MAKOplasty is a type of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery that is becoming increasingly popular for its advantages in precision and accuracy. It combines a minimally invasive technique with 3D planning and the assistance of a robotic arm to give patients the best possible outcomes from joint replacement surgery.
If you are wondering whether MAKOplasty robotic knee replacement is right for you, we have put together this guide to educate you and help you in making this important decision about your health.
What is MAKOplasty?
MAKOplasty is an FDA-cleared surgical technique that uses a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in performing a knee replacement. The procedure involves a computer-guided system that uses 3D imaging to create a virtual model of the patient’s knee during the pre-operative planning stage. The model is then used to plan the surgery and guide the robotic arm accordingly during the procedure for optimized placement of the artificial joint.
During surgery, the orthopedic surgeon is in complete control of the robotic arm. They guide the robotic arm in the removal of the damaged bone and soft tissue and place the new knee implant with greater precision and accuracy than human hands can do. MAKOplasty can be used for both partial and total knee replacements.
How Does MAKOplasty Work?
It works by combining advanced imaging technology, computer-guided planning, and robotic precision to create a highly accurate and customized knee replacement surgery. Below are some of the features of a MAKOplasty robotic-assisted knee replacement:
Pre-Operative Planning
Before the surgery, the patient’s knee is scanned using a CT scan. This creates a 3D model of the knee that is used to plan the surgery and determine the size and proper placement of the new implant.
Computer-Assisted Surgery
During the surgery, the surgeon uses a computer console to monitor the manual movements of a robotic arm. The console displays real-time images of the knee and the robotic arm’s position, allowing the surgeon to make precise adjustments during the procedure.
Robotic Precision
The robotic arm is used to remove damaged tissue and bone with greater accuracy than traditional surgery. This ensures that only the damaged tissue is removed, preserving healthy tissue and bone.
Customized Implant
The size and placement of the new implant are customized to fit the patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring a better fit, a smoother motion, and a more natural feel. This can also result in less wear and tear on the implant.
Minimally Invasive
The procedure is minimally invasive, which means that there is less disturbance to healthy tissue, which means less pain, bleeding, scarring, and typically a faster recovery time.
What Are the Benefits of MAKOplasty?
Some of the benefits offered by this state-of-the-art procedure include:
Better Results
MAKOplasty can allow for greater accuracy and precision during the procedure. This can translate to an increased rate of success and fewer chances for complications and mistakes.
Consistency
The robotic surgical system is designed to translate the surgeon’s movements into precise, steady motions. A robotic arm can perform the same movements over and over again, without the risk of fatigue and with the same level of precision and accuracy, eliminating variability.
Less Pain
Because the surgery is minimally invasive and highly precise, there is less trauma to the knee, which can result in reduced pain and discomfort for the patient during recovery.
Shorter Hospital Stay
MAKOplasty can be performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient can go home the same day or after only an overnight stay at the hospital.
Faster Recovery
Patients who undergo this type of knee replacement can experience a faster recovery time. They can typically return to normal activities after making good progress with their physical therapy.
MAKOplasty Robotic Knee Replacement in Raleigh, Apex, and Durham, NC
Dr. Brett Gilbert is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in MAKOplasty robotic-assisted surgery of the knee. Dr. Gilbert is not only known for his exceptional skills in orthopedics but also for his compassion for patients. He has been recognized and awarded for his great bedside manner and patient-centric approach.
To find out if MAKOplasty robotic knee replacement is right for you, consult Dr. Gilbert. Call us today at (919) 788-8797 to schedule an appointment or use our convenient online form to send us an appointment request. We look forward to serving you.
