Mako joint replacement surgery is now offered by many of the leading orthopaedic surgeons around the world, including Carrothers Orthopaedics. In this article we will explain what it is and why it is growing in popularity.
What is Mako joint replacement surgery?
Mako is a state-of-the-art system developed by Stryker to assist orthopaedic consultants in performing joint replacement surgery for damaged knees, hips and ankles. The Mako system consists of innovative computer software which allows the orthopaedic consultant to pre-plan the patient’s surgery based on their unique joint anatomy. During the surgery itself, Mako’s ground-breaking robotic arm guides the surgeon to follow this pre-operative plan so that only damaged tissue and bone is removed, leaving healthy tissue and bone intact.
How does it differ from conventional joint replacement surgery?
Both conventional joint replacement surgery and Mako joint replacements provide life-changing benefits for patients experiencing severe pain due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The primary difference is that the Mako system allows the surgeon to create a detailed pre-operative plan based on a 3D virtual image of the joint created from a CT scan. This ensures that the surgeon knows precisely which areas of bone and tissue to remove and which to leave intact. They can also plan the positioning of the prosthetic implant with absolute accuracy, which helps to deliver better results and improved performance in the long-term.
During the surgery itself, Mako’s state-of-the-art robotic arm guides the orthopaedic surgeon to remain within the boundaries of this personalised plan. The robotic arm does not perform the surgery itself but helps to enhance the surgeon’s skill and achieve pinpoint precision, which helps to deliver the best possible outcomes.
What are the advantages of having a Mako joint replacement?
More than 300 peer-reviewed studies have looked at the impact of Mako on joint replacements. There are several important benefits:
- Greater precision – Because the system creates a detailed 3D virtual model of the patient’s individual joint anatomy, it allows orthopaedic surgeons to achieve unparalleled levels of accuracy and precision. This leads to better and more predictable outcomes as well as improved comfort levels for the patient. If a revision joint replacement is needed in the future, the more natural bone and tissue remains intact the better.
- Faster recovery – Patients spend less time on the operating table and there is less damage to soft tissues during surgery. This generally leads to faster recovery times compared to conventional joint replacement surgery.
- Increased patient satisfaction – Patient surveys reveal lower levels of pain in the six months after surgery and patient satisfaction scores also tend to be higher.
Are there any risks?
All types of surgery carry risks and Mako joint replacements are no exception. Although the possibility of complications is low, nevertheless, there can be a risk of the implant becoming infected or loosening.
The risks associated with Mako surgery are no different to those linked to conventional joint replacements, however, and, in fact, less time spent on the operating table and faster recovery times may contribute to fewer complications. Your orthopaedic consultant will discuss any risks with you in detail prior to your procedure.
What types of Mako joint replacements does Carrothers Orthopaedics offer?
Andrew Carrothers offers the following Mako joint replacements:
Mako is offered in addition to conventional joint replacement surgery, allowing patients to choose whichever procedure they prefer.
Andrew Carrothers is happy to explain the pros and cons of each approach to enable people to make a fully informed choice.
Mako statistics
The first Mako procedure was performed in June 2006. By the second quarter of 2022:
- More than 1500 Mako systems were installed across 34 countries around the world.
- Over 850,000 Mako procedures had been performed.
- Mako had been the subject of more than 300 published peer-reviewed studies.
- There were 90 million data points within Mako Insightful Data Analytics.
Understanding key terms
- Mako robotic arm-assisted joint replacement – Joint replacement surgery carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon using the Mako robotic arm as a guide.
- 3D virtual scan – A CT scan of the affected joint which the Mako system uses to create a 3D virtual scan of the patient’s unique anatomy.
- Pre-operative plan – The surgical plan created using the Mako system, which details precisely which areas of damaged bone and tissue will be removed and which will remain intact.
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.
