Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint called an implant. Made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics, the implant is designed to move like a healthy human joint, restoring fit and function to get you back to doing what you do best.
The Mako® robotic arm is changing the way hip replacements are performed at The Meriden Hospital. Mako® SmartRobotics™ transforms how joint replacement procedures are performed by integrating 3D CT-based planning software and AccuStop™ haptic technology. It's a tried and tested solution that has been helping joint pain sufferers for more than a decade.
To further enhance our centre of excellence in joint replacement surgery, this pioneering Mako® robotic arm system is an advancement in the way orthopaedic surgeons perform hip replacements. The technology comprises a surgical planning and navigation system combined with a robotic arm that is guided by our skilled surgeons.
It allows our surgeons to be more precise and personalised in preoperative planning, enabling the surgeon to undertake surgery with a high level of accuracy and predictability. This creates a clear and bespoke strategy for the individual anatomy. During the procedure, this detailed plan is used to ensure the accurate removal of damaged bone and cartilage as well as precise positioning of the implant.
Mako® SmartRobotics™ for total hip has been associated with more accurate placement and alignment of hip implants, less likelihood of hip dislocation, reduced blood loss, replication of the feeling of a natural hip, and preservation of healthy bone in comparison to manual techniques.
This approach could give you improved function and a more natural feeling in your new hip. It could also mean less pain for you after your procedure and an improved recovery time, leading to better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
You don't have to put up with hip pain. If you'd like to know how one of our experienced Mako® robotic hip replacement specialists can help you, book your appointment online today or give us a call directly.
Hip replacement surgery involves removing a damaged hip joint and replacing it with an implant. The Mako® system aids our surgeons during the planning process as well as the procedure itself, allowing for more precise hip replacement operations. The robotic technology works in tandem with our surgeons and is designed to increase the precision of the procedure to improve outcomes for you.
1. Personalised surgical plan
Prior to surgery, a CT scan of your hip joint is taken to generate a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy. The 3D model allows your surgeon to know more about your joint and see things they can't typically see with an X-ray alone. This additional information helps determine the desired size, placement and positioning of your implant, meaning your consultant can design a highly personalised surgery plan for you before you even arrive at the hospital.
2. Accurate bone removal
In the operating room, your surgeon guides the robotic arm to remove the arthritic (damaged) bone and cartilage from the hip. Mako's AccuStop™ haptic technology provides tactile resistance that guides your surgeon to accurately cut what's defined in your surgical plan to help protect your healthy bone and cartilage by constantly referencing the surgical plan. With the precision this technology offers, surgeons have increased confidence to deliver a patient-specific outcome. Additionally, the accuracy of the surgeons offering with Mako® ensures minimal soft tissue adjustments.
3. Assessment
As your surgeon prepares to place the implant into its final position, the robotic arm guides the implant at the desired angle defined in the surgical plan. This helps ensure that both the placement and alignment of the implant are performed according to your surgeon's plan. Throughout your procedure, Mako® SmartRobotics™ provides real-time data to your surgeon. This allows them to continuously assess the movement and tension of your new joint and adjust the surgical plan if desired. The interactive assessment intraoperatively allows the surgeon to make minor changes and mitigate any implant, bone, or soft tissue impingement.
4. Precise implant placement
The implant is then placed into the hip and carefully guided to the best location. The end of the thighbone (femoral head) is replaced with a metal stem and an artificial ball that is secured to the top of the stem. The hip socket (acetabulum) is fitted with a metal cup that is lined with durable plastic (polyethylene). Based on the plan and intraoperative assessment, your surgeon will implant the specific sizes, unique to your anatomy, restoring native hip biomechanics and optimizing your post-operative function.
There are various benefits to robotic-arm assisted hip replacements. These include:
Greater accuracy and precision
Studies show that Mako® can help the surgeon place your implant more precisely. Precision in implantation is a significant factor in the success of a hip replacement.
A shorter stay in the hospital
Studies show less time spent in the hospital post-operatively, less need for strong analgesics, and fewer physiotherapy sessions. Total hip replacement with Mako® could see you back in your own home faster than with conventional surgery.
Less chance of damage to surrounding soft tissue and ligaments
Mako® gives your surgeon greater control over the procedure, establishing boundaries to protect the healthy parts of your hip and mitigate intraoperative complications and error.
A better feel and function
Studies have found that robotic-arm-assisted hip replacement surgery leads to better functional outcomes. Patients have reported higher satisfaction and more natural-feeling hips.
Reduced risk of complications
Using Mako® could reduce your risk of post-surgical complications including dislocation and misalignment.
You don't have to put up with hip pain. If you'd like to know how one of our experienced Mako® robotic hip replacement specialists can help you, book online today or give us a call directly.
The cost of a Mako® SmartRobotics™ hip replacement starts from £15,495*
Get in touch and we can give you a personalised quote, which will include surgical and anaesthetic fees, assessments, accommodation, the implant, and post-operative physiotherapy treatment. Your initial consultation, as well as any tests or scans you have during this time, will be charged separately.
If you are paying for yourself, you can take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost of treatment monthly across a period of up to five years.
You don't have to put up with hip pain. If you'd like to know how one of our experienced Mako® robotic hip replacement specialists can help you, call or book online today.
*This is a guide price for people paying for their own treatment. Your actual price will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
We answer some of your most commonly asked questions about robotic hip replacement surgery using the Mako® robotic arm.
How long has the Mako® SmartRobotics™ procedure been available?
The first Mako® procedure was performed in 2006. Since that time, more than 615,000 Mako® total knee, Mako® partial knee and Mako® total hip procedures have been performed worldwide.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most people spend one to four days in the hospital. Depending on your particular surgery and your individual recovery, your team will help decide what’s best for you.
When can I get back to normal activities?
Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery and participate in a physical therapy regimen prescribed by their doctor return to their light day-to-day activities within three to six weeks of surgery, but everyone is different. Your doctor will help determine a plan best suited for your recovery and your lifestyle.
What activities will I be able to do after surgery?
Realistic physical activities following hip replacement surgery include walking, swimming, golfing, driving, light hiking, biking, and other low-impact sports.
Does the Mako® Robotic-Arm actually perform the surgery?
No, surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, who uses the surgeon-controlled robotic-arm system to pre-plan the surgery and to position the implant. The robotic arm does not perform the surgery, nor can it make decisions on its own or move in any way without the surgeon guiding it. The Mako® System also allows your surgeon to adjust your plan during surgery as needed.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times to fit your schedule
- The freedom to choose your consultant
- Bespoke, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- Tasty and nutritious meals cooked onsite to your dietary requirements
- Support from the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help spread the cost of your care
If you want to know more about Mako® SmartRobotics™ hip surgery at Meriden Hospital, find out if it's the right treatment for you, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in June 2023. Next review due June 2026.
- Hip replacement, NHS
- Mako total hip, Stryker
- Robotic hip replacements, Penn Medicine
