New advances in orthopedic surgery are constantly being developed to improve outcomes for surgical patients, and the MAKO robotic arm assisted surgery can do just that. Currently this technology is available for partial knee, total knee and total hip replacements.
With each patient having a joint unique to them and requiring a surgery exclusive to them, you may think that robotic surgery wouldn’t individualize the surgery but in fact it does the opposite.
Studies have also concluded that Mako robotic-assisted surgical procedures lead to improved accuracy of implant positioning compared with conventional unicompartmental knee arthroplasty surgical techniques.1
Pre-surgical planning
Once it has been determined that you are a candidate for total knee or hip replacement, your surgeon can use the Mako Robotic technology to develop your unique surgical plan. First a CT scan of the damaged joint is taken and uploaded to the Mako System software.
The software develops a three dimensional model of your joint and your surgeon uses this assist in creating a personalized surgery plan.
During the surgical procedure
The Mako Robotic Arm assists your surgeon in the operating room by maintaining the procedure is performed within the predetermined boundaries in the surgical plan. The use of this technology is meant to improve the accuracy of the surgery and positioning of the implant.
Your surgeon uses the robotic arm as a guide, and controls it during surgery. They are still able to make adjustments during the surgery as needed.
Improving Outcomes
Recent studies have demonstrated that total knee replacements performed with the use of the Mako robotic arm have enhanced results in comparison to manual techniques, including less pain, improved knee flexion and a reduced length of hospital stays. It was found that the patients ultimately had improved early functional recovery.2
If you are experiencing knee or hip pain due to arthritis the Mako robotic surgery may be a procedure that can help you find relief, and the surgeons at the Heekin Clinic can provide you with this innovation solution to your pain.
- Bell, Stuart W., Anthony, Iain, Jones, Bryn, MacLean, Angus, Rowe, Philip, and Blyth, Mark. Improved accuracy of component positioning with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Volume 98-A: Number 8. April 20, 2016. pp 627-35.
- 1 Kayani, B., Konan, S., Tahmassebi, J., Pietrzak, J.R.T., Haddad, F.S. Robotic arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved early functional recovery and reduced time to hospital discharge compared with conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study. Bone and Joint Journal: 2018;100-B:930–7.