diagnosis, available non-surgical treatments, the expected benefits and limitations of the proposed procedure, possible complications, rehabilitation and total treatment costs. A shared decision based on clinical findings can help patients understand their options.
About Dr. Omer Sheriff – Robotic Knee Surgeon in Chennai
Dr. Omer Sheriff is an orthopaedic surgeon in Chennai whose clinical practice includes knee and hip conditions, joint replacement and other orthopaedic problems. His professional website lists his orthopaedic qualifications and clinical interests.
Patients considering robotic-assisted knee replacement should undergo an individual assessment to determine whether knee replacement is appropriate and whether robotic assistance is suitable for their condition. The decision depends on the extent of joint damage, symptoms, medical history, examination findings and available treatment options.
Consultation Locations in Chennai
Dr. Omer Sheriff consults at different hospitals in Chennai and does not operate a separate clinic or hospital under his own name. Patients should confirm his current visiting schedule and appointment availability with the respective hospital before visiting.
Patients searching for a robotic surgeon in Kolathur can enquire about consultation availability with Dr. Omer Sheriff at Meridian Hospital, 46D, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, 200 Feet Ring Road, Kolathur, Chennai – 600099.
During a consultation, patients can discuss persistent knee pain, restricted movement, previous treatments and investigation findings. If knee replacement is being considered, the doctor can assess the condition and explain whether conventional or robotic-assisted surgery may be an appropriate option. The suitability of either approach depends on individual clinical findings.
People looking for a robotic surgeon in T. Nagar can check consultation availability with Dr. Omer Sheriff at Dr. Humayun Speciality Hospital, 10 (53), Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Salai, S. Boag Road, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600017.
Patients experiencing knee pain or mobility difficulties can discuss their symptoms, diagnosis and available treatment options during an orthopaedic consultation. Robotic-assisted knee replacement may be considered for selected patients when surgery is clinically indicated. The expected benefits, limitations, risks and rehabilitation requirements should be discussed before making a treatment decision.
The choice of treatment should be based on a clinical assessment rather than the availability of a particular technology. Patients should confirm that the proposed procedure is available at the relevant hospital and that Dr. Omer Sheriff is currently consulting there before making an appointment.
