If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll know we are passionate advocates of Mako robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery.
Andrew Carrothers has performed more than 930 Mako procedures so far and we are encouraged to see the number of patients specifically requesting Mako is rising year on year. So, why is Mako so popular and what do you need to know if you’re a patient waiting for a joint replacement?
What is Mako?
Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery was developed by Stryker to improve outcomes for patients undergoing hip and knee replacements. The Mako SmartRobotics system comprises state-of-the-art robotic technology to support the skill of orthopaedic surgeons on the operating table, combined with unique computer software used in pre-operative planning.
How Does Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery Benefit Patients?
In joint replacement surgery, accuracy is crucial. Even a fractional misalignment of the prosthetic implant can affect overall performance and wear. Mako SmartRobotics uses CT scans to create a 3D virtual model of the patient’s joint prior to surgery. This provides an accurate picture of the patient’s unique joint alignment and highlights which areas of bone are damaged and so need to be removed, and which can be left intact. It also enables the surgeon to identify the correct size and placement of the prosthetic implant. Thanks to such in-depth pre-operative planning, patients spend less time on the operating table which helps to support faster recovery times after surgery. There’s also a reduced risk of blood loss and complications.
What Our Patients Say About Mako
The independent review site, Iwantgreatcare.org, is a great place to check out how patients really feel about the treatment they’ve received. Andrew Carrothers has nearly 700 five-star reviews, many of which specifically mention Mako. Here are some of the benefits that patients talk about in their comments…
Quality of Life
On 2 May 2025, a private patient at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital wrote:
“I had a robotic assisted total knee replacement and the results are fantastic. Thank you! Most importantly, I was able to have the surgery with a far more reasonable target for BMI than I had been given elsewhere. With an achievable target, I was inspired to actually lose weight. And now with the pain and mobility issues that prevented me from feeling inspired to do so all gone – I am continuing to lose weight, and most importantly enjoying a mobile and pain-free life!!! Thank you so much Mr Carrothers!!!!”
Another private patient, this time at Nuffield Hospital Cambridge, also commented on how much their quality of life has improved. On 1 December 2024, they wrote:
“Mr Carrothers performed total left hip replacement surgery on me 9 months ago. It could not have gone better. I was more or less fully recovered 3 months after surgery. I am now fully recovered and have been so for many months. I have full mobility, have full use of my left leg, experience no pain, and am happy to get my life back. I am aged 68. I sail, swim and am an active person. I am grateful to be able to return to my sporting activities without loss of mobility.”
Rapid Recovery
A private patient at Nuffield Hospital Cambridge, who underwent a Mako knee replacement, wrote on 24 April 2025
“I travelled all the way from Yorkshire to have the surgery done by Mr Carrothers. I am a keen cyclist and my main objective was to be able to cycle again, and I am pleased to say that I achieved this after just 4 months.”
Another patient at the same hospital wrote on 8 January 2025:
“At 60, I had a robot-assisted total hip replacement on my left side, the damage caused by a birth defect. Andrew Carrothers is amazing, I hobbled in and 24 hours later I was up and on crutches. After 2 physio appointments I was signed off and told to continue my exercises, after 4 weeks I walked unaided into Andrew Carrothers’ consulting rooms.”
A few months earlier, on 22 October 2024, another private patient at Nuffield Cambridge wrote:
“I am 76 years old. 7 weeks post op after a full knee replacement done by Andrew with Robotics. I am now walking with a straight leg, without any crutches or sticks, driving, and doing gym work. I hope to be back on my road bike next month and back on skis by next Easter.”
Less Pain
One of the benefits of Mako surgery is that patients tend to experience lower pain levels. On 30 April 2025, a private patient at Nuffield Hospital Cambridge wrote:
“I have had a Mako hip and a total knee replacement performed by Andrew Carrothers and in both cases, I experienced no post-operative pain whatsoever.”
On 5 December 2024, a private patient at the same hospital wrote:
“I had a Mako total knee replacement at The Nuffield Hospital in Cambridge on the 22nd October under the care of Mr Andrew Carrothers. I didn’t know what to expect but was warned that it was a big operation and I would be likely to be in pain for six weeks. I have to say, I have been amazed by my recovery. The pain has not been significant, even in the first few days. I was back working after two weeks and have been walking each day on top of the prescribed physio. It is now six weeks post op and I am back walking my dogs across the fields with no pain or discomfort.”
Find out more about Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery here >
If you are due to undergo joint replacement surgery and would like more information about the benefits of Mako, please contact us.
Talk to an orthopaedic consultant | Cambridge
We are always happy to provide information and guidance about the various treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, including Mako robotic arm assisted surgery and conventional surgery.
For more information, please contact us.
Our consultation fees are clearly presented here.
For your convenience, we offer appointments at both Nuffield Hospital Cambridge and Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.
