Robotic Knee Replacement | Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai

Precision and Excellence: VELYS Robotic Knee Replacement at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai

28 March 2026

Prepared and Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Mathew Abraham, HOD, Department of Orthopaedics, Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai Last updated: 10 July 2026

Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai now performs robotic knee replacement surgery using the VELYS Robotic Assisted Solution by DePuy Synthes, the orthopaedic company of Johnson & Johnson. The system tailors every procedure to the patient's own knee anatomy, bringing a new level of precision to joint replacement in Central Kerala.

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The new robotic facility was formally blessed by His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of the Eparchy of Palai. The addition of VELYS strengthens the hospital's orthopaedic capabilities and brings advanced, technology driven joint replacement closer to patients across the region.

The VELYS Advantage

The core advantage of VELYS is its ability to tailor every surgery to the unique anatomy of each patient, using real time clinical data and optical tracking rather than pre set templates.

Using infrared cameras and optical trackers, the system delivers highly accurate bone resection and optimal implant positioning. VELYS works exclusively with the ATTUNE Knee System, one of the most advanced and widely trusted knee implant platforms in the world.

Personalised PrecisionSurgery customised to your specific joint anatomy using real time intra operative data, not pre set templates.

Enhanced SafetyMinimal blood loss, accurate implant positioning and reduced soft tissue trauma through sub millimetre optical tracking.

Comfortable HealingSignificantly reduced post operative pain owing to precision bone resection and ligament balanced implant placement.

Rapid RehabilitationFaster recovery and a quicker return to daily life, with most patients beginning guided mobilisation within days of surgery.

How the System Works

The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure. The VELYS robot does not operate or move on its own; it functions as a precise digital assistant that enhances the surgeon's skill with data driven accuracy. The system is CT free and imageless, removing the need for pre operative CT scans and reducing radiation exposure, preparation time and cost. Advanced intra operative imaging and motion tracking provide live surgical insights personalised to each patient's knee anatomy.

A Legacy of Orthopaedic Excellence

The Department of Orthopaedics at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai has completed over 2,000 knee replacements, including a milestone of 11 robotic assisted knee replacements in a single day using two VELYS systems in parallel. The department is home to the first Arthroscopy Skill Lab in South India and pioneered the first Cartilage Bone Complex Transplantation in the region. Through the Chuvadu initiative, life changing joint replacement surgeries are extended to the underprivileged.

Comprehensive Orthopaedic and Trauma Services

The department offers a wide range of advanced treatments alongside 24/7 emergency trauma care for the most complex musculoskeletal conditions. These include robotic knee replacement, total joint replacements, complex revision surgeries, advanced sports medicine, ACL reconstruction, cartilage bone transplantation, PRP therapy, regenerative medicine, spinal surgery, paediatric orthopaedics, bone cancer treatment, and limb salvage surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VELYS Robotic Knee Replacement?

VELYS is an advanced robotic assisted solution by DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson) for total knee replacement surgery. It uses real time clinical data, infrared cameras and optical trackers to deliver highly accurate bone resection and optimal implant positioning, enabling surgery customised to each patient's unique joint anatomy.

How is VELYS different from traditional knee replacement?

Traditional knee replacement relies on manual measurements and surgeon judgement alone. VELYS adds real time intra operative data and optical tracking for personalised precision, and it is CT free and imageless, so no pre operative CT scan is needed. This means minimal blood loss, more accurate implant positioning, reduced post operative pain and faster rehabilitation.

Does the robot perform the surgery?

No. The surgeon remains in complete control throughout. VELYS functions as a precise digital assistant that enhances the surgeon's expertise with data driven accuracy. Every decision, every cut and every implant placement is controlled by the orthopaedic specialist; the robot does not operate or move on its own.

Who is a candidate for VELYS robotic knee replacement?

Patients with severe knee arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post traumatic knee damage who require total knee replacement may be candidates. The orthopaedic team evaluates each patient through clinical examination and imaging to determine the best treatment option.

How long is the recovery after VELYS robotic knee replacement?

Recovery is typically faster than conventional knee replacement because of reduced post operative pain and minimal soft tissue trauma. Most patients begin guided rehabilitation soon after surgery and progress to walking within days. Full functional recovery depends on individual factors and rehabilitation adherence.

Why choose Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai for robotic knee replacement?

Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai has completed over 2,000 successful knee replacements and achieved a milestone of 11 robotic assisted knee replacements in a single day. The hospital hosts the first Arthroscopy Skill Lab in South India, pioneered the first Cartilage Bone Complex Transplantation in the region, and extends life changing surgeries to the underprivileged through the Chuvadu initiative.

Consult our Orthopaedics team at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai

Call: 04822 359 900 / 354 900

Visit the Department of Orthopaedics

This page is for general information and awareness. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified orthopaedic specialist for diagnosis and treatment.