Mako Partial Knee

By Ehren Allen, Certified Manual Therapist/Physical Therapist

WW MAKO Technology

This technology allows patients to have a unique surgical procedure that is specific to their anatomy. This means that patients can be spared the destruction of good and healthy bone and tissue. In this surgery, we only replace areas with heavy arthritis and joint degeneration. This is achieved through the creation of a 3D virtual model of one’s knee.  This is loaded into the MAKO system to create a specific operative plan and choice of implant

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Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

The MAKO Partial Knee is performed with a robotic-assisted arm which is guided by the orthopaedic surgeon. The newly developed tactile guidance system allows the surgeon to do the replacement through a small 2-3 inch incision. The MAKO system also allows for adjustments to be made while in surgery if needed. While the diseased bone is being removed, the system will prevent the surgeon from going outside pre-determined boundaries to avoid the destruction of healthy bone and tissue. This also helps with proper alignment and accurate placement of the implant.

Benefits of the MAKO Partial Knee

The benefits to MAKO Partial Knee:

• Shorter hospital stays about 24 hours.
• Minimal blood loss.
• Quicker and easier rehabilitation.
• Smaller two to three-inch scar vs. eight-inch or larger for total knee replacement.
• Faster return to an active lifestyle.
• The surgery lasts about one hour.
• Back to driving within about two weeks.

Common Symptoms of Candidates

• Pain with walking short distances
• Pain when standing for periods of time
• Noticeable swelling in the knee
• Knee giving out or locking during normal activity
• Minimal response or relief from nonsurgical treatment: rest, physical therapy, weight loss, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication

These symptoms are often the cause of osteoarthritis in the joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease that causes a breakdown of cartilage found on joints. This breakdown in healthy joints removes the buffer between bones in the joint which causes pain during normal activity. This can ultimately lead to loss of motion, severe pain, and malalignment of the knee joint.

How long will the implant last?

The implant put in during a MAKO Partial Knee has a different shelf life per patient situation. The following impacts the longevity of the implant:

• Weight of patient
• Activity level
• Quality of bone stock
• Proper alignment of the implant
• Compliance with orders of Doctor

What will therapy be like?

A MAKO Partial Knee minimally invasive and shortens recovery time.  Strengthening exercises and stretches will increase activity and function. Full weight bearing on the surgical lower extremity is often not a problem.  Functional exercises can begin sooner.

Robotic Knee Replacement Physical Therapy Program

Our physical therapists have worked with our team of Orthopedic Knee Surgeons to develop post-operative rehab programs for robotic surgery.  We have specific physical therapy protocols for a partial or total knee replacement.  JOI and JOI Rehab have the most experienced robotic specialists to provide you with the best possible outcome.   We have performed the most robotic knee and hip procedures in the North Florida Region.

JOI and JOI Rehab

Physicians from JOI continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.