Carrothers Orthopaedics is seeing a steady increase in the number of patients opting for Mako robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery. One of the most obvious reasons for this is that more people have now heard of Mako joint replacement surgery and the idea of using robotic arm technology no longer seems futuristic or strange.
Patients may have read about the procedure – sometimes in an article like this one or known someone who has had it – and often they have questions about their suitability or whether it’s an option.
Another factor is the weight of evidence showing the benefits of Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery when compared to conventional joint replacement surgery. In both cases, of course, surgical techniques and technologies are advancing all the time and patients with severe joint pain experience excellent outcomes. However, Mako has shown a number of key advantages which are increasingly making it the preferred option among patients who are offered the choice.
Here is a reminder of some of the key features and benefits of Mako robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery…
Who can have a Mako joint replacement?
As with any kind of joint replacement surgery, Mako is only offered to people with severe joint pain due to a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis or avascular necrosis.
Alternatively, you may have sustained a serious fracture during some kind of accident or fall. Prior to joint replacement surgery, patients with a degenerative disease will normally be offered less invasive treatments like physiotherapy, pain-relieving injections or key-hole joint surgery (arthroscopy). However, in time such treatments will probably no longer provide sufficient pain relief and your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend joint replacement surgery.
What are the advantages of Mako?
Not every surgeon has access to Mako robotic arm technology but for those that do, there are some demonstrable benefits when compared to conventional surgical techniques. There are two parts to the Mako procedure – the planning phase and the surgery itself. Mako technology includes advanced computer software which allows the surgeon to produce a detailed 3D image of your unique joint anatomy using a CT scan. They then use this to create a personalised surgical plan, detailing with pinpoint precision areas of joint damage so they can identify which parts need to be cut away and which sections of the joint and patients bone that can be retained. They can also plan the precise positioning of the prosthetic implant.
During surgery, further joint balancing soft tissue anatomy is considered then the Mako robotic arm supports the surgeon by guiding them to remain within the pre-defined areas identified in the pre-operative plan, while allowing them to make minor adjustments if circumstances require. This means they can perform the operation with complete accuracy using an unparalleled mix of surgical skill and expertise combined with leading edge robotic technology. Mako surgery uses minimally-invasive techniques which means patients typically recover quicker and with a lower risk of complications.
The creation of a detailed pre-surgical plan helps to ensure that the surgeon cuts away only damaged tissue, while healthy bone, soft tissues and ligaments are retained. This increased accuracy is an important advantage if revision joint surgery is needed at a future date, because the more of the patient’s natural bone that has been retained, the better the outcomes. Clinical studies have repeatedly shown that patients who undergo Mako surgery have lower pain scores than those who receive a conventional joint replacement when surveyed after six months. Satisfaction levels also tend to be higher.
How to choose
If you are experiencing severe joint pain, your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the range of treatment options available to you. One of these may be joint replacement surgery. Unfortunately, Mako has very limited availability on the NHS but if you have private health insurance or are self-funding, talk to your surgeon about it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express your preferences. Ask your surgeon to explain the pros and cons of Mako compared to conventional surgery.
Mako may be particularly beneficial if you are concerned about making a fast recovery from surgery or minimising your risk of complications, for example. It’s important to remember that whichever approach you opt for, your surgeon will have the same high levels of surgical skill and expertise and that joint replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help to relieve pain and allow you to enjoy many more years of mobility.
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.
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For your convenience, we offer appointments at both Nuffield Hospital Cambridge and Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.
