Knee replacement surgery is an operation to treat knee pain. The procedure involves removing damaged parts of your knee joint and replacing them with artificial elements, also known as implants or a prosthesis.
Knee replacement surgery helps restore function to your knee and reduce or even eliminate knee pain, significantly improving your quality of life. Usually knee replacement surgery is recommended when non-invasive treatments, such as steroid injection therapy or physiotherapy, have not helped to reduce your knee pain.
Robotics-assisted knee replacement surgery is when your surgeon uses robotic technology to help them perform knee surgery. 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. This can offer a range of benefits, including less pain and a faster recovery.
The Mako® robotic arm is changing the way knee 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 technology 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 knee replacements at The Meriden Hospital. The technology comprises a surgical planning and navigation system combined with a robotic arm that is guided by our skilled surgeons.
If you're suffering with knee pain, you've landed in the right place. Knee replacement surgery can significantly reduce your knee pain and improve your quality of life. This approach could give you improved function and a more natural feeling in your new knee. It could also mean less pain for you after your procedure and an improved recovery time, leading to better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
Book online or call us directly to find out if robotic knee surgery could be the right choice for you.
Knee replacement surgery involves removing part, or all, of a damaged knee 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 and accurate knee replacement operations - both full and partial.
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 knee 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 Mako's robotic arm to remove arthritic (damaged) bone and cartilage from the knee. AccuStop™ technology provides tactile resistance to help your surgeon stay within the boundaries defined in your surgical plan and accurately cut what's planned for you, which could protect your healthy bone. 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
With the removal of the diseased bone, your implant is placed into the knee joint. A smooth, plastic-like lining called cartilage covers the ends of the bones. Cartilage provides cushioning, keeps bones from rubbing together, and absorbs the shock of walking, running and jumping. Your body also produces a natural lubricating fluid called synovium that minimizes friction in the joint. Once your implant is successfully placed, it's off to the recovery room to begin the journey towards strengthening your new knee.
There are various benefits to robotic-arm assisted knee 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 knee replacement.
Faster recovery time
You could be back on your feet faster with Mako®.
Research shows that knee function can improve more quickly after robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement than with traditional methods.
One study of partial knee replacements found that 9 out of 10 patients were walking without aid after three weeks. After six weeks, 85% were back at work.
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 knee and mitigate intraoperative complications and error.
Less pain
Studies have found that patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted knee replacement surgery reported less pain in the days and weeks following the operation as well as the six months following.
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 knee pain. If you'd like to know how one of our experienced Mako® robotic knee replacement specialists can help you, call or book online today to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.
The cost of a Mako® SmartRobotics™ total knee replacement starts from £16,495*
The cost of a Mako® SmartRobotics™ partial knee replacement starts from £16,495*
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 knee pain. If you'd like to know how one of our experienced Mako® robotic knee replacement specialists can help you, book online today or give us a call 02476 647069.
*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 knee replacement surgery using the Mako® robotic arm.
How long has Mako® Technology 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?
All patients are different. Clinical studies have shown that patients who had a Mako® total knee procedure spent less time in the hospital compared to those who had a conventional knee replacement.
When can I get back to normal activities?
Most people who undergo knee replacement surgery and participate in a physical therapy regimen prescribed by their doctor return to their day-to-day activities, like driving, in four to six weeks, but everyone is different. Realistic activities following knee replacement may include walking, biking, swimming, golfing and other low impact activities. 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?
In a few weeks, your doctor may allow you to pick back up with lower-impact activities like hiking, walking, cycling and golfing. Speak to your doctor about which activities are appropriate for you.
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™ knee surgery at The 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.
- Knee replacement, NHS
- Mako total knee, Stryker
- Robotic knee replacements, Penn Medicine
