Mako robotic surgery is a modern technology that offers patient-specific 3D planning and robotic arm support in knee and hip replacement surgeries. This article provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Mako system for patients considering robotic knee and hip replacement surgery in Adana.
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Mako robotic surgery is an advanced robotic arm-assisted surgical system used in knee and hip replacement surgeries. This system helps to evaluate the patient’s joint structure in three dimensions before surgery and to plan the prosthesis placement in a personalized way.
One of the most frequently asked questions about robotic prosthetic surgery is, “Does the robot perform the surgery?” In the Mako system, the robot does not perform the surgery itself. An orthopedic and traumatology specialist performs the surgery. The robotic system assists the surgeon with planning, precision, and working within safe limits.
In Adana, for patients considering robotic knee or hip replacement surgery, Mako technology can offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of detailed assessment of joint anatomy and placement of the prosthesis in the correct position.
What is the purpose of the Mako device?
The Mako device is a robot-assisted system that helps surgeons create a patient-specific plan for knee and hip replacement surgeries. Pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scans are used to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s joint structure. This model is then used to determine the size, angle, and placement plan of the prosthesis.
During the operation, the surgeon follows this plan. The robotic arm assists the surgeon within the planned limits, providing precision, especially in bone cuts. This allows the prosthesis to be placed in a way that better suits the patient’s anatomy.
In which surgeries is Mako Robotic Surgery used?
Mako robotic surgery is used particularly in joint replacement surgeries. The most common areas of application are knee and hip replacement surgeries.
Mako Robotic Knee Replacement
Mako robotic knee replacement surgery can be applied to patients with advanced osteoarthritis, joint wear, pain, and limited range of motion in the knee joint. In particular, precise bone cuts, maintaining ligament balance, and placing the prosthesis at the correct angle are crucial in knee replacement surgery.
The Mako system allows the surgeon to see the patient’s knee structure in more detail thanks to a three-dimensional plan prepared before the operation. During the surgery, the mechanical balance of the knee and the fit of the prosthesis are evaluated according to this plan.
Mako Robotic Hip Replacement
In hip replacement surgery, correct positioning of the prosthesis, leg length balance, and joint stability are of great importance. Mako robotic hip replacement can be used in suitable patients with advanced osteoarthritis, hip head problems, or joint damage in the hip joint.
Robot-assisted planning allows for detailed calculations of hip replacement placement before surgery. This planning helps the surgeon adopt a more controlled and personalized approach during the operation.
Mako Partial Knee Prosthesis
In some patients, only a specific part of the knee joint may be damaged, not the entire joint. In this case, partial, or unicondylar, knee replacement may be considered for suitable patients. The Mako system can contribute to a more precise assessment of the damaged area and the preservation of healthy tissues in partial knee replacement.
How is Mako Robotic Surgery Performed?
The Mako robotic surgical process begins before the operation. First, a detailed examination of the patient is performed. The location of the pain, the degree of mobility limitation, walking distance, impact on daily life, and imaging results are all evaluated together.
Next, in suitable patients, a computed tomography (CT) scan is performed to create a three-dimensional model of the joint. The size, position, and bone cut plan of the prosthesis are then prepared on this model.
During the operation, the surgeon proceeds according to the pre-planned procedure with the support of a robotic arm. The Mako system helps the surgeon work within designated safety zones. At this point, the robot is merely an assistive technology; the surgeon is the one making the decisions and managing the operation.
What are the advantages of Mako Robotic Surgery?
The primary goal of Mako robotic surgery is to provide personalized planning and precise execution in prosthetic surgeries. Every patient’s knee or hip structure is different. Bone angle, joint deformity, ligament balance, and prosthetic needs vary from person to person.
Personalized 3D Planning
In the Mako system, three-dimensional planning is performed before surgery. This planning allows for a more detailed examination of the patient’s joint anatomy. The size and placement angle of the prosthesis can be determined before the operation.
This can make surgical planning more predictable, especially in patients with advanced osteoarthritis, curvature, or anatomical differences.
More Precise Prosthesis Placement
In knee and hip replacement surgeries, placing the prosthesis in the correct position is crucial for long-term results. The Mako robotic system assists the surgeon in working within the planned area without having to go outside the designated space.
This precision can be valuable in terms of prosthesis fit, maintaining knee or hip stability, and postoperative functional outcomes.
Maintaining the Balance of Ligament and Soft Tissues
In knee replacement surgeries, not only bone cuts but also ligament balance and soft tissue adaptation are crucial. Mako robotic surgery can help in a more controlled assessment of this balance during the operation.
The goal of knee replacement surgery is not just to reduce pain; it is to enable the patient to move more stably, safely, and comfortably.
It provides the surgeon with a more controlled working environment.
In the Mako system, the robotic arm assists the surgeon in working within pre-planned surgical boundaries. This provides precision, especially in bone cuts. However, the system does not replace the surgeon; surgical experience and proper patient selection are still the most important parts of the treatment.
Will a robot perform Mako surgery?
No. The Mako surgery is not performed by a robot. The Mako device is a robot-assisted technology used by the surgeon. The planning, execution, and all surgical decisions are managed by an orthopedic and traumatology specialist.
Therefore, the term “robotic surgery” does not mean that the robot performs the surgery alone. Here, the robotic system is an auxiliary technology that offers the surgeon the ability to work with greater precision and control.
Who is suitable for Mako Robotic Knee Replacement Therapy?
Mako robotic knee replacement surgery is generally considered for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis whose quality of daily life is significantly reduced. However, not every patient with knee pain needs a replacement.
Patients Who Can Be Evaluated for Mako Robotic Knee Replacement
For patients with long-standing knee pain, difficulty climbing stairs, reduced walking distance, night pain, and who do not benefit sufficiently from medication, physical therapy, or injection treatments, knee replacement may be considered.
In Adana, for patients presenting with knee osteoarthritis, the decision regarding knee replacement is not made solely based on X-ray results. The patient’s pain level, mobility, daily life expectations, and overall health status are all evaluated together.
Who is suitable for Mako Robotic Hip Replacement?
Mako robotic hip replacement surgery may be preferred in suitable patients with advanced osteoarthritis in the hip joint, limited mobility, and pain that reduces quality of life. Hip pain can sometimes be felt in the groin, sometimes in the thigh, and sometimes around the knee.
Reduced walking distance, limping, difficulty tying shoes, pain when sitting or standing, and night pain are important symptoms of hip joint disorders. An orthopedic evaluation is crucial in cases of these complaints.
Is Mako Robotic Surgery Suitable for Every Patient?
Mako robotic surgery is not automatically the right option for every patient. The suitability decision is made based on the patient’s joint damage, bone structure, overall health, expectations, and surgical necessity.
For some patients, non-surgical treatments may be sufficient. However, for others, due to advanced joint damage, replacement surgery may become a more suitable option. Therefore, the decision for robotic replacement surgery should be made on an individual basis.
Mako Robotic Surgery Post-Surgery Recovery Process
The recovery process after Mako robotic prosthesis surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed, the patient’s age, muscle strength, weight, overall health, and compliance with physical therapy.
After knee or hip replacement surgery, patients are usually mobilized in a controlled manner in the early stages. Gait training, exercises, and physical therapy are important parts of the recovery process.
Will there be pain after the surgery?
Some degree of pain may occur after any surgical procedure. However, this pain is controlled with medication and rehabilitation prescribed by the doctor. The aim of robotic surgery is to contribute to the recovery process by making the operation more planned and precise.
Is Physical Therapy Necessary?
Yes. Physical therapy and exercise are crucial after knee and hip replacement surgery. Regardless of how advanced the technology in replacement surgery becomes, the patient needs to regain muscle strength and re-establish proper walking habits.
What is the difference between Mako Robotic Surgery and Traditional Prosthetic Surgery?
In traditional prosthetic surgeries, the surgeon plans the placement of the prosthesis based on examination, X-rays, and intraoperative measurements. In Mako robotic surgery, however, three-dimensional modeling is performed before the operation, and robotic arm support is used according to this plan.
This difference is particularly important in terms of more precise planning of prosthesis positioning and providing technological support to the surgeon during surgery. However, equipment alone is not enough for a good outcome. The surgeon’s experience, proper patient selection, and the postoperative rehabilitation process are just as important as the technology.
Mako Robotic Knee and Hip Replacement in Adana
For patients in Adana seeking robotic knee or hip replacement surgery, Mako technology is a key option in modern orthopedic surgery. Treatment plans, especially for knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, joint wear, and advanced joint pain, should be tailored to the individual.
When evaluating suitability for robotic surgery, the patient’s complaints, physical examination findings, and imaging results are considered together. The goal is not merely to offer the patient a technological procedure, but to plan the right treatment at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mako Robotic Surgery
What brand of Mako device is it?
Mako is a robotic arm-assisted orthopedic surgical system developed by Stryker. It provides planning and execution support to surgeons in knee and hip replacement surgeries.
Can a robot make a mistake during Mako surgery?
The Mako system does not perform the surgery on its own. It is a technology that operates under the surgeon’s control. The system supports the surgeon within the planned limits. Therefore, the primary responsibility and decision-making process during the surgery rests with the surgeon.
Is Mako robotic knee replacement better?
Mako robotic knee replacement surgery can offer advantages in terms of personalized planning and precise prosthesis placement for suitable patients. However, the best method is different for each patient. The correct decision is made after examination and imaging evaluation.
Is Mako robotic surgery painless?
Some degree of pain is possible after any prosthetic surgery. Mako robotic surgery helps to perform the surgery in a more planned and precise manner; however, it should not be considered a completely painless surgery.
When can I walk after Mako robotic prosthetic surgery?
The time it takes to walk varies depending on the surgery performed and the patient’s overall condition. After knee or hip replacement surgery, patients are often encouraged to walk in the early stages under the supervision of a doctor and physiotherapist.
Is Mako robotic surgery used in hip replacement surgery?
Yes. The Mako system can also be used in total hip replacement surgeries. In hip replacement, robotic support can provide significant advantages in terms of prosthesis positioning, joint stability, and leg length planning.
Mako robotic surgery is a modern technology that provides personalized planning, three-dimensional assessment, and robotic arm support in knee and hip replacement surgeries. However, the success of this technology does not depend solely on the device. The correct patient selection, the surgeon’s experience, pre-operative planning, and post-operative rehabilitation process must all be considered together.
If knee or hip pain restricts daily activities, reduces walking distance, makes climbing stairs difficult, or indicates advanced osteoarthritis, it is important to be evaluated by an orthopedic and traumatology specialist.
