On the 30th of June 2017, Dr. Ashok Rajgopal became north India’s first orthopaedic surgeon to perform a robotic joint replacement surgery on a 61 years old lady from Sealdah, Kolkata. A pioneer of sorts in joint replacement surgery, this is yet another addition to his long list of achievements. Robotic joint replacement surgery could very well replace conventional joint replacement surgery owing to the obvious benefits of less pain, shorter hospitalization and faster return to normal as compared to the old conventional technique of joint replacement surgery. The robot assisted system eliminates chances of human error leading to a perfect alignment of the joint and thus also ensures longevity of the replaced joint.

As an Orthopaedic surgery unit we are one of the most academically inclined and innovation oriented unit. Dr Rajgopal is an extremely prolific surgeon and a coveted member of several bodies of knee surgeons who have dedicated their careers to advancing the techniques of knee surgery. Trabecular Metal implants are the latest cementless implants which are being used routinely by Dr Rajgopal. TM,as it is populary referred to,possesses a high strength to weight ratio with mechanical properties capable of withstanding physiological loading.Its compressive strength and elastic modulus are more similar to bone than other prosthetic load bearing materials. Dr Rajgopal also became the first Orthopaedic surgeon in India to perform virtual total knee replacement surgery using Patient Specific Instruments. Correct alignment is of prime importance in ensuring the longevity and correct functioning of the knee joint. This first of its kind surgery in India combines advancements in instrument technology with proven orthopaedic alignment principles in order to give the best fit possible. This is done by doing an MRI scan of the affected knee joint which enables us to view the joint in its purest anatomical form to develop a customised surgical plan and size for each individual. Predetermined implant sizing eliminates multiple instruments and trials without compromising the surgeons decision making surgical technique and intraoperative flexibility. Dr. Rajgopal is the member of an elite body of international knee surgeons involved in designing new knee implants, the latest being the “PERSONA” knee system. The PERSONA KNEE SYSTEM was launched in September 2013 in India and has virtually revolutionized the concept of knee replacement surgery by creating an almost personalized knee replacement system.