Undergoing any kind of surgery can be nerve-wracking. Beforehand you are likely to have lots of questions and probably quite a few fears and anxieties, and afterwards, you may face a lengthy period of recovery and recuperation.
Being well-informed about the procedure you are considering can help to calm unnecessary fears and may help you formulate the questions you want to ask your surgeon at pre-surgical assessments. We encourage all our patients to find out as much as they can in advance, to read testimonials from other patients and to ask questions – even those that might seem a bit silly, because you can be sure that you’re not the only person who’s ever asked that.
In this article, we will introduce some of the basics of Mako Joint Replacement Surgery and provide links to further information sources so you can do your own research and get a good understanding of what Mako entails and what to expect. We list some of the questions and answers we often get asked and give you a few suggestions for asking questions of your own.
What is Mako Joint Replacement Surgery?
Mako Joint Replacement Surgery uses Mako SmartRobotics to improve patient outcomes and support orthopaedic surgeons both before, during and after surgery. It combines innovative computer software with robotic arm technology to provide:
- Pre-operative planning – Using a CT scan, the Mako system can create a 3D virtual model of each patient’s unique anatomy, showing areas of damage and areas of healthy bone and tissue, plus joint alignment. This enables the orthopaedic surgeon to develop a detailed pre-surgical plan, including the size and placement of the artificial implant.
- Robotic arm technology during surgery – The surgeon uses the robotic arm to cut away arthritic bone and cartilage from the joint. It features unique AccuStop haptic technology which creates a virtual boundary between healthy and damaged tissue, letting the surgeon know if this boundary is crossed. The result is far greater accuracy than with conventional manual cutting blocks.
- Data analytics post surgery – The system provides detailed data analytics for a range of performance indicators, including complications and readmissions, as well as capturing patient-reported outcomes. This enables surgeons to track patient progress and supports a process of ongoing improvement.
What are the pros and cons of Mako?
As a patient, one of the key benefits of undergoing a Mako Joint Replacement is that it reduces the amount of time you are on the operating table which supports faster recovery. Because Mako protects healthy tissue and bone it improves accuracy of alignment of the prosthetic implant, resulting in improved patient satisfaction scores according to six-month post-surgical surveys. Patient-reported pain scores are also lower compared to conventional joint replacement surgery.
As with any kind of surgery, there are potential risks. These include the risk of infection, pain, blood clots as well as problems with the implant itself, which may loosen or become infected or dislocated. However, the risks are no more significant with Mako than with conventional joint replacement surgery and the fact that the surgery is minimally invasive may actually reduce the risk of certain complications. Your surgeon will always discuss the risks and potential benefits of surgery with you beforehand so that you can make an informed choice.
What can I expect from Mako Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement?
You can expect the same level of care, skill and expertise as with conventional joint replacement surgery but with the added benefits of detailed pre-operative planning and the latest technological advances.
Using Mako doesn’t mean your surgery will be performed by the robotic arm, it simply means that the latest robotics and computer technology will help the surgeon to ensure the best possible outcomes for you as a patient.
What do patients think about it?
Review 1 April 2024
I am a 76 year old woman with numerous health problems. In February 2024 I had a hip replacement at Nuffield hospital Cambridge with Mr Carrothers. Two days before the operation the Mako CT scan revealed that I had pelvic fractures. After some discussion the operation went ahead. Mr Carrothers replaced my hip, applied bone grafts to my pelvis and corrected other damage to the whole area. The anaesthetist, Dr Mahroof, handled medication and a spinal block with amazing skill. Thank you Dr Mahroof. The operation has been transformative. My recovery has been more than I could ever have hoped for, out of pain and walking again. Mr Carrothers is an amazing surgeon who also has a caring and reassuring manner. I cannot thank him enough.
Take a look at our testimonials to see the overwhelmingly positive response to Mako joint replacement surgery from our patients, similar to the above review.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more about Mako Joint Replacement surgery at this page on our dedicated Mako Robotic Surgery webpage.
As Carrothers Orthopaedics are leading providers of this type of surgery, we also post regular articles on our blog – keep coming back to read about the latest guidance and medical advances in this area.
Also, visit our Patient Downloads page for our free Mako patient guides.
Mako has been created by Stryker so you may also want to look at its patient information which you can find here.
What questions should I ask my orthopaedic surgeon?
The fact is you can ask your orthopaedic surgeon about anything that concerns you or that you’d like to know more about.
Here are some guidelines to help you formulate your questions:
- What will happen before surgery? Do I need to stop taking any types of medication? How can I support myself to have the best possible surgical outcomes?
- What can I expect on the day of surgery? How long will the procedure take? What sort of anaesthetic will I have? Will I be able to go home?
- How long will it take to recover? When will I be able to drive again or get back to work? Will I need physiotherapy?
- What sort of things are worrying me – this might be to do with the procedure itself, the possible risk of complications, how you might cope at home after surgery or anything else.
Remember we are here to help so if you have any questions about Mako Joint Replacement Surgery or would like any more information do 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.
