Dr Tarandeep Singh Gill — MS Ortho, MCh Ortho
Director – Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery · RoboLens FT3D Pioneer · Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali
Patients researching robotic knee surgery in Chandigarh will inevitably encounter two names: MAKO and FT3D. Both are described as advanced robotic systems for knee procedures. Both claim precision and better outcomes. Understanding what actually separates them — and why it matters for your specific situation — is worth the effort before you commit to either.
MAKO: A Pre-Planned Robotic System
MAKO (Stryker) is an established robotic-arm system used for both partial and total knee replacement. It requires a pre-operative CT scan to build a 3D model of the patient’s knee, from which a surgical plan is created before the patient enters the operating room. During surgery, the robotic arm guides the surgeon within the pre-planned boundaries.
The CT scan is an added step — and a small but real source of radiation exposure. The pre-planning is thorough but is based on a static image of the joint taken days or weeks before surgery. Any change in the knee between the scan and the procedure isn’t reflected in the plan.
FT3D: Fluoroscopy-Tracked, No CT Required
FT3D (Fluoroscopy-Tracked 3D) — developed by Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill — takes a different approach. It uses real-time fluoroscopic imaging during the procedure itself, eliminating the need for a pre-operative CT scan. The surgeon tracks the bone landmarks and makes decisions in real time rather than executing a plan drawn up beforehand.
No CT scan means lower radiation exposure overall. No pre-planned static model means the surgeon is responding to what’s actually there on the day of surgery — which is relevant when the joint has fluid, swelling, or subtle position changes. The technique is particularly suited to partial knee resurfacing, where preserving healthy tissue requires fine-grained intraoperative judgment.
Which One Is Right for You
For total knee replacement: MAKO is a well-established, widely used system with strong outcome data. For partial knee resurfacing in patients who want to avoid a CT scan and benefit from real-time intraoperative guidance, FT3D’s approach has specific advantages. The right answer depends on whether you need a partial or total procedure, and what your surgeon is most experienced with.
Dr. TS Gill performs FT3D procedures at Max Hospital Mohali. If you’re trying to understand which approach is appropriate for your specific knee condition, a consultation will give you a direct, honest comparison based on your imaging and clinical picture.
