Could Mako Robotic Joint Replacement Be the Key to Your Pain-Free Future?

Before your surgery, you’ll have a CT scan of your joint. This isn’t just any scan—it’s used to create a 3D model of your joint, giving your surgeon an incredibly detailed look at your unique anatomy. With this model, your surgeon can:

• Plan exactly where your new joint will go—down to the millimeter.
• Figure out the best way to preserve bone and tissue, which means less cutting and better long-term results.

When it’s time for surgery, the Mako robot doesn’t take over the entire procedure; your surgeon is still fully in control. But this is where the robot really shines. Here’s how:

• The robotic arm helps your surgeon make precise cuts, following the exact plan created during the pre-surgery phase.
• The system gives your surgeon real-time feedback, making sure the implant is placed just right.
• If adjustments need to be made, the system makes it easy to do so on the fly, keeping everything on track.
• It’s like having an extra pair of highly skilled hands that make sure everything stays exactly where it should be.

Thanks to all the detailed planning and precision during surgery, there’s less trauma to surrounding tissues, which means you’ll likely experience:

• Less pain after surgery
• A faster recovery overall
• Better joint function right from the start

If you’re suffering from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis or other joint-related issues, Mako robotic knee replacement can be a great option. It’s designed to help your surgeon make precise cuts to fit your specific knee anatomy and place the implant in the perfect position, improving the long-term function of your knee.

If your hip is giving you trouble from arthritis or other degenerative conditions, Mako robotic hip replacement may be the solution. It allows your surgeon to plan the surgery around your exact hip anatomy. It also helps reduce soft tissue damage, which can speed up recovery and minimise post-surgery pain

Just like with knee replacement, Mako robotic technology offers greater accuracy and less trauma, making it an ideal choice for hip replacement surgeries.

For some patients, a partial knee replacement (instead of a full replacement) might be the best option. The Mako robot is excellent for partial knee replacements because it helps identify which part of the knee needs replacing, leaving the rest of the joint untouched.

Traditional Joint Replacement:

In traditional surgeries, surgeons rely on their skills and experience to assess the joint and plan the surgery. This typically involves using X-rays or a physical exam to determine the best fit for the implant. While experienced surgeons are excellent at this, it’s still based on a general approach that doesn’t consider your unique anatomy in as much detail.

Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery:

The biggest advantage here is the 3D imaging and planning that Mako offers. Using a CT scan, your surgeon can create a highly detailed, personalised 3D model of your joint before surgery even begins. This allows for more precise planning of the implant placement, tailored specifically to your body. It’s like creating a custom blueprint just for you, ensuring the best fit and alignment possible.

Traditional Joint Replacement:

In a traditional procedure, the surgeon uses manual tools to remove the damaged joint and insert the new implant. While skilled, human hands can only be so precise, especially when dealing with delicate areas. The accuracy relies heavily on the surgeon’s experience, and even the most experienced hands can occasionally make small mistakes, especially when it comes to aligning the joint perfectly.

Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery:

Here’s where the robot really stands out. During surgery, the surgeon is still in full control, but the Mako robotic system assists by guiding the surgeon’s movements with unmatched precision. The robotic arm can make exact, controlled movements that stay within predefined boundaries. This ensures that the implant is placed exactly where it’s needed, with minimal room for error. Plus, the robot provides real-time feedback, allowing for adjustments during the surgery if necessary.

Traditional Joint Replacement:

Traditional surgeries tend to be a bit more invasive. Surgeons may need to remove or adjust surrounding tissue to get to the joint, which can lead to more swelling, pain, and longer recovery times. This also increases the risk of complications like infection or blood clots.

Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery:

Because Mako allows for more precise and targeted cuts, less tissue damage is done during surgery. This means less trauma to the muscles, ligaments, and surrounding structures, leading to less pain and a quicker recovery. The smaller incisions also reduce the risk of infection and other post-surgical complications.

Traditional Joint Replacement:

With traditional surgeries, recovery times can be longer, and the process tends to be more uncomfortable due to the increased trauma during surgery. Physiotherapy may also take longer, and it can be more difficult to get back to your usual activities. Some people might experience more setbacks or regressions in their recovery.

Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery:

Thanks to its precision and minimally invasive approach, Mako robotic surgery generally leads to faster recovery times. Most patients are able to get back on their feet quicker and experience less pain post-surgery. The risk of complications is lower, so recovery tends to be more predictable and comfortable overall.

Traditional Joint Replacement:

While traditional joint replacement surgery has been around for decades and yields good results for many, the alignment and fit of the implant can affect its longevity. Misalignment, even by a small amount, can lead to problems over time, which can cause the joint to wear out quicker and potentially lead to the need for a revision surgery down the line.

Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery:

The precision of Mako robotic surgery helps to ensure that the implant is placed in the optimal position. This reduces wear on the new joint, improves joint function, and helps extend the life of the implant. Plus, it may reduce the chances of the joint dislocating or developing issues in the future.

If you’re struggling with knee arthritis and the pain is affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re considering Mako robotic surgery or exploring other treatment options, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the process.

Joe