Yenepoya Specialty Hospital has made history by becoming the first medical institution in South Asia to introduce the SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System for knee replacement surgery, launched on September 10, 2025, in collaboration with U.S.-based MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. This groundbreaking milestone cements Yenepoya’s reputation as a leader in adopting cutting-edge medical technologies, promising transformative outcomes for patients across the region.
The SkyWalker™ system, uniquely designed to integrate with the Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee System, offers unparalleled precision in knee joint alignment, achieving sub-millimeter accuracy tailored to each patient’s anatomy. This technology ensures enhanced stability, faster recovery, and a natural-feeling knee, enabling patients to perform daily activities like long walks, stair climbing, and deep flexion with ease. Dr. Muhammad Thahir, Medical Director of Yenepoya Specialty Hospital, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to innovation: “The launch of SkyWalker™ marks a new era of clinical excellence, bringing world-class orthopedic care to India and South Asia.”
Dr. Deepak Rai, Chief Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, performed India’s first SkyWalker™-assisted procedures, noting remarkable early results. “The system provides real-time data for precise joint reconstruction and ligament balancing, while the Evolution® implant mimics natural knee motion. Patients are already experiencing smoother recoveries and improved mobility,” he said. The technology’s precision reduces revision rates and accelerates rehabilitation, aligning with global trends where over 40% of knee replacements in the U.S. are now robotic-assisted.
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Dr. Mukesh Parmar, Senior Director and General Manager for South Asia at MicroPort Orthopedics, highlighted the synergy between the SkyWalker™ system and the Evolution® knee implant. “With a 95% patient satisfaction rate and 98.8% survivorship at 17 years, the Evolution® implant, paired with SkyWalker™, sets a new standard for personalized outcomes,” he stated. This combination empowers surgeons to deliver consistent, high-quality results, positioning Yenepoya as a trailblazer in orthopedic care.
The launch comes as robotic orthopedic systems gain traction globally, driven by their ability to enhance surgical accuracy and patient satisfaction. Yenepoya’s adoption of SkyWalker™ is expected to make advanced knee replacement surgery more accessible in South Asia, reducing recovery times and improving long-term functionality. The hospital, part of the renowned Yenepoya Group, continues to prioritize patient-centric care and technological innovation, offering comprehensive services across medical specialties.
MicroPort Orthopedics, the U.S.-based partner behind SkyWalker™, is dedicated to redefining hip and knee replacements through innovation. With a focus on enabling patients to achieve “Full Function, Faster,” the company collaborates with surgeons worldwide to deliver superior outcomes. The SkyWalker™ system’s advanced features, including lightweight robotic arms and real-time decision support, make it a game-changer in orthopedic surgery.
As Yenepoya Specialty Hospital rolls out this pioneering technology, it sets a new benchmark for healthcare in South Asia. Patients can now access world-class knee replacement procedures locally, benefiting from faster recoveries and enhanced quality of life. The launch not only elevates Mangaluru’s status as a hub for medical innovation but also signals a broader shift toward robotic-assisted surgeries in the region, promising a brighter future for orthopedic care.
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