MAKO robotic-assisted knee replacement

MAKO is a robotic-arm system that helps the surgeon plan and carry out a knee replacement with a high degree of precision. It’s available for both partial and total knee replacement.

How it works

• Before surgery, a CT scan of your knee is used to build a 3D model
• I use the model to plan the size and position of the implant for your anatomy
• During the operation, I assess the knee’s ligaments and fine-tune the plan
• The robotic arm guides bone preparation within the planned boundaries, helping protect surrounding soft tissues

I perform the operation throughout. The robotic arm does not operate on its own; it guides and constrains the instruments I use.

Potential benefits

Studies show robotic assistance improves the accuracy of implant positioning. Some studies also report less early pain and a quicker initial recovery. Others report the same outcome at 12 months when compared to traditional instrumentation. 

Whether the advantages of robotic assisted surgery translate into longer-lasting implants is still being studied. I will give you a balanced view at the time of the consultation.

Who is suitable?

Most people who want a partial or total knee replacement are suitable. Some insurers cover it and some don’t; you will need to check with your insurer.

Recovery

Recovery follows the same pathway as a partial or total knee replacement. Most people walk on the same day as surgery or the next day.

Risks

The risks are the same as for conventional knee replacement: infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain and loosening. There is an additional small risk from the pins used to attach the tracking arrays with regards to infection and fracture.