Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery (MAKOplasty®)
The Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery technology has transformed joint replacement procedures. This system is used by surgeons to perform total hip, partial and total knee replacements. It first became available in June of 2006 and had helped surgeons perform surgical plans more accurately. The Mako System helps surgeons provide patients with a more personalized surgical experience. It also protects soft tissues and ligaments allowing for a quicker recovery and typically lower pain than conventional joint replacements.
How does it work?
1. Before surgery, your surgeon will take a CT scan of your hip or knee that is turned into a 3D virtual model. It’s loaded into the Mako system software and is used to create your personalized pre-operative plan.
2. In the operating room, your surgeon uses Mako to assist in performing your surgery based on your personalized pre-operative plan. The surgeon guides the robotic arm within the plan’s predefined area and the Mako system helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries. The mako system allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed. It is important to note that the robotic arm does NOT perform surgery. It cannot make decisions on its own or move without a surgeon guiding it.
3. After surgery your surgeon nurses and physical therapists will set goals with you to get you back on the move. Your surgeon may review an xray of your new joint with you.
Recovery Plan from Joint replacement:
*Individual results vary. Not all patients will have the same post operative recovery and activity level. General recovery time frames include:
- In-hospital recovery: 2-5 days
- Functional improvement: 6 weeks to 3 months
- Maximal Improvements: 6 – 12 months
- Should avoid activities that place excessive stress on the replaced joint e.x. Basketball, contact sports, frequent jumping, running, skiing, etc.
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