MAKOplasty: Robotic Surgery
By Tim Wall MS/ATC
JOI Has Performed Over 700 Robotic Surgical Procedures
JOI prides itself in being on the cutting edge of medical procedures. For years now, JOI has provided MAKOplasty for Partial Knee Replacement and Hip Resurfacing. With over 600 procedures performed, JOI offers the most experience in robotic surgery within the Northeast Florida region.
View the following video below to learn more
As technology advances, so does JOI! JOI is proud to announce that we will now offer Robotic Surgery for Total Knee Replacements. While MAKOplasty has been available for only partial knee replacements, it has just recently become available at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute as a method for total knee replacement. JOI is excited to be on the cutting edge of this medical advancement; and even more thrilled to be able to offer this new procedure to its patients.
What is Makoplasty?
Image of MAKOplasty Total Knee Robot.
Technology is transforming joint replacement surgeries. Robotic surgery offers a minimally invasive and highly precise alternative for those with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. MAKOplasty offers robotic-arm assisted technology that helps surgeons provide patients with a personalized surgical experience. It’s important to note, that the robotic arm doesn’t actually perform the surgery, rather assists the orthopedic surgeon. Your orthopedic surgeon guides the robotic-arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage. This technology helps surgeons provide patients with a personalized, minimally invasive surgical experience specific to patient diagnosis and anatomy.
Difference between Partial Knee and Total Robotic Joint Replacements
What is the difference between a Partial Knee and Total Knee Replacement? When considering this question, we like to first look at the anatomy of the knee. Orthopedic surgeons like to think about the knee joint as having three compartments:
- Medial compartment (inside the knee).
- Lateral compartment (outside the knee).
- Patellofemoral compartment (in front of the knee).
Image of Mako Total Knee 3D planning
Next your doctor will assess degeneration. The most common area for degeneration is the medial compartment. Although the arthritic process typically starts in one compartment, with time it may progress to the other compartments. As the knee degenerates, the smooth cartilage that lines the knee joint deteriorates. This cartilage helps remove friction, distributes the joint forces uniformly and helps cushion the forces by acting like a shock absorber. Unfortunately, this cartilage is one part of the body that cannot repair and regenerate itself.
Partial Knee Replacement
With a partial knee replacement, only one compartment of the knee is affected. This procedure allows preservation of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.
MAKOplasty: Robot-Assisted Partial Knee Resurfacing was the newest option for knee patients with knee pain. In partnership with Baptist Health, Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute provides a minimally-invasive Partial Knee Resurfacing, called MAKOplasty. JOI surgeons have performed more of these surgical procedures than any other provider in the region.
How does it work?
The surgeon uses a highly-advanced robotic arm system to precisely remove and repair only the damaged portion of the knee. In other words, a small implant is positioned in the knee while preserving healthy bone, tissue and cartilage while alleviating knee pain and restoring natural function. Recovery time is about six weeks-half the time of a total knee replacement.
Total Knee Replacement
In comparison, with a total knee replacement, all three compartments of the knee are affected. With this procedure, the ligaments are removed.
What are the Benefits of Robotic Knee Resurfacing?
- Accelerated recovery, and a shorter hospital stay.
- Smaller incision (less scarring).
- Better knee function and range of motion.
- A more natural-feeling knee.
Physical Therapy for Robotic Surgery
The JOI Rehab clinicians work closely with our experienced surgeons to develop specific protocols for physical therapy. JOI rehab clinicians have the most experience in providing physical therapy for robotic knee and hip patients. Our goal is to get you back to the activities that you love. To schedule for physical therapy at any of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.
JOI and JOI Rehab
JOI Physicians 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.
Image of Book An Appointment with a JOI Physician.
Related Articles: Robotic Spine Surgery at JOI and Robotic Hip Replacement.