The Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement with Mako Robotic Surgery
The Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement with Mako Robotic Surgery
Fri Sep 13 2024Understanding Partial Knee Replacement and the Mako System
Partial knee replacement is a surgical option for patients with damage confined to a specific knee area. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire knee joint, partial knee replacement focuses solely on the damaged compartment of the knee, allowing the surgeon to preserve the healthy bone, cartilage, and surrounding tissues. The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery enhances this procedure by combining imaging technology with robotic precision, allowing for a tailored surgical approach.Advantages of Partial Knee Replacement with Mako Robotic Surgery:
Potentially Quicker Recovery Times
One of the benefits of partial knee replacement using the Mako system is the potential for quicker recovery compared to traditional knee replacement surgeries. Since the procedure may be less invasive and preserves more of the natural knee, patients may experience less postoperative pain and a shorter rehabilitation period. The Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery facilitates a patient-specific approach using advanced imaging technology to create a detailed 3D model of the patient's knee anatomy before surgery. This personalized model allows the surgeon to plan the procedure accurately, tailoring the surgery to each patient's knee's unique structure and needs.
By customizing the surgical plan to the patient's specific anatomy, the Mako system aims to achieve better alignment and balance, potentially reducing recovery time and improving overall surgical outcomes. This patient-specific treatment contrasts traditional knee surgeries, where a one-size-fits-all approach may not account for individual anatomical differences. This quicker recovery may help patients return to their daily activities sooner, although the exact timeline can vary based on individual circumstances. A study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty found that patients who underwent robotic-assisted partial knee replacement experienced shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times than those who underwent traditional surgery (Smith et al., 2020).”
Design to Enhance Precision in Surgery
The Mako system is designed to offer enhanced precision through its advanced imaging technology and robotic guidance. Before the surgery, surgeons use a CT scan of the knee to create a 3D model of the patient's knee anatomy. This model allows surgeons to plan the procedure with high accuracy, mapping out the exact placement and alignment of the knee implant. During the surgery, the Mako robotic arm assists the surgeon by providing real-time feedback and helping to execute the plan with minimal deviation. This level of precision can reduce the risk of complications and improve the overall outcome of the surgery.Preservation of Natural Knee Structure
Another benefit of partial knee replacement is the preservation of more of the natural knee structure. Unlike total knee replacement, which involves replacing the entire joint, partial knee replacement focuses on the damaged area while keeping healthy bone and cartilage intact. The Mako system further enhances this benefit by enabling surgeons to remove only the damaged tissue with great accuracy, preserving as much of the patient's natural knee as possible. This preservation can result in a more natural-feeling knee post-surgery and contribute to better long-term function.Recap and Next Steps
Partial knee replacement with Mako Robotic Surgery represents a significant advancement in orthopedic care, offering several potential benefits for patients suffering from knee pain. By combining the some of the latest technology with a patient-specific approach, the Mako system can provide quicker recovery times, enhanced surgical precision, and preservation of the natural knee structure. While these technologies offer significant potential benefits, they are not suitable for every patient. Patients must consult their healthcare providers to determine if this option suits their condition.
For more information on Mako Robotic Surgery and whether you are a candidate for partial knee replacement, make an appointment with your West Coast Joint and Spine healthcare provider.
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