Using the MAKO system for knee and hip replacements
Hip and knee replacements are most commonly offered to patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis, where joint pain and stiffness significantly interfere with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping. For these patients, nonsurgical and conservative treatments are not able to adequately address their condition, and thus, surgical procedures are primarily considered in order to eliminate pain and restore function. There are several techniques that surgeons can employ to perform the surgery, including the utilisation of robotic systems. In this article, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon explains the difference robotic surgical systems like the MAKO robot can make for patients undergoing hip or knee replacements.
When is a hip or knee replacement necessary?
Total hip or knee replacement is typically recommended for individuals with advanced arthritis, where the joint surfaces are worn down, causing chronic pain and reduced mobility. While osteoarthritis is the leading cause, other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or post-traumatic arthritis can also necessitate surgery.
The benefits and limitations of traditional surgical methods
Traditional hip and knee replacement surgery involves making a relatively large incision to access the joint, removing the damaged bone and cartilage, and replacing them with prosthetic components. These procedures have a long and successful track record, with many patients experiencing excellent long-term pain relief and improved function. It relies on variable landmarks to assist the surgeon with component placement and tension guides. These are prone to human errors. The result may not be fully accurate and precise.
The use of robotic assistance in orthopaedic surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery, such as with the MAKO robot, is quickly becoming the preferred method of conducting an orthopaedic procedure, for both patients and their surgeon. It involves the use of computer-guided robotic systems to help the surgeon plan and execute the procedure with remarkable accuracy. Before the operation, detailed imaging (such as a CT scan) creates a 3D model of the patient’s joint, allowing for precise planning of implant size, positioning, and alignment.
This method allows the surgeon to analyse the joint's anatomy meticulously and plan the surgery with unprecedented precision. The personalised surgical plan includes determining the optimal size, placement, and alignment of the implant.
Benefits of robotic-assisted joint replacements
The key advantage of robotic-assisted techniques is greater accuracy in implant positioning, which has a direct impact on the longevity and function of the prosthesis. Proper alignment reduces wear and tear on the artificial joint and may decrease the likelihood of future revision surgery.
The incisions required to conduct the surgery are smaller than those of traditional open surgery, resulting in reduced blood loss while operating, less trauma to the skin and soft tissue structures within the lower limbs, and minimal scarring.
Patients undergoing robotic-assisted joint replacements often experience less pain, reduced need for painkillers, and a sooner return to normal activities. Some are even able to leave the hospital within a day, aided by rapid recovery strategies (ERAS) and enhanced support.
Patients undergoing MAKO robotic-assisted hip or knee replacement often experience several advantages over traditional surgery. These include reduced pain and discomfort postoperatively, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and enhanced joint function. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure, combined with the accurate placement of the implant, contributes to these positive outcomes.
The key element is that the surgeon is always in charge and can alter the plan during the operation if the patient's anatomy demands it. A robot is like a smart assistant guiding the surgeon -- like a GPS -- to great accuracy and precision.
What is recovery like following MAKO robotic-assisted surgery?
Post-surgery, patients typically follow a tailored rehabilitation programme to regain strength and mobility in the replaced joint. The precise placement of the implant allows for a more natural joint movement, facilitating a smoother and faster recovery process. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in this recovery, helping patients return to their daily activities with improved joint function and reduced pain.
Mr Kotecha undertakes high volumes of robotic hip and knee surgery to make sure his patients benefit from this cutting-edge technology to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction.
