Taking advantage of innovations in surgical techniques, physicians are using Mako surgery to perform more precise knee and hip replacements. Surgeons can guide the Mako robotic arm with exacting sensitivity while utilizing advanced imaging and state-of-the-art software to achieve the best outcomes for each patient. At High Mountain Orthopedics, located in Wayne, NJ, Dr. Matarese and Dr. Novack perform partial knee replacements, full knee replacements, and hip replacements. Here, we examine some of the biggest advantages of Mako surgery to patients.
Based on Individual Patient Anatomy
Imaging of the patient’s joint with this technique provides more than the two-dimensional CT scan. A 3D model of the joint is generated based on CT imaging. The surgical team then uses the software to program a pre-surgical plan based on the actual structure of the patient’s knee or hip. The doctors can utilize this to experience the surgery virtually before it physically takes place. With Mako surgery, the procedure is based on individual anatomy, and the surgical team is prepared in advance with an exact virtual model of the anatomy of the patient’s joint.
Surgeon Guides Robotic Arm
The Mako surgery system guides the cuts made during the procedure, keeping them within pre-programmed parameters. This aids the surgical team by ensuring greater precision, within 2 mm 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.
With Mako surgery, the joint replacement is improved by enabling the surgeon to use a robotic arm for greater precision when preparing the bone for the implant and accurately placing the replacement joint. At the same time, the surgeon maintains overall control of the programming and robotics throughout the procedure.
Positive Impact on Patient 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. In addition, they may start walking more quickly, even returning to normal activities as quickly as one to four weeks after the procedure.
Take Advantage of Mako Surgical Techniques
If joint replacement is recommended, patients can get a safer, more targeted procedure when their surgeon uses Mako surgery. Under full control of the surgical team, the robotic arm helps them make smaller cuts and preserve the healthy parts of the body, while the imaging and software provide a state-of-the-art virtual view of the procedure.
Further, patients with osteoarthritis that affects the hip or knee, or those who have suffered injuries in the past, might be living with reduced mobility and pain that is unnecessary. An orthopedic specialist at High Mountain Orthopedics can make an examination and diagnose the condition. When our experienced surgeons recommend knee or hip replacement, they use Mako surgery for best outcomes and recovery times. To find out whether this procedure might be the solution to your pain, make an office or telemedicine appointment today at High Mountain Orthopedics.