Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery: Questions and AnswersKnee Shot3

Q: What is MAKOplasty®?

A: MAKOplasty partial knee resurfacing is an innovative treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. MAKO's robotic arm system powers the surgery, which allows for consistently reproducible precision in performing partial  knee resurfacing.

During the procedure, physicians only treat the diseased portion of the knee, sparing  your healthy bone and surrounding tissue. An implant is then secured in the joint to allow the knee to move smoothly again.

Q: How does MAKOplasty work?

A: The system features a robotic arm that assists your surgeon in three-dimensional pre-surgical planning. Then during surgery, the robotic arm provides your surgeon with realtime visual, tactile and auditory feedback for optimal implant positioning, which results in a more natural knee motion following surgery.

Q: Would I be a good candidate for the MAKOplasty procedure?

A: Typically, MAKOplasty patients share the following characteristics:

  • Knee pain with activity, usually on the inner knee and/or kneecap
  • Start up knee pain or stiffness when you rise from a sitting position
  • Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments or medications

Q: If I undergo MAKOplasty, what can I expect?

A: Physicians may perform MAKOplasty as either an in-patient procedure or on an outpatient basis depending on what your orthopedic surgeon determines is right for you. In many cases, you may walk soon after surgery, drive a car within two weeks and return to normal daily activities shortly thereafter.

Q: What's the lifespan of a MAKOplasty implant?

A: All implants have a life expectancy that depends on your weight, activity level, quality of your bone and whether you follow your physician's orders. Through the use of the robotic system, your surgeon may place the implant with optimal alignment to ensure the longest life possible. Individual results may vary and there are risks associated with any knee surgical procedure. In addition, because your surgeon removes very little bone during this procedure, the implants can be replaced with another procedure such as a total knee replacement, if necessary.

For more information, call (262) 544-2745 to find a surgeon who is specially trained to perform this advanced procedure.