Mako Total Knee Replacements

Mako is an innovative system, developed by Stryker, to support orthopaedic consultants carrying out joint replacement surgery. It comprises state-of-the-art computer software which is used to pre-plan the procedure plus the revolutionary Mako robotic arm, which is used by the surgeon on the operating table. This increases precision of implant placement which is personalised to the patient.

Prior to surgery, patients undergo a CT scan of their damaged knee joint. This is uploaded to the Mako system software which creates a detailed 3D image of the patient’s unique joint anatomy. From this, the orthopaedic consultant can pre-plan the total knee replacement in fine detail. This is an important advantage as it enables precision placement of the prosthetic knee implant, which contributes to better long-term results and a lower risk of complications.

During surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon uses the Mako robotic arm to guide them in cutting away diseased bone and cartilage, preparing the joint for the new prosthetic implant. The robotic arm supports them to remain within the boundaries of the pre-operative plan, while allowing them to make minor adjustments as necessary. The robotic arm does not perform the surgery itself nor can it make decisions on its own or move in any way without the surgeon guiding it. It is designed to support the orthopaedic surgeon’s skill not replace it.

As with conventional total knee replacements, the Mako knee replacement procedure is suitable for patients experiencing severe knee pain that is interfering with day-to-day living and reducing their quality of life.

Prior to the date for your Mako total knee replacement, you will be invited to have a CT scan of your affected knee. This will be used the generate a 3D virtual model of your unique knee anatomy that your surgeon will use to plan your total knee replacement. This pre-operative plan is completely unique to you.

On the day of your knee replacement surgery, you will be given a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep throughout the procedure. In the operating room, your orthopaedic surgeon will remove your damaged knee joint, assisted by the Mako robotic arm. This ground-breaking surgical device helps your surgeon to remain within the boundaries set out in your pre-operative plan, ensuring more accurate placement and alignment of your knee implant.

After surgery, you will be encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible and you will be given exercises to strengthen your knee and get you back on your feet again.

Alongside all the usual advantages of knee replacement surgery – relief from pain, greater mobility, improved quality of life – Mako robotic arm-assisted procedures have additional benefits, as evidenced by many independent research studies. These include:

• Improved precision leading to better, more predictable outcomes.
• Less post-surgical pain according to six-month follow-up surveys among patients.
• Less damage to soft tissues during surgery and faster recovery times compared to conventional knee replacement surgery.
• Enhanced comfort levels due to precision positioning of prosthetic implants and higher reported patient satisfaction levels.
• Preservation of as much healthy bone and tissue as possible, which is an advantage if revision knee replacement surgery is ever needed.