Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology is transforming the way partial knee replacement surgeries are being performed
Mako technology can be used for partial knee replacement (PKR), which is a procedure designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis (OA) in one or two compartments of the knee. By selectively targeting the part of your knee damaged by OA, your surgeon can replace the diseased part of your knee while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding it.
Mako Technology was designed to help surgeons provide patients with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.
When you hear ‘robotic-arm assisted technology,’ it’s important to understand that the Mako Robotic-Arm doesn’t actually perform the surgery. Surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, who uses the Mako System software to pre-plan your surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will guide the Mako robotic-arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage.
Depending on where the arthritis affects the knee, patients may have an implant inserted in many ways. (See illustrations.)
The Mako technology provides your surgeon with a patient-specific 3-D model to pre-plan your partial knee replacement. During surgery, your surgeon guides the Mako robotic-arm based on your patient-specific plan. This allows the surgeon to remove only the diseased bone, preserving healthy bone and soft tissue, and assists your surgeon in positioning the implant based on your anatomy.
Before Surgery: A Plan Personalized for You
It all begins with a CT scan of your joint that is used to generate a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy. This virtual model is loaded into the Mako system software and is used to create your personalized pre-operative plan.
In the Operating Room
In the operating room, your surgeon will use Mako to assist in performing your surgery based on your personalized pre-operative plan. The Mako system also allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed. When the surgeon prepares the bone for the implant, the Mako system guides the surgeon within the pre-defined area and helps prevent the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. This helps provide more accurate placement and alignment of your implant.
After Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon, nurses and physical therapists will set goals with you to get you back on the move. They will closely monitor your condition and progress. Your surgeon may review an x-ray of your new partial knee with you.
Muskegon Office
1400 Mercy Drive, Suite 100
Muskegon, Michigan 49444
231-733-1326
Grand Haven Office
1445 Sheldon Road, Suite 200
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417
616-296-9100