Total Knee Replacement with Mako® SmartRobotics System
If you’ve tried more conservative options for knee pain—like physical therapy, topical creams, or injections—and you still have joint pain, you may be thinking about knee replacement procedures. At Tidewater Orthopaedics, we offer a muscle-sparing approach for total knee replacement and partial knee replacement using the Mako® SmartRobotics system.
Every knee is different. Arthritis and joint damage can affect different parts of the knee, and pain may feel worse with certain activities or after rest. That’s why your surgeon uses advanced planning to create a surgical plan designed around your unique anatomy—so your new knee fits and functions as well as possible.
At A Glance
Tidewater Orthopaedics uses the Mako® SmartRobotics system for total and partial knee replacements with a muscle-sparing approach, creating a personalized 3D CT-based surgical plan for each patient. The surgeon performs the procedure while Mako’s AccuStop technology helps maintain precise, predefined boundaries for accurate implant placement. This approach is designed to improve outcomes compared with manual techniques, often resulting in less pain, shorter recovery, and many patients walking the same day and going home to begin recovery.
Summary
- The Mako® SmartRobotics system uses a CT scan to create a 3D model of your knee for a personalized surgical plan.
- Your orthopaedic surgeon performs the surgery and guides the robotic arm—Mako does not perform surgery on its own.
- AccuStop™ haptic technology helps your surgeon stay within the planned boundaries during key steps.
- Many patients begin walking soon after surgery, but recovery time depends on your health and your surgeon’s plan
With the Mako® SmartRobotics system, our surgeons can plan for better outcomes, like shorter recovery time and less pain than manual knee replacement procedures.
Why the Mako® SmartRobotics System Makes Surgeries Better
The goal of knee replacement is not just to replace worn cartilage—it’s to restore function and reduce pain. The Mako® SmartRobotics system supports your surgeon with detailed planning and real-time guidance during surgery.
It’s important to know this up front: Mako does not replace your surgeon. Your surgeon is in control the entire time and uses the robotic arm as a tool to carry out the plan with precision.
How Mako Works
- CT Scan: Your care starts with a CT scan of your knee. This gives your surgeon a detailed look at your anatomy.
- Surgical Plan: The scan is used to create a 3D model of your knee so your surgeon can build a personalized surgical plan—including implant size, position, and alignment.
- Surgery with Real-Time Guidance: During surgery, your surgeon follows the plan and guides the robotic arm within a predefined area. AccuStop™ haptic feedback helps the surgeon stay within planned boundaries while still allowing adjustments when needed.
This approach can support accurate implant placement and may help some patients experience benefits like improved early function, but results vary by patient.
Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement
Not everyone needs the same procedure.
- Partial knee replacement may be an option when arthritis is limited to one area of the knee. (This is where “different parts of the knee” matters.)
- Total knee replacement is typically used when arthritis affects more of the joint.
Your surgeon will recommend the approach that fits your diagnosis, imaging, and goals.
Recovery Time and Physical Therapy
After surgery, most people start moving soon, and physical therapy is a key part of building strength and restoring motion. Your surgeon and therapy team will outline what to expect for your recovery time based on your health and your procedure.
Q&A
Question: Who performs the knee replacement when the Mako® SmartRobotics system is used?
Short Answer: Your orthopaedic surgeon performs the knee replacement. The surgeon guides the robotic arm during the procedure. The Mako system helps the surgeon follow the surgical plan, but it does not operate on its own.
Question: What is the Mako® SmartRobotics system?
Short Answer: Mako combines a CT scan and 3D planning with surgeon‑guided robotic assistance. This helps your surgeon create a personalized surgical plan and carry out the plan during knee replacement procedures.
Question: How is my knee planned for surgery before the procedure?
Short Answer: Your care starts with a CT scan of your knee. The scan is used to build a 3D model of your knee anatomy. Your surgeon uses that model to create a personalized surgical plan, including implant size, position, and alignment.
Question: What is AccuStop™ technology and why does it matter?
Short Answer: AccuStop™ provides haptic (touch) feedback that helps your surgeon stay within the planned boundaries during key steps of surgery. This supports accurate execution of the surgical plan while still allowing your surgeon to make adjustments if needed.
Question: Is Mako used for both total knee replacement and partial knee replacement?
Short Answer: Yes. The Mako approach can be used for total knee replacement and partial knee replacement. Your surgeon will recommend the right option based on which different parts of the knee are affected and how advanced the joint damage is.
Question: What are possible benefits compared with a manual knee replacement?
Short Answer: Mako is designed to support precise implant placement based on your personalized plan. Some patients may experience benefits like improved early function, less pain, or a shorter recovery time compared with traditional techniques. Results vary, and your surgeon can explain what to expect for your situation.
Question: What should I expect after surgery and during recovery time?
Short Answer: Many patients begin walking soon after surgery, often the same day. Physical therapy is a key part of recovery and helps you rebuild strength and motion. Your recovery time depends on your overall health, your procedure (total or partial), and your surgeon’s plan.