First Indiana patient shares experience with procedure, recovery and mobility
INDIANAPOLIS—OrthoIndy is the first in Indiana and one of the first in the country to offer the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution for Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA), otherwise known as partial knee replacement. This technology is designed to help ensure predictable results to improve outcomes, increase mobility and help patients recover faster.
The OrthoIndy team performed its first partial knee replacement with the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution in December 2024, led by Dr. Philip Huang. Having used this technology for total knee replacements for four years, Dr. Huang is now the first in Indiana to apply it to partial knee replacement procedures. He says the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution helps him perform knee replacements with the use of data that’s tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
“The technology allows for greater precision and accuracy during the procedure, which is a critical aspect for partial knee replacements specifically,” said Dr. Huang. “As a result, patients undergoing partial knee replacements with the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution often experience a faster recovery while also hopefully improving long term outcomes and survivorship. Barring any complications, patients go home the same day – whereas traditional procedures require them to stay in the hospital for several days.”
Key features of the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for partial knee replacement include a single PROADJUST™ planning screen for personalized planning and an ACCUBALANCE™ graph for personalized balancing throughout the full range of motion.
“The UKA application also enables me to guide precise implant placement without the need for a CT scan,” says Dr. Huang. “Being CT-free benefits the patient, as it reduces radiation exposure and saves time and money during the process.”
A Patient’s Journey to Recovery
For Carmel, Indiana, resident Martin Gomez, being the first patient in the state to undergo a partial knee replacement with the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution has been a game-changer.
“I’m blown away by what I can do just six weeks after surgery,” said Gomez, who reached this post-op milestone in January 2025. “I can now bend my knee to 130 degrees, and I was able to fully straighten it just seven to 10 days after surgery.”
Gomez first noticed knee pain three to four years ago as an occasional pain that popped up after exercise. Over time, the pain became more frequent and severe, to the point where he could no longer do many of the things he enjoyed, such as running, playing tennis and basketball, and even walking his dogs. Injections and physical therapy provided temporary relief, but when they stopped working effectively, Gomez consulted Dr. Huang, who felt he was a strong candidate for a partial knee replacement.
“As I was talking to Dr. Huang about what this procedure would look like, he told me all the work he’s been doing over the years to help develop the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution and using it for total knee replacement surgeries,” said Gomez. “When he mentioned the possibility of using robotic assistance technology for my partial knee replacement, I was thrilled and really excited to be the first person in Indiana to have this platform help with this procedure.”
Gomez says he is now able to walk his dogs without pain and is looking forward to adding in more activities as he continues his recovery.
To learn more about the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution for total and partial knee replacement surgeries, schedule a consultation with Dr. Huang at OrthoIndy.com.
Media Contact: Brandon Smith, Chief Development Officer at OrthoIndy, P: 317.802.2439, E: [email protected]
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About OrthoIndy
OrthoIndy is one of the most highly respected orthopedic practices in the country. With over 90 physicians providing care to Indiana residents, OrthoIndy provides leading-edge bone, joint, spine and muscle care. Recognized with numerous national and statewide honors from Healthgrades, OrthoIndy has been ranked number one in Indiana for joint replacement for the third year in a row. OrthoIndy is the official orthopedic provider for the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever and serves as the preferred orthopedic provider for employees of both the State of Indiana and Indianapolis Public Schools. For more information on OrthoIndy, please call 317.802.2000 or visit us at OrthoIndy.com.
Important Safety Information
The performance of knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level, and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have knee replacement surgery. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if knee or hip replacement is required based on an individual patient’s condition.
Dr. Huang serves as a paid consultant for the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution, sharing his expertise to advance knee replacement surgery technology with the goal of improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
