As more and more patients hear about the benefits of Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery for joint replacements, orthopaedic surgeon, Andrew Carrothers, is increasingly being asked about the concepts of this surgery. Many people want to know what Mako is and whether it’s suitable for them. This article explains who might be offered Mako surgery and explains the difference between this approach and conventional joint replacement surgery.
What is Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery?
Mako is an innovative approach to joint replacement surgery. It uses the latest robotic technology to support and enhance the skills of the orthopaedic surgeon. The Mako system is used both to plan the surgery and to support the surgeon during the procedure itself.
Who can have Mako surgery?
Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery is used in joint replacement procedures, including hip and knee replacements (total and partial). Patients are only offered joint replacement surgery if they have severely damaged joints and are experiencing high levels of pain, stiffness and loss of function. This may be caused by a traumatic injury such as a serious fracture, or by a degenerative disease such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis or avascular necrosis.
It is normal for your doctor to suggest less invasive procedures, such as pain-relieving injections, physiotherapy and knee-bracing, before suggesting a joint replacement. This is because all surgery, no matter how routine, carries risk. In addition, prosthetic implants do not last indefinitely so the longer surgery can be delayed in a sensible fashion, the lower the chances of needing to have further surgery in the future. If you have been offered a joint replacement, it is likely that you are suitable for Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery, but your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your individual circumstances and help you to make the decision that is right for you.
Related Reading > Risks and Rewards of Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Hip and Knee Surgery
What happens during a Mako procedure?
There are two parts to a Mako procedure – the planning stage and the surgery itself. During the planning stage, the patient has a CT scan, which is used to create an accurate 3D model of their unique joint anatomy. The Mako system, in conjunction with the surgeon, then creates a personalised surgical plan, detailing with pinpoint precision the areas of damaged joint that need to be removed and the ‘patient specific implantation’ positioning of the implant.
In the operating room, the orthopaedic surgeon uses the Mako robotic arm to assist with the surgical procedure. It guides the surgeon to remain within the pre-defined area as they are preparing the bone to receive the implant. Although the surgeon is free to make adjustments if they need to, the additional guidance provided by the Mako robotic arm helps them to stay within the pre-defined surgical plan boundaries.
The Mako approach differs from conventional joint replacement surgery which relies on the surgeon’s skill and judgment alone. However, both approaches can provide long-term relief from pain and improved quality of life for patients experiencing severe joint pain.
When was Mako introduced?
Mako has been around since 2006. It was developed by Stryker to assist orthopaedic surgeons in performing joint replacement surgery with greater accuracy and precision than ever before.
The phenomenal worldwide success of Mako means that 13,000 patients every month now undergo Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery. Stryker has installed more than 1000 Mako systems globally and the system has been featured in over 200 peer-reviewed studies.
What are the benefits of Mako?
Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated excellent outcomes for Mako robotic arm-assisted joint replacements. The system is designed to improve accuracy by ensuring that only damaged tissue is removed. The helps to protect healthy soft tissues and ligaments and retain as much of the natural joint as possible.
In a clinical study, Mako patients surveyed after six months reported lower pain scores than those who received a conventional joint replacement. Another clinical study showed Mako patients surveyed after six months reported better satisfaction scores compared to those who received a conventional joint replacement. Mako surgery is often minimally-invasive, so patients spend less time on the operating table and typically recover faster.
How can I prepare for a Mako joint replacement?
If you are due to undergo joint replacement surgery – whether Mako or conventional – there are things that you can do in advance to improve your surgical outcomes. By taking a proactive approach to your own health, you are likely to feel better physically and mentally as you wait for your surgery. We recommend maintaining a healthy body weight and, if necessary, losing any extra pounds you might be carrying.
Exercising not only helps to support any weight-loss goals but it also helps to keep your joints supple and reduce stiffness and pain. Low impact exercise like walking or swimming is ideal.
If you smoke, giving up before your surgery can make a big difference and may reduce the risk of post-surgical complications by as much as 52%. Eating a healthy balanced diet and getting support for any chronic health conditions (such as diabetes or COPD) can also have a positive impact on your surgical outcomes.
Talk to an orthopaedic consultant | Cambridge
If you are due to undergo joint replacement surgery and would like to discuss whether you are suitable for a Mako procedure, contact us for more information. We have appointments available with Andrew Carrothers to discuss your personal circumstances and health outcomes.
Our consultation fees are clearly presented here.
For your convenience, we offer appointments at both Nuffield Hospital Cambridge and Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital
