How Does MAKO Joint Repair Work?
Hip, shoulder, and knee injuries and degenerative conditions in the joints can cause intense pain and even a complete loss of mobility. The good news is that total or partial replacement surgeries can restore normal function to the affected joint and improve quality of life. Today, advances in surgical techniques for orthopedic surgery include using the MAKO robotic arm to perform surgery. Using the MAKO can accelerate the healing process and provide patients with the best surgical outcome.
How Does Using a MAKO Robot Improve Surgery?
The MAKO Robot is used in procedures that can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, called arthroscopy (for surgeries on joints) or laparoscopy (for surgeries in the body cavity).
Unlike traditional surgery, in which surgeons must make large incisions to access the surgery site, these minimally invasive techniques are performed by making small incisions that allow the surgeon to insert a camera and small surgical instruments to perform the procedure. Minimally invasive techniques have the advantage of causing less trauma to the body, which can speed up healing times by a considerable margin. In addition, there is less blood loss and less possibility of infection. Because the surgical instruments used by the arm are so small, the MAKO can also enable a surgeon to access hard-to-reach areas.
Minimally invasive surgery is now available for many orthopedic procedures. Some orthopedic surgeons, including Dr. Tchejeyan at Tchejeyan Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, use the MAKO robotic arm to perform several different types of orthopedic repairs.
The MAKO has some distinct advantages. While the surgeon still performs the procedure, the MAKO is not subject to fatigue or tremor. The robot can make more precise movements because movements are guided by a high-resolution magnifying camera that can provide 3D imaging and make real-time computer-assisted measurements and calculations. As a result, prosthetic devices can be placed more accurately, which leads to better long-term surgical outcomes. In other words, the MAKO robotic device does not replace the surgeon’s expertise and competence. Instead, it enables the surgeon to improve accuracy and consistency.
Can I Benefit from MAKO-Assisted Surgery?
Surgeons can use MAKO technology to assist with knee and hip replacement surgeries, shoulder surgeries, and knee resurfacing procedures. If you have an injury that requires the insertion of a prosthetic device to replace cartilage or other tissue in your knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, or other joints, you may be a good candidate for a MAKO procedure. However, not every surgeon offers MAKO-assisted procedures. Surgeons who use the MAKO must undergo extensive training before using this technique.
If you have a knee problem and you are interested in finding out more about whether it can be addressed through surgery using the MAKO robotic arm, the first step in the treatment process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tchejeyan. During the consultation, he will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms to understand your condition better and create a treatment plan. In addition, he will perform a physical examination and utilize X-rays or another imaging method. If appropriate, he will devise a treatment plan using the MAKO robotic arm to accurately repair joint damage and help improve your mobility, decrease your pain, and get you back to the activities you love.
If you are suffering from a joint injury that requires a surgical procedure to restore function and improve your quality of life and mobility, our MAKO-assisted methods may make all the difference in your surgical outcome and recovery. Contact us today at Tchejeyan Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to learn more about MAKO-assisted surgeries and our other services and to schedule an initial consultation.
