Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 15: Yenepoya Specialty Hospital has become the first medical institution in South Asia to adopt the SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System for knee replacement surgery. The advanced technology, developed by US-based MicroPort Orthopedics Inc, was formally launched at a ceremony held at Taj Vivanta, Mangaluru, on Sunday. It was unveiled by international tennis player Rohan Bopanna, in the presence of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr P Suryanarayanan (SIMS Hospital, Chennai) and Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor of Yenepoya Deemed to be University.

The SkyWalker™ system is the world’s only robotic platform designed exclusively to work with the Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee System. Together, they offer submillimetre precision in knee joint alignment tailored to a patient’s unique anatomy, promising greater stability, faster recovery, long-term durability and a more natural knee function.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr Muhammad Thahir, medical director of Yenepoya Specialty Hospital, recalled the hospital’s pioneering role in joint replacement surgery since 2010. “We were the first to introduce orthopedic robotic surgery in 2023, and have since performed over 470 robotic knee replacements,” he said.

Dr Deepak Rai, chief orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon, outlined the hospital’s journey and explained how the new robotic system would enhance patient outcomes and overall surgical experience.

Speaking at the launch, chief guest Rohan Bopanna congratulated Yenepoya Hospital for being at the forefront of medical technology. Sharing a personal note, he said, “My father underwent knee replacement surgery here, and I can vouch for the transformational change and relief he experienced. I deeply appreciate the expertise and care provided by Dr Deepak Rai and his team.”

Dr Mukesh Parmar, senior director and general manager, South Asia, MicroPort Orthopedics, said the company is committed to advancing medical innovation. “The SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System will be especially beneficial to the 20–30 percent of patients who continue to face discomfort even after conventional knee replacement surgery,” he noted.

Guest of honour Dr P Suryanarayanan commended Yenepoya Hospital for embracing cutting-edge medical technology. “Every patient’s complaint is unique, and customizing treatment has always been a challenge. With AI and robotics, we are now bridging this gap, and Yenepoya is leading the way,” he said.

In his presidential address, Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor, Yenepoya Deemed to be University, expressed gratitude to all contributors to this milestone achievement.

The event was attended by Dr M. ijayakumar, vice-chancellor, and Mohammed Farhaad Yenepoya, pro-chancellor of Yenepoya Deemed to be University; Yenepoya Abdulla Javeed, director–operations, Yenepoya Specialty Hospital; and eminent members of the orthopedic fraternity, including Dr M Shantharam Shetty, pro-chancellor of Nitte Deemed to be University.

The programme began with an invocation by Riyaz, with Velita Lobo compering the proceedings.

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