Robotic technology is revolutionizing joint replacement surgery, with a profound impact on knee replacement outcomes. This state-of-the-art technique offers advantages for both the patient and the surgeon, instilling a sense of assurance throughout the entire surgical journey. From preoperative preparations to the procedure itself and post-operative recovery, robot technology is a game changer in knee replacement.
Patients should note that robotic knee replacement surgery does not mean that the robot will perform your surgery. Your surgeon will use the robotic arm as an essential tool for meticulous preoperative and intraoperative planning.
The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology stands at the forefront of the orthopedic field, leading the way with its innovative advancements. Your surgeon will take a CT scan of your damaged knee and generate a 3D model of your knee using Mako technology. This creates a custom model of your knee to build a personalized surgical plan using your unique anatomy. This allows your surgeon to skillfully direct the robotic arm to excise damaged tissue and install your knee implant.
The Mako Total Knee offers benefits to both patients and surgeons in contrast to traditional manual joint replacement surgery.1
- Enhanced Precision
Using the 3D model and robotic arm, surgeons can perform knee replacement surgery with enhanced precision and accuracy. In doing this, the surgeon can fit the knee implant with straighter bone alignment and soft tissue balancing. - Personalized Care
Because a 3D model is used to map out each patient’s unique anatomy, surgeons can personalize a surgical plan to the patient’s specific needs. This level of personalized care would be impossible without the aid of a robotic arm. - Minimally Invasive
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is minimally invasive, as the robotic arm is limited to working in a predetermined surgical boundary, minimizing any excess damage to neighboring tissue while protecting soft tissue and ligaments from unnecessary damage. - Reduced Complication Risk
Complications risk is at an all-time low when it comes to robotic surgery.2 Due to the precision of the robotic arm and pre-set surgical area, damage to blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, or any other surrounding tissue is less. - Better Surgical Outcomes
According to several recent studies, the Mako Total Knee can help lead to better outcomes, like less pain and shorter recovery times, compared to manual surgery.1
If you or a loved one are considering knee replacement, consider the power of robotics with the Mako total knee. The Mako Total Knee provides advantages for both patients and surgeons when compared to traditional manual surgery.
AUTHOR: Robert J. Avino M. D. is a board-certified and fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Avino specializes in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement using the minimally invasive direct anterior approach to hip replacement, across Palm Beach County in South Florida.
Citations:
- https://patients.stryker.com/knee-replacement/options/mako-robotic-arm-assisted-total-knee
- https://www.newswise.com/articles/study-finds-knee-replacement-with-robotic-assistance-leads-to-lower-complication-rate-first-90-days-after-surgery#:~:text=Robotic%2Dassisted%20surgery%20also%20led,Westrich%20noted
