16 December 2025

The Power of 3D Planning in Knee Replacement Surgery

How does 3D planning change knee surgery? Learn how CT-based custom planning allows surgeons to predict and perfect your knee replacement before entering the operating room.

The Power of 3D Planning in Knee Replacement Surgery

Imagine building a house without a blueprint, deciding where the walls go as you lay the bricks. That is how traditional surgery can sometimes feel—reactive.

Now imagine having a digital 3D replica of the house, where you can move walls and test structures virtually before picking up a single tool.

This is the power of 3D Planning in Robotic Knee Replacement. It is a revolution in how we approach joint surgery.


What Is 3D Surgical Planning?

Before your surgery, a CT scan of your leg (hip, knee, and ankle) is taken.

Advanced software converts this scan into a virtual 3D model of your knee. This isn't just a picture; it's a measurable, rotatable geometry of your unique anatomy.


Why Is It a Game Changer?

1. Sizing Perfection

Knee implants come in standard sizes (Size 3, 4, 5, etc.).

  • Without Planning: The surgeon estimates the size during surgery. If you are between sizes, they have to compromise.
  • With 3D Planning: We know exactly which size fits best before making an incision. We can even plan the exact rotation to ensure no overhang.

2. Predicting Challenges

Some patients have bone spurs (osteophytes) or severe deformities that hide the true anatomy.

  • The 3D model strips these away virtually, allowing the surgeon to see the underlying bone structure and plan how to correct the deformity safely.

3. Virtual Surgery

Dr. Abhijit Kale performs the surgery on the computer simulator first.

  • He can adjust the implant tilt, rotation, and depth by fractions of a millimetre on screen.
  • He can see how these changes affect your leg alignment.
  • Once the plan is perfect, it is locked in for the robot to execute.

Image-Based vs. Image-Less Navigation

There are two types of advanced planning:

  1. CT-Based (Mako, etc.): Uses a pre-op CT scan. Offers the highest level of pre-operative detail.
  2. Image-Free (NAVIO/CORI): The 3D model is "painted" in the operating room using sensors. This avoids radiation but still offers 3D visualisation during the case.

Dr. Kale utilises the best technology suited for your specific needs.


The Result: No Surprises

The biggest benefit of 3D planning is predictability.

  • Shorter Surgery Time: Because the thinking and measuring are done beforehand.
  • Better Outcomes: The plan is customised to your body, not a textbook average.

Takeaway

Your knee is unique. Your surgery should be too.

3D Planning ensures that your new knee is designed for you, leading to a fit that feels natural and functions flawlessly.

Experience the future of personalised surgery with Dr. Abhijit Kale.

Dr. Abhijit Kale

Need Expert Orthopaedic Care?

Consult Dr. Abhijit Kale, Mumbai's trusted expert in Robotic Joint Replacement & Spine Surgery. Get a personalized treatment plan today.