Mako Robotics – Innovative Technology for Joint Replacement Surgery
Mako Robotics – Innovative Technology for Joint Replacement Surgery
If you are considering knee or hip replacement surgery, you probably already know what precise, delicate joints these are. The slightest bone or tendon out of place can cause extreme pain, not to mention difficulty with mobility. That’s why precision in joint replacement surgery is so important.
The Mako Robotic surgery technique provides surgeons like those at DOC Orthopaedics with enhanced visualization and accuracy in joint replacement surgery, leading to better alignment and placement of the joint implant and ultimately to a more natural movement post-surgery.
Here are some of the biggest advantages you’ll see with Mako surgery:
It’s Based on Your Unique Anatomy
Imaging of your specific joint with this technique provides more than the two-dimensional CT scan. A 3D model of the joint is generated based on CT imaging, then used to program a pre-surgical plan based on the actual structure of your knee or hip. The doctors can utilize this to experience the surgery virtually before it takes place physically. With Mako surgery, the procedure is based on your individual anatomy, and the surgical team is prepared in advance with an exact virtual model of the anatomy of your joint.
Your Surgeon Still Guides Robotic Arm
The Mako surgery system guides the cuts made during the procedure, keeping them within pre-programmed parameters. This provides the surgical team with greater precision, within two millimeters of the area of bone that is prepared during the surgery. However, the surgeon is always in control of the robotic arm and can adjust the programming at any time during the procedure.
The Mako surgery technique also enables the surgeon to use a robotic arm for greater precision when preparing the bone for the implant and accurately placing the replacement joint, while maintaining complete control of the programming and robotics throughout the procedure.
Mako Positively Impacts Your Recovery
Patients are often able to recover more quickly after knee and hip replacement procedures with Mako surgery. With the aid of the Mako robotic arm, the surgical team can make smaller cuts, with more precision, minimizing damage to both bones and soft tissue. This results in benefits such as:
• Less bleeding
• Smaller scar areas
• Conservation of bone and healthy tissue
• Shorter recovery times, depending on the patient
Many patients also report less pain than those whose surgery was performed with non-robotic
surgical techniques. You may also be able to start walking sooner, even returning to normal activities in as few as one to four weeks after your procedure.
You’ll Have Fewer Post-Surgical Risks
While robot-assisted joint replacement can be more expensive overall, reduced complications can offset that cost with better outcomes including:
• 88% lower risk of prosthetic dislocation.
• 68% lower risk of prosthetic mechanical complication.
• 64% lower risk of pulmonary embolism.
• 63% lower risk of excessive bleeding requiring a transfusion.
• 53% lower risk of pneumonia.
• 52% lower risk of deep vein thrombosis.
• 27% lower risk of anemia due to blood loss.
Am I a candidate for robotic assisted surgery?
If you’re a good candidate for a traditional joint replacement surgery, then you are most likely well-suited for a robotic hip or knee replacement as well. Some people may find robotic-assisted surgery beneficial, especially those who have had prior surgery or have an abnormal anatomy.
Once you’re ready to consider robotic assisted knee replacement surgery, consider scheduling a
visit with Dr. Sharp at DOC Orthopaedic. Dr. Sharp is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He specializes in delivering state of the art sports medicine and upper/lower extremity musculoskeletal care utilizing advanced arthroscopic surgery, minimally invasive joint replacement, and complex fracture fixation.
Since 1972, the specialists at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine have been committed to providing exceptional orthopaedic care through innovative techniques, quality services, patient communication and education. With specialties ranging from general orthopaedics and physical therapy to sports medicine, joint replacement, and more, the doctors at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine can provide local expert care for any orthopaedic disorder or injury and help put your life back in motion.