Millions of Americans are currently living with hip or knee pain caused by arthritic joint degeneration. Not only is it painful, but it limits their mobility, and it is a condition that will only get worse if left untreated.
Nevertheless, many arthritis sufferers unnecessarily delay partial or full hip or knee replacement surgery due to misconceptions about the procedure, worry about the recovery process, or because of work or family obligations.
What they need to know is that there is an advanced form of joint replacement known as MAKOplastyrobotic-assisted surgery. It is an FDA-cleared, computer-assisted, three-dimensional planning and guidance tool that:
- Allows your orthopedic surgeon to develop a customized, preoperative plan for each individual patient
- Optimizes the fit of your joint replacement implant
- Allows for precise placement of the implant during surgery
- Results in minimal blood loss
- Helps preserve healthy surrounding bone and tissue
- Can result in less post-operative pain than manual techniques
- Can provide quicker recovery and can eliminate or reduce your hospital stay
The Key to Better Hip and Knee Replacement Outcomes
One of the many advantages of MAKOrobotic-assisted joint replacement is that it provides your surgeon with more information both before and during the procedure which, in turn, can ensure better results.
For example, using MAKO robotic software during the joint replacement procedure, your surgeon can observe how your joint moves. Combining this data with information gathered from your pre-surgical imaging scan, your surgeon can plan how to precisely cut the bone, align the joint, and balance the ligaments. The result can be less trauma for you during surgery, a faster and more accurate procedure, and a more successful, natural-feeling outcome.
MAKO procedures require fewer soft tissue releases than traditional nonrobotic approaches, so there is less pain and a faster recovery after surgery. Also, better joint alignment using MAKO technology means you may walk sooner and more naturally.
Following MAKOplastyrobotic-assisted joint replacement, you can go home the same day as your surgery or by the next day. In fact, you will be encouraged to walk the same day, with assistance (e.g., a walker), and without assistance by the second or third week after surgery. Of course, you will need physical therapy after your procedure, which will help you to return to the physical activities you previously enjoyed.
So, if you are experiencing chronic hip or knee pain but have doubts about joint replacement surgery, it’s time to discuss MAKOplastyrobotic-assisted surgery with your orthopedic doctor. Anyone who has a degenerative joint disease and hasn’t had a joint replacement before can be a good candidate for this innovative and highly effective treatment option.
MAKOplasty Surgeon in Raleigh, Apex, and Durham, North Carolina
With his vast professional experience and advanced fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery, Dr. Brett J. Gilbert is highly qualified to provide compassionate care, technical expertise, and personalized attention to patients with hip or knee issues. Using state-of-the-art science like MAKOplastyrobotic-assisted technology, Dr. Gilbert can help alleviate your pain and restore your mobility to improve your quality of life.
Other types of minimally invasive surgical procedures can treat painful orthopedic conditions, such as damaged cartilage and bones in the hip and knee joints. In addition, Dr. Gilbert is available to provide a valuable second opinion in those cases to help you make better decisions about your health.
To learn more about MAKOplasty and other treatment options for joint damage, you can request an appointment with Dr. Gilbert by calling our practice at (919) 788-8797 or simply contacting us online.
