Mangaluru: Yenepoya Multi-Specialty Hospital has achieved a major medical milestone by becoming the first hospital in South Asia to launch the SkyWalker™️ Orthopedic Robotic System for knee replacement surgery. Introduced in collaboration with MicroPort Orthopedics Inc., USA, the state-of-the-art platform promises unmatched precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery for patients undergoing joint replacement procedures.
A first for South Asia
The launch marks a landmark moment for both Yenepoya Hospital and the Indian healthcare sector. The SkyWalker™️ is the only robotic platform in the world designed specifically to work with the Evolution®️ Medial-Pivot Knee System, which has demonstrated global success with 95% patient satisfaction and 98.8% survivorship at 17 years.
By integrating these two technologies, surgeons can now deliver sub-millimetre precision in knee alignment, tailoring each procedure to the unique anatomy and functional needs of patients. The result is a natural-feeling knee that enhances stability in daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and deep flexion movements — while reducing strain on the quadriceps.
Clinical excellence at Yenepoya
Dr. Muhammad Thahir, Medical Director of Yenepoya Multi-Specialty Hospital, said the launch was in line with the institution’s vision of innovation-driven care.
“Yenepoya has always been committed to integrating innovations that make a real difference for our patients. The launch of SkyWalker™️ is another milestone in our pursuit of clinical excellence, and we are proud to be the first to bring this technology to India and South Asia,” he said.
India’s first SkyWalker™️ procedures were performed by Dr. Deepak Rai, Chief Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Yenepoya. Sharing his experience, he noted:
“The SkyWalker™️ robotic system gives us real-time data for joint line reconstruction and ligament balancing, while the Evolution®️ Medial-Pivot design mimics the knee’s natural motion. In our initial cases, we are already seeing smoother recoveries, better range of motion, and excellent outcomes.”
Global perspective on robotic orthopedics
Globally, the adoption of robotics in orthopedics is surging. In the United States, more than 40% of knee replacement surgeries are now performed robotically — a figure projected to rise significantly. Robotics not only improve accuracy but also lower revision rates and accelerate rehabilitation.
With the SkyWalker™️ launch, Indian patients will now have access to these benefits, placing Yenepoya at the forefront of advanced orthopedic care in the region.
Industry partnership
Dr. Mukesh Parmar, Senior Director and General Manager, South Asia, MicroPort Orthopedics, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“The choice of implant is as critical as the robotic platform because it stays with the patient for life. When paired with the SkyWalker™️, the Evolution®️ Knee creates a powerful combination that empowers surgeons and ensures personalised, consistent outcomes. We are excited to launch this system at Yenepoya, setting a new benchmark in line with global standards for orthopedic care in South Asia.”
Raising benchmarks in healthcare
This milestone reinforces Yenepoya Hospital’s reputation for pioneering advanced medical technologies in India. Known for its patient-centric approach and clinical excellence, the hospital has consistently invested in innovation to deliver world-class healthcare in coastal Karnataka and beyond.
With the integration of SkyWalker™️, Yenepoya is not only enhancing its orthopedic care capabilities but also strengthening India’s positioning as an emerging hub for advanced medical solutions.
About Yenepoya Hospital
Part of the Yenepoya Group, the hospital is one of South India’s leading multi-specialty healthcare institutions. It offers a full spectrum of medical and surgical services, underpinned by a strong emphasis on technology adoption and patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The introduction of the SkyWalker™️ Orthopedic Robotic System at Yenepoya Hospital marks a turning point in the evolution of orthopedic surgery in India. By combining cutting-edge robotics with proven implant technology, patients in Mangaluru and beyond now have access to world-class joint replacement solutions that prioritise precision, recovery, and long-term quality of life.