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Mako SmartRobotics™ System
About Mako Robotic-arm assisted surgery
Stryker’s Mako SmartRobotics™ is an assistive technology for orthopedic surgery that uses 3D planning software to create a personalized surgical plan for each patient. Orthopedic surgeons can perform surgery with an increased level of precision, leading to less invasive procedures and faster recovery. As hip and knee injuries from normal wear and tear, overuse, or athletics lead to an increasing need for joint replacement surgery, the Mako robotic-arm can help patients of all ages.
Here at Memorial Healthcare, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Ramy Kurdi and Dr. Ashraf Elbanna use the Mako System’s robotic-arm assisted technology for total hip replacements, total knee replacements and partial knee replacements.
During surgery, the surgeon utilizes the 3D plan to perform the procedure using the robotic arm. This highly advanced robotic technology enables surgeons to have increased accuracy and creates a more predictable surgical experience.
This innovative system offers several benefits for both patients and surgeons:
- Precision: Mako’s robotic arm provides a high level of precision and accuracy. Surgeons can create a pre-operative plan that guides the robot’s movements during the procedure, ensuring precise bone cuts and implant placement. This can lead to improved outcomes and reduced complications.
- Minimally Invasive: Mako technology enables minimally invasive procedures, resulting in smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and a quicker recovery for the patient. Reduced tissue trauma can mean less pain, scarring, and blood loss.
- Customization: The system allows for a personalized surgical plan. It takes into account the patient’s unique anatomy, which can optimize implant fit and alignment. This can potentially lead to better function and longevity of the implant.
- Reduced Complications: With the improved accuracy and precision, there is a lower risk of complications during surgery. This includes reduced risks of nerve damage, blood vessel injury, and implant misalignment.
- Faster Recovery: Patients often experience a quicker recovery and rehabilitation period with Mako robotic-assisted surgery. The minimally invasive approach and precision in implant placement can lead to a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal activities.
- Improved Implant Longevity: Because of the precise implant placement, there is the potential for the implant to last longer, reducing the need for revision surgeries.
- Less Pain and Discomfort: Minimally invasive surgery and reduced tissue trauma typically result in less post-operative pain and discomfort for patients.
- Less Blood Loss: The precise cuts made by the robot can lead to reduced intraoperative blood loss, lowering the need for transfusions.
- Better Functional Outcomes: Patients often experience better functional outcomes with Mako-assisted surgery, as the implant is positioned with high accuracy, resulting in improved joint stability and function.
- Patient Satisfaction: Due to the quicker recovery, less pain, and better outcomes, patients tend to be more satisfied with the results of Mako-assisted surgery.
Are you a good candidate for Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement Surgery?
While the specific criteria for candidacy can vary depending on your surgeon, there are some general factors that make a patient a good candidate for Mako robotic-assisted joint replacements:
- Joint Damage: Patients with significant joint damage, typically due to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, are good candidates. The joint damage should be severe enough to warrant surgical intervention.
- Failed Non-Surgical Treatments: Candidates who have tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications without achieving satisfactory results may be considered for robotic-assisted joint replacement.
- Age and Health: Age is not the sole determining factor for candidacy, but overall health plays a crucial role. Patients should be in good general health and be able to tolerate surgery and anesthesia. Older patients with other health issues may still be candidates if they are deemed fit for surgery.
- Joint Anatomy: The patient’s joint anatomy should be suitable for the Mako system. The surgeon will perform a pre-operative assessment to ensure that the robotic-assisted technique can be effectively applied.
- Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. While Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement can improve accuracy and potentially lead to a quicker recovery, it is not a guarantee of a perfect outcome, and there are still potential risks and complications.
- Willingness to Participate: Patients should be willing and able to actively participate in their post-operative rehabilitation and follow the surgeon’s instructions for recovery.
- Discuss with Your Surgeon: Ultimately, the decision of whether a patient is a good candidate for Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement should be made in consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon will consider the patient’s individual health, joint condition, and overall situation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
