Mako vs VELYS Understanding Your Robotic Total Knee Replacement Options

Learning that you may need a knee replacement can feel overwhelming. Along with deciding whether surgery is the right next step, you may also find yourself researching newer technologies and wondering if they could make a difference in your recovery. Patients throughout El Dorado Hills and the greater Sacramento area often ask what robotic-assisted knee replacement involves and whether one robotic system is different from another.

At West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center, physicians use two robotic-assisted systems for total knee replacement: the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System and the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution. Both are designed to help surgeons perform more personalized procedures by providing detailed information before or during surgery. Although the systems work differently, they share the same purpose of supporting precision while allowing the surgeon to remain in complete control. Understanding how each system works can help you feel more confident as you explore your treatment options.

What Is Total Knee Replacement Robotic Technology?

Total knee replacement robotic technology combines the experience of an orthopedic surgeon with computer-guided tools that help plan and perform knee replacement surgery. Despite the name, the robotic system never operates on its own. The surgeon makes every decision throughout the procedure.

Instead, the technology acts as a guide. It provides detailed information about your knee, allowing the surgeon to personalize the procedure based on your unique anatomy. During surgery, the system continuously provides measurements and feedback that may help with implant positioning and alignment.

The overall goal remains the same as traditional knee replacement: to relieve pain, improve movement, and help patients return to everyday activities. Robotic-assisted technology gives surgeons additional information that may support those goals.

Why More Patients Are Considering Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

Traditional knee replacement continues to be a highly successful treatment for arthritis and chronic knee pain. Robotic-assisted technology builds on those proven techniques by adding another level of planning and precision.

Every patient's knee is different. Bone shape, joint alignment, and ligament balance vary from person to person. Robotic systems allow surgeons to evaluate those differences more closely so the procedure can be tailored to each individual.

Studies suggest that accurate implant placement may support balanced joint movement and function after surgery. Individual outcomes vary, but many patients appreciate knowing their surgical plan is based on the unique characteristics of their knee.

How the Mako System Works

The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System uses a CT scan before surgery to create a detailed three-dimensional model of your knee.

Your surgeon uses that model to plan the procedure carefully before the day of surgery. During the operation, the robotic arm guides the surgeon while helping them stay within the planned treatment area. Every surgical step is still performed by the physician, who uses the technology as a tool throughout the procedure.

Many patients like knowing that their surgery has been carefully planned before they even enter the operating room.

How the VELYS System Works

The VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution takes a slightly different approach. Rather than relying on a CT scan before surgery, the system gathers detailed information during the procedure itself.

As surgery progresses, the system measures joint movement, alignment, and ligament balance in real time. That information allows the surgeon to make adjustments based on how the knee is functioning during the procedure.

Like Mako, the VELYS system does not replace the surgeon. It simply provides additional information that helps support decision-making throughout surgery.

Mako and VELYS: What Makes Them Different?

Although both systems are designed to support robotic-assisted knee replacement, the biggest difference is how they collect information.

Mako begins with a CT scan before surgery. That scan creates a personalized three-dimensional model that helps guide surgical planning well in advance of the procedure.

VELYS gathers much of its information during surgery by measuring the knee in real time. Instead of relying on preoperative imaging, the surgeon receives live feedback throughout the operation.

Both approaches are designed to help personalize treatment. The difference is when that information is collected.

What the Two Systems Have in Common

While Mako and VELYS work differently, they share many of the same goals.

• Both systems are designed to help surgeons personalize knee replacement surgery.
• Both provide detailed information about the patient's anatomy.
• Both may support accurate implant positioning and alignment.
• Both keep the surgeon in complete control throughout the procedure.

Most importantly, both technologies are designed to support the surgeon, not replace them. The physician's experience, judgment, and surgical skill remain the most important part of every knee replacement.

What Recovery May Look Like

Recovery after robotic-assisted knee replacement is similar regardless of which system is used. Shortly after surgery, most patients begin moving with guidance from their care team. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and confidence while supporting the healing process.

Recovery timelines vary from person to person. Age, overall health, activity level, and commitment to rehabilitation all play important roles. Some patients return to low-impact activities within several weeks, while complete recovery often continues over several months.

Following your rehabilitation plan and attending follow-up appointments remain important parts of achieving the best possible outcome.

How Your Physician Chooses the Right Technology

Patients often ask whether Mako or VELYS is the better option. In many cases, the answer depends more on the individual patient than on the technology itself.

Your physician considers many factors, including your anatomy, medical history, imaging findings, and the condition of your knee, before recommending a treatment approach. Some patients may be good candidates for Mako, while others may benefit from VELYS.

The focus is always on selecting the approach that best fits your individual needs rather than applying the same solution to every patient.

Personalized Care Comes First

Technology plays an important role in modern joint replacement, but it is only one part of the overall experience. Personalized care begins with listening to each patient's concerns, understanding their goals, and developing a treatment plan that reflects their lifestyle and health needs.

At West Coast Joint & Spine Surgery Center, , every patient receives individualized care from evaluation through recovery. Robotic-assisted technology is one of several tools physicians use to help deliver thoughtful, personalized treatment.

Learn More Today

Choosing a knee replacement approach can feel like a big decision, but understanding your options can make the process feel much less intimidating. Both the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System and the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution use total knee replacement robotic technology to help physicians personalize surgery and support precise implant placement. Most importantly, your surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure, using the technology as a tool to help guide treatment.

Patients in El Dorado Hills and the greater Sacramento area who would like to learn more about robotic-assisted knee replacement are encouraged to explore the physician directory to connect with a physician and discuss which approach may best fit their individual anatomy, condition, and treatment goals.

Sources

The Journal of Arthroplasty. Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes. | https://www.journalofarthroplasty.com

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. Alignment and Precision in Total Knee Arthroplasty. | https://journals.lww.com/clinorthop

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total Knee Replacement. | https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement/

Stryker. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery. | https://www.stryker.com/us/en/joint-replacement/systems/mako.html

Johnson & Johnson MedTech. VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution. | https://www.jnjmedtech.com