MAKOplasty® is one of the latest technical advancements applied by orthopedic surgeons to increase the precision of knee replacement surgery. Performed with the use of robotics, the surgery has many immediate and long-term advantages over traditional partial knee replacement surgery. If you have been told you need knee replacement surgery, you should consider MAKOplasty. Many people who qualify for traditional knee replacement surgery are good candidates for MAKOplasty.

How MAKOplasty knee replacement surgery works?

MAKOplasty surgery is an advanced, minimally-invasive robotic method to replace part of a patient’s knee. Unlike traditional knee surgery, MAKOplasty orthopedic surgeons use precise robotic arms as extensions of their limbs, relying on the machine’s precise movements for greater accuracy.

Using CT scans, the robotic arm is guided by 3D images of the surgical area and performs parts of the procedure that require a steady hand and precise navigation, including:

• Preparing the knee bone
  
• Inserting the implant
  
• Aligning the implant
  
• Securing the implant to the joint
  
• Checking for the right fit

Orthopedic surgeons performing MAKO surgeries are specifically trained and certified in the procedure. The surgery is powered by the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System and has been approved by the FDA.

Why Mako robotic knee surgery is often preferred over traditional knee replacement surgery?

The precision of the robotic arm used in the surgery has positively impacted both the surgical accuracy and patient recovery and outcomes. Surgeons performing MAKOplasty and patients undergoing the surgery benefit from a number of key advantages over standard knee replacement surgeries:

• Less invasive: smaller incision
  
• More precise resurfacing of the damaged part of the knee only
  
• Less trauma to the tissue and bone
  
• Preservation of healthy tissue and bone
  
• Quicker procedures, often performed as outpatient surgeries
  
• More rapid relief from pain
  
• Better patient outcomes: less rehab and fewer re-admissions
  
• More natural feeling knee following surgery
  
• Fewer complications and fewer return visits to doctor
  
• Higher patient satisfaction
  
• Faster return to daily activities
  
• Lower long term-costs

While individual cases will vary, it has been verified that over 90% of Makoplasty implants last more than 10 years. And patients who have undergone partial replacement robotic surgery remain eligible for full knee replacement surgeries in the future, since much of the healthy tissue and bone will have been preserved.

WHO qualifies as a good candidate for MAKOplasty surgery?

Most patient candidates for a traditional partial knee joint replacement procedure will qualify for a robotic arm-assisted procedure. You may be a good candidate if you experience some of the following:

• Failure to respond well to non-surgical knee treatments, including injections, physical therapy, activity modification and non-steroidal medication
  
• Continued, persistent pain or stiffness during physical activity
  
• Early to mid-stage knee arthritis in one or two of the following knee compartments: Medial (Inner), Patellofemoral (Front), Lateral (Outer)
  
• Start-up pain or stiffness when standing from a sitting position
  
• Diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, and traumatic arthritis

If you are experiencing any of these issues, you may consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon who can help diagnose your condition and determine your eligibility for robotic surgery.

Knee pain can be debilitating and can affect not only your daily activities, but also your overall health and wellbeing. Once you decide to seek help to relieve your pain, our team knee specialists are here to help you get back to living your life. Our precision medical providers are board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedists, specializing in the latest, state-of-the-art, non-surgical and surgical knee treatments and therapies personalized to your exact needs.

Schedule an appointment or contact your preferred location to speak with an EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region team member.