Mako® robotic-arm assisted knee surgery at Woodlands Hospital

The Mako^® robotic arm can be used for both partial and full knee replacements. It allows our surgeons to be more precise and personalised in their planning.¹

This approach could mean less pain for you after your procedure and an improved recovery time.

Ask your Circle Health Group consultant about full or partial knee replacement surgery using the Mako^® surgical system.

Mako® technology has been designed to help surgeons in their efforts to provide a personalised surgical experience, with each surgical plan being based on a patient's individual and specific diagnosis and anatomy.

An advancement in knee replacement surgery

The Mako^® system is an advancement in the way orthopaedic surgeons perform partial and total knee replacements.

The technology comprises a surgical planning and navigation system combined with a robotic arm that is guided by our skilled surgeons.

Surgeons use Mako^® software to create a bespoke plan based on your individual anatomy.

During the procedure, this detailed plan is used to ensure accurate removal of damaged bone and cartilage as well as precise positioning of the implant.

This improved accuracy can mean less pain after your operation and a quicker recovery time. It can also lead to improved feel and function in your new knee.¹

Advanced control, increased precision

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.³

1. Personalised surgical plan

A CT scan will be taken of your knee prior to surgery, which the Mako^® system will change into a 3D virtual model of your knee joint.

The surgeon uses this to design a highly personalised surgery plan.

2. Continued assessment

Mako^® provides your surgeon with real-time data throughout the procedure so that they can constantly assess your joint and adjust the plan if needed.

3. Accurate bone removal

The surgeon guides the robotic arm to remove damaged bone and cartilage during the surgery.

The Mako^® technology creates a virtual boundary to protect healthy bone and cartilage by constantly referencing the surgical plan.

4. Precise implant placement

The implant is then placed into the knee joint and carefully guided to the best location.

Measured advantages

There are various benefits to robotic-arm assisted knee replacements. These include:

Less pain

Studies have found that patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted knee replacement surgery reported less pain in the days and weeks following the operation¹ as well as the six months following.²

Faster recovery times

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.²

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.⁴

Greater accuracy and precision

Studies have shown that Mako^® can help the surgeon place the implant more precisely.

Precision in implantation is a significant factor in the success of a knee replacement.⁵

Less chance of damage to surrounding soft tissue and ligaments

Mako^® gives your surgeon greater control over the procedure and establishes boundaries to protect the healthy parts of your knee.⁶

Long-term satisfaction

One study found that 91% of people who had undergone robotic-arm assisted surgery were either satisfied or very satisfied five years after surgery. ⁷

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29162608
² https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0037-1607450
³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27600634
⁴ Coon T, Shi S, DeBattista J. Clinical and functional outcomes of robotic-arm assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Europe Knee Society 2017 Annual Meeting. London, England. Poster No. P59. April 19-21, 2017
⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27098321
⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29699827
⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29486909

Meet the team

Our experienced orthopaedic consultants offering robotic-arm assisted knee surgery.

Find out more about our consultants' professional background and experience below

• Mr James Webb
  Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon
• Mr Andrew Port
  Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Mr Craig Alisdair White
  Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon