Compromising on the size, shape or positioning of a joint replacement implant can lead to complications for patients and slower recovery times. Find out here how MAKO Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery can make a difference when it comes to hip replacements.
You are unique
Your anatomy, your joints and the way you move are unique to you. But, traditionally implants only come in standard sizes.
Surgeons have to compromise on the size and fit of the prosthetics, choosing the implant that most closely matches your natural hip joint. And this is where problems can arise because if an implant does not fit perfectly it can lead to ongoing pain and mobility issues.
In some cases, people need revision surgery to replace an implant that has become loose or dislocated, that is infected or that has developed problems. This type of surgery is more complex than conventional hip replacement surgery because less of the healthy bone and tissue remains for the surgeon to work with.
Many orthopaedic surgeons are now turning to MAKO Robotic Arm Assisted joint replacement surgery to overcome these problems and improve the success of hip replacement surgery.
MAKO Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery is a highly accurate way of positioning the hip implant, using a detailed 3D model of your actual hip joint taken during a CT scan. This reduces the risk of dislocation or loosening. The system also uses a robotic arm to assist with surgery.
How MAKO Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery works
A CT scan of your hip joint is taken prior to surgery and used to generate a 3D virtual model of your exact anatomy. The MAKO system software then uses this information to create a personalised pre-operative plan.
Before you are in the operating theatre, the surgeon will plan with pinpoint accuracy the size and placement of the implant to ensure maximum hip stability.
During surgery, the robotic arm will be used to position the hip implant. It facilitates controlled and highly accurate preparation of the hip socket, removing only arthritic bone and cartilage thanks to a virtual boundary that prevents the surgeon from inadvertently removing healthy bone and tissue.
The result is a more accurately positioned implant with as much of your natural bone and tissue remaining as possible.
Read more about MAKO Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery for the hip and knee:
How MAKO is Transforming Total Hip Replacements
Precision Placement of Partial Knee Replacements
MAKO technology helping treat osteoarthritis of knee
NEXT MONTH: Read about Pros and Cons of Robotic Assisted Surgery
