What is MAKOplasty?
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What exactly is Makoplasty? MAKOplasty is a robotic surgical procedure approved by the FDA that uses an RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System to help relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis by performing a partial knee replacement. It is a less invasive and highly successful knee replacement procedure.
A 2-3 inch incision is used as opposed to the 8+ inch incision used during a traditional total knee replacement (TKA) surgery. In a robotic surgery, they use 3D computer imaging based on a CT scan to assist the surgeon determine optimal implant size, position, and alignment for each individual patient.
During the procedure, the robotic arm provides visual, auditory, and tactile control to help the surgeon map out the areas of bone they want to remove and assure they only cut away the bone planned to be resected prior to surgery.
What is Makoplasty or Robotic Surgery?
What are the benefits of Robotic Surgery?
The Mako robotic partial knee replacement will only remove the diseased portion of your knee which leaves the healthy bone and tissue surrounding it untouched. This will lead to faster recovery times and a better experience post-operatively. Furthermore, the procedure is said to take the guesswork out of surgery thus resulting in accurate and reproducible results.
As compared to a total knee replacement, the MAKOplasty is said to have a more precise implant placement, quicker recovery time, and a shorter hospital stay or is performed outpatient, minimal blood loss, a smaller scar, a more natural feeling post-operatively, and the patient can return to normal activity within a few weeks.
Who is a candidate for MAKOplasty?
The ideal candidates for this procedure are patients with early to mid-stage OA in the medial, patellofemoral, or lateral compartments of the knee. It is important to see a physician so they can complete a medical examination. You should go see your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Pain during everyday activities such as walking or standing.
- Swelling and stiffness of the knee.
- Knee locking or giving out during activity.
- Difficulty doing normal everyday activities.
MAKOplasty and Physical Therapy
Following this procedure, you will have to perform Physical Therapy to make sure the knee regains full function. You will focus on restoring the range of motion within the first few weeks as well as making sure the quadriceps muscle is firing appropriately.
Goals of therapy will include ambulating without the assistance of a cane or walker, being able to stand up without assistance of the arms, and going up and down stairs normally. The goal following surgery is to be able to return to work after 6 weeks which is a much shorter recovery time as compared to a TKA.
Although you will return back to normal daily and household activities without limitations within about 6 weeks there are still limitations for high impact activities. Normally physicians make the patient wait 6 months before returning to activities such as tennis and skiing.
Your physical therapist will make sure to direct your treatment towards your specific functional goals to optimize your recovery and return you back to your prior level of function.
JOI offers MAKOplasty
JOI proudly offers MAKOplasty as a surgical alternative. We offer robotic surgery for partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, and hip resurfacing. Learn more by clicking the link below:
Makoplasty robotic total knee replacement
For more details, view this VIDEO.
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
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