Dr Tarandeep Singh Gill — MS Ortho, MCh Ortho
Director – Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery · RoboLens FT3D Pioneer · Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali
Patients considering FT3D knee resurfacing in Chandigarh tend to come in with a specific set of questions — sometimes from reading, sometimes from talking to people who’ve had the procedure, sometimes from their GP’s referral notes. Here are the ones that come up most often, answered directly.
How is FT3D different from the knee replacement my neighbour had?
Almost certainly, your neighbour had total knee replacement — either conventional or with CT-based robotic assistance. FT3D is a resurfacing technique, not a full replacement. It treats only the damaged surfaces of the knee rather than removing and replacing the entire joint. The result is a more conservative procedure, faster recovery, and a more natural-feeling knee for patients whose damage is isolated to specific compartments.
Will I need a CT scan before surgery?
No. This is one of the points that distinguishes FT3D from most other robotic systems. Instead of a pre-operative CT, the system acquires its 3D data during surgery via fluoroscopic imaging. The planning happens live, on the day, with current data. This reduces radiation exposure and eliminates one step in the pre-surgical workup.
How long will I be in hospital?
Most FT3D resurfacing patients are discharged on day 3 after surgery. Walking begins the same day as surgery. Stairs are usually achieved on day 2. The recovery is faster than total knee replacement because less bone and soft tissue is disturbed.
I’m 52 years old — is that too young for this procedure?
For FT3D specifically, 52 is actually an ideal age if your X-rays show isolated compartmental damage. Younger patients with good bone stock benefit most from resurfacing — they preserve more of their native anatomy, have stronger bone for secure fixation, and get the maximum benefit from an implant that feels natural. Age is not a contraindication; it’s a positive factor in candidate selection for resurfacing.
Can I do both knees at the same time?
Simultaneous bilateral resurfacing is possible in selected patients. The decision depends on your overall medical fitness, BMI, and cardiac status. Doing both at once reduces total recovery time and requires only one anaesthesia episode. Dr Gill will assess suitability during the pre-operative evaluation.
What if the resurfacing doesn’t work and I need full replacement later?
This is the contingency question, and it’s worth addressing directly. FT3D resurfacing preserves bone stock — the exact opposite of total replacement, which removes it. If revision to a total knee is ever needed, the bone that was preserved during resurfacing makes that revision surgery less complex and more predictable. Resurfacing doesn’t burn the bridge to total replacement; it keeps it available on better terms.
Is it available in Chandigarh?
Yes — at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Phase 6 (Sector 56), Mohali, which is 10–15 minutes from central Chandigarh. Dr TS Gill is the only surgeon in North India who performs this procedure. New patient appointments are typically available within a week. Call +91-82880 15106 or book at tsgillortho.com/appointment.
