MAKOplasty Joint Resurfacing and Replacement

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that affects the joint cartilage and the underlying bone.

It is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and it’s estimated that nearly one in two people may develop symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.

Most commonly, osteoarthritis impacts those who are middle-aged or older and can cause pain and stiffness, preventing you from enjoying everyday activities.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, you may be a candidate for MAKOplasty® (Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology) surgery. This surgery is available for those who have early to mid-stage osteoarthritis.

What is MAKOplasty / Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology?

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology surgery uses a robotic arm assisted to perform full hip replacement or partial knee resurfacing, in addition to joint resurfacing. The Mako Robotic-Arm is supported by the RIO (Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System), and was designed to help patients who suffer from degenerative joint diseases. This procedure enables surgeons to reach a new level of precision using the latest technology. The RIO robotic arm provides surgeons with a 3-D model to help prepare them for the upcoming surgery, and enables them to plan the placement of the knee or hip implants prior to surgery.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology Procedure

The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted procedure begins before surgery even starts. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology customizes the procedure based on the patient’s unique anatomy. Before surgery, a CT scan is taken of the knee or hip, the images are then converted into a 3D model that allows the surgeon to plan the placement and alignment of the implant prior to surgery.

“During surgery, the robotic arm helps to provide visual, auditory, and tactile control that helps ensure the precision and outcome of your surgery,” says Dr. Todd Borus.

For knee resurfacing or Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Replacement, the RIO robotic arm helps to create a safety zone that will prevent the surgeon from taking off too much bone. For hip replacement or Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Replacement, the system is designed to assist the surgeon in preparing the joints and placing them with accuracy. 

Benefits of Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology 

This procedure results in a more accurate surgery, with typically better results.

For total hip replacement surgery, Mako cup positioning is more accurate than manual surgery and reduces the risk of dislocation, loosening, and impingement.

For partial knee replacement or Mako Partial Knee Replacement, the Mako partial knee implant failure rate at two years is nine times lower than that of manual surgery, and patients report less pain in the first eight weeks after surgery. Mako results in a more natural feeling knee than total knee replacement does.

Patients who have had a Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted surgery also have an increased post-operative range of motion after surgery.

Who Can Benefit From Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology?

Those who suffer from osteoarthritis that has not progressed to the advanced stages may be able to benefit from a Mako procedure. If you have already sought out non-surgical options to no avail then mako surgery might be for you. Mako surgery is a treatment that’s available to those with early to mid-stages of osteoarthritis of the knee that has not progressed to all three compartments of the knee. If you have pain while performing everyday activities, swelling in one or both knees, or joint stiffness then you should talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for Mako.

Your knees, hips and other joints are unique only to you. There are no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to performing joint surgery. Mako surgery is designed to help give surgeons an exact idea on how to perform a surgery that will be unique to your joints. Giving you a better outcome –both now and for the long term.

At Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, we were one of the first orthopedic groups in the Pacific Northwest to perform Mako Partial Knee Replacement (formerly knows as MAKOplasty partial knee resurfacing), as an alternative to traditional forms of total joint replacement. To date, Rebound surgeons and  Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology experts, Dr. Todd Borus, Dr. M. Robson Fraser, and Dr. Heather Roberts, have performed the most Mako procedures in Vancouver, Portland, Lake Oswego, and the surrounding areas. For more information on Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology, or to see if you are a candidate call 1-800-REBOUND or use our online booking form to schedule an appointment.