The Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System has helped many Arkansans move past their joint pain and get back to the activities they love. Learn more about the process our patients experience when they undergo a Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement.
1. Surgery is recommended.
The Mako joint replacement process begins when it is determined a patient needs joint replacement surgery. This occurs after the patient has tried to alleviate their joint pain through noninvasive methods such as medication, steroid injections, physical therapy and weight loss with no success.
2. The surgeon determines the patient is a candidate for Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery.
Once the patient begins exploring surgical options, their surgeon will recommend a procedure based on which joint needs to be replaced, the condition of the joint and the patient’s overall health. If the patient is a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon may recommend Mako due to the procedure’s many benefits.
3. Surgery preparations are made.
After the patient elects to have a Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement and schedules their procedure, they can begin preparing for the surgery alongside their surgeon. Before surgery, the surgeon will use the Mako system to create a three-dimensional virtual model of the joint that will be replaced. From this model, the surgeon is able to virtually perform the patient’s surgery before setting foot in the operating room and create a completely customized pre-operative plan, resulting in increased accuracy and maximum precision.
4. The procedure is performed.
The surgeon will input the patient’s unique surgical plan into the Mako system. During surgery, the surgeon will guide the robotic-arm to remove damaged bone and cartilage, while Mako protects the patient’s healthy tissue.
5. Recover.
After the surgery is over, the patient will follow many of the same recovery guidelines as those who undergo a traditional joint replacement, but will likely require a shorter hospital stay, have smaller incisions, experience less pain and recover faster.
Are you interested in Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery? Request an appointment with one of the expert orthopedic surgeons at Baptist Health.