Conditions & Treatments

Mako Robotic Assisted Hip and Knee Surgery

Grossmont Orthopaedics is pleased to offer robotic assisted knee and hip replacement for patients with degenerative joint disease of the knee or hip that causes significant pain and limits function. Mako Robotic Assisted Surgery is a state-of-the-art solution for total and partial knee replacement and total hip replacement surgery. This technology assists your surgeon in creating a personalized surgical plan for you and aids your Grossmont orthopedic surgeon in performing your joint replacement surgery.

Hip and knee joint replacement surgeries can restore mobility, independence and help you get your life back. Robotic assisted hip and knee joint replacements provide superior precision that cannot be achieved when done manually. This precision improves the accuracy of joint implants which delivers the ability to walk naturally and comfortably.

Importantly this is robotic-assisted surgery. The robot does not do your surgery. Your Grossmont Orthopedic surgeon performs the surgery using the Mako system to improve the accuracy and success of your joint replacement surgery.

Who could benefit from knee or hip replacement surgery?

Millions of Americans suffer with severe pain and stiffness due to degenerative joint disease. Degenerative joint disease includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis and hip dysplasia.

When conservative treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief, these patients would benefit from a Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement.

  • Patients who could benefit from a partial knee replacement have early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that causes significant pain, stiffness and possibly deformity that has not progressed to all knee compartments. Partial knee replacements are most appropriate for younger active patients.
  • Patients with severe arthritis in all three knee compartments who suffer with pain, stiffness and deformity could benefit from a total knee replacement.
  • Patients with severe arthritis of the hip joint are candidates for hip joint replacement. One of the greatest challenges to successful hip replacement surgery is assuring that leg length on the operated side is matched to the other leg. Studies report that Mako robotic assisted surgery is five times better at matching leg length compared to conventional joint replacement.

How does Mako robotic assisted joint replacement work?

Before Surgery:

A digital CT scan will be taken and uploaded to the Mako technology. Mako software generates a 3D model of your unique anatomy based on that CT scan of your hip or knee joint. This permits your surgeon to evaluate your bone structure, disease severity, joint alignment and the surrounding bone and soft tissues to determine the optimal size, placement and alignment of your implant.

Surgery:

During surgery your surgeon manually operates the Mako robotic arm to prepare the bone for implants. They precisely shape the bones within the pre-defined limits established in your personalized plan.  After preparation, the surgeon guides the robotic arm to place the implant based on the desired placement defined in the surgical plan.

After placement of the implants, the surgeon assesses range of motion. Mako provides real time data that allows your surgeon to assess movement and tension on your new joint and adjust the surgical plan as needed. Placement of the implants in the most natural position provides for the most natural movement and feeling, and the best chance for long-term survival of the implant.

What are the benefits of robotic assisted joint replacement?

  • Personalized planning based on the 3D model provides advanced accuracy in placement and alignment of hip and knee implants. Accurately aligned implants reduce pain after surgery.
  • Better fitting implants improve long-term function and reduce wear.
  • The precision improves safety, preserves more healthy bone, protects and preserves soft tissues and ligaments, and reduces complication rates.
  • Provides for faster recovery. Fewer days in the hospital than with traditional procedures.
  • Provides for a more successful replacement that is more like your natural hip or knee.

The use of Mako improves the accuracy and functional outcomes of your surgery. For superior outcomes, contact Grossmont Orthopaedics, voted the best orthopaedic surgeons in San Diego by San Diego Magazine.  Schedule a consultation and learn more about Mako Robotic Assisted joint replacement and how joint replacement surgery can help you get back to the life you love.