Makoplasty Joint Replacement Surgery: 8 Things To Know

Robotic surgery is at the cutting edge of medicine and is often an important discussion point for patients undergoing elective surgery. Makoplasty offers valuable insight into precision methods that allow surgeons to work more efficiently, and for patients to recover much sooner than with traditional surgical methods.

1. What Is MAKOplasty Surgery?

MAKOplasty surgery, in general, is a type of surgical procedure that allows surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures while circumventing the limitations of traditional and minimally-invasive surgery. Robotics enhance the surgeon’s skills with advanced control, flexibility and precision. Robotic surgery or robotic-arm-assisted surgery for MAKOplasty, allows Dr. Martin to perform a total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and partial knee replacement with these benefits.

2. What Is The Makoplasty Robotic System?

It is a state-of-the-art remedy for patients suffering from painful joints and arthritis of the hip or knee. The system utilizes a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy and a robotic arm, called Mako which helps Dr. Martin plan and perform your joint replacement surgery with increased accuracy and efficiency.

3. What Does The MAKOplasty Treat?

Makoplasty surgery is indicated for patients with degenerative or traumatic damage in the hip and knee joints.

The current Mako System offers Partial Knee, Total Hip and Total Knee applications.

4. Who Is A Candidate For A Mako Procedure?

Any patient who is a candidate for a traditional hip or knee joint replacement procedure is a candidate for a robotic arm-assisted procedure.

Typically, robotic joint replacement patients share the following characteristics:

• Knee or hip pain with activity
• Start-up pain or stiffness when activities are initiated from a sitting position
• Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments including injections, physical therapy, activity modification and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication

Patients suffering from diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, and traumatic arthritis can find their way back to activities and a better lifestyle with robotic replacement surgery.

5. How Does MAKOplasty Work?

The MAKO interactive orthopedic system creates a three-dimensional pre-surgical plan from your personal CT scan. Dr. Martin uses this pre-surgical plan to template the appropriate implants for your needs.

During surgery, the system provides him with real-time visual, tactile and auditory feedback to facilitate optimal joint resurfacing and implant positioning.

It is this precise placement that can result in a more natural knee or hip motion following surgery.

The precision of the robotic arm also lessens post-op soft tissue irritation.

6. What Can I Expect If I Have Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery?

MAKOplasty robotic surgery can be performed as either an inpatient procedure or on an outpatient basis depending on what Dr. Martin determines is right for you.

The majority of Dr. Martin’s MAKOplasty surgery is performed in an outpatient setting and patients return home the same day.

Patients are permitted to walk directly after surgery, drive a car within two weeks and return to normal daily activities shortly thereafter.

7. Is Mako Covered By Insurance?

MAKOplasty is typically covered by most Medicare-approved and private health insurers. But please check with your provider to ensure that this treatment can be covered by insurance.

8. What Is The Lifespan Of A Makoplasty Implant?

All implants have a life expectancy that depends on several factors including the patient’s weight, activity level, quality of bone stock and compliance with Dr. Martin’s recommendations.

Proper implant alignment and precise positioning during surgery are also very important factors that can improve the life expectancy of an implant.

Through the use of the robotic arm system, your implants are optimally aligned and positioned to ensure the longest benefit.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any joint replacement surgical procedure, including MAKOplasty®. Dr. Martin can explain these risks and help determine if a MAKOplasty® procedure is right for you.