Total Knee Replacement with Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from pain caused by arthritis or an injury to the knee, and you haven’t experienced adequate relief with conservative treatment options, Mako SmartRobotics™ may be right for you. Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons to discuss which knee replacement procedure would be best option for you.

Is Mako SmartRobotics™ an option for me?

Mako Total Knee is for: 

  • People with severe knee pain or stiffness resulting from noninflammatory degenerative joint disease (including osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis and avascular necrosis), rheumatoid arthritis or post- traumatic arthritis
  • Those who haven’t experienced adequate relief with conservative treatment options, like bracing, medication or joint fluid supplements

How does Mako Technology work?

Personalized Surgical Plan

Before your surgery, your doctor will take a CT scan of your knee joint, which develops a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy. This model helps your doctor see things they can’t typically see with an X-ray alone. The information provided by Mako helps your surgeon determine the desired size, placement and positioning of your implant. Throughout the procedure, Mako SmartRobotics™ provides real-time data to the surgeon so they can continuously assess the movement and tension of your new joint and adjust your surgical plan if needed.

Arthritic Bone Removal

Mako bone preparation
Bone Preparation

In the operating room, your surgeon guides Mako’s robotic arm to remove arthritic bone and cartilage from the knee. AccuStop™ technology provides tactile resistance to help your surgeon stay within the boundaries defined in your surgical plan and precisely cut what’s planned for you, which could protect your healthy bone.

Implant Placement and Range-of-motion Assessment

With the removal of the diseased bone, your implant is placed into the knee joint. Once your implant is successfully placed, it’s off to the recovery room to begin the journey towards strengthening your new joint.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs are not a substitute for medical advice from your own doctor. Make sure to discuss all questions and concerns with your doctor to see if Mako SmartRobotics™ is right for you.

How long has Mako Technology been available?

The first Mako procedure was performed in 2006. Since that time, more than 400,000 Mako Total Knee, Mako Partial Knee and Mako Total Hip procedures have been performed.

How long will I be in the hospital?

All patients are different. Clinical studies have shown that patients who had a Mako Total Knee procedure spent significantly less time in the hospital compared to those who had a conventional knee replacement.

When can I get back to normal activities?

Most people who undergo knee replacement surgery and participate in a physical therapy regimen prescribed by their doctor return to their day-to-day activities, like driving, in four to six weeks, but everyone is different. Your doctor will help determine a plan best suited for your recovery and your lifestyle.

What activities will I be able to do after surgery?

In a few weeks, your doctor may allow you to pick back up with lower-impact activities like hiking, walking, cycling and golfing. Speak to your doctor about which activities are appropriate for you.

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