Over the past 20 years, the use of advanced imaging and computerized robots has revolutionized many surgical procedures.  Robotic assisted total and partial knee replacements have been refined with new and highly specialized programming that are “game changers” in orthopedic joint replacement.  

Robotic assisted knee replacement allows the surgeon to place the implants in the most ideal position for each individual patient, which can lead to better knee motion, stability, and long-term function.  Component malposition and soft tissue imbalance are leading causes of premature failure of a knee replacement. The robot gives the surgeon the ability to precisely cut and remove bone with an accuracy of 0.1 mm.   The computer and robot also can govern the area of bone and tissue resection, thus increasing the safety of the procedure and reducing the risk of injury to surrounding tissue and structures. 

 

Prior to surgery, a CT scan of the knee is obtained.  The computer then generates a 3D model of the patient’s knee.  During surgery, the hip joint, ankle joint, and multiple points in the knee are registered with an infrared array.  The computer then correlates the CT model to the anatomy in the operating room.  The surgical team is able to plan the bone preparation cuts and implant positions with precision to afford the best knee motion, stability, and alignment correction.  Information from the computer plan is imported to the robotic arm, which the surgeon then uses to prepare the joint surfaces for the implants.

The use of the robot can minimize bleeding, postoperative pain, and recovery time.  Some patients can go home the same day of the surgery, while others have a 1-2 overnight stay.

For more information, watch these videos.

https://patients.stryker.com/knee-replacement/options/mako-robotic-arm-assisted-total-knee