Over the years, hip replacements have undergone many improvements. Mako is the latest orthopaedic technology to come to BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor. It’s an advancement in the way surgeons carry out total hip replacement surgery.
The technology comprises a surgical planning and navigation system combined with a robotic arm that is guided by your skilled surgeon. Hip replacement surgery involves removing a damaged hip joint and replacing it with an implant.
Your surgeon uses Mako software to create a bespoke plan based on your individual anatomy. During the surgery, this detailed plan is used to ensure accurate removal of bone or cartilage as well as precise positioning of the implant. This improved accuracy can mean a short stay in hospital, improved feel and function and less chance of problems in the future.
What is the robotic-assisted system?
The surgical planning and navigation system helps your surgeon before and after your procedure, aiding with accuracy throughout. There are four key steps:
- A personalised surgical plan
- You will initially have a CT scan taken of your hip joint before your operation.
- The Mako software uses this to create a virtual model of your joint.
- Your surgeon then uses this model to design an individualised plan for surgery.
- Continued assessment
- Throughout the procedure, Mako sends real-time data to your surgeon, which means he can constantly assess the plan and make changes as and when necessary.
- Accurate bone removal
- Your surgeon guides the robotic arm to remove damaged bone and cartilage during surgery.
- The Mako technology creates a virtual boundary to protect healthy bone and cartilage by constantly referencing the surgical plan.
- Precise implant placement
- The implant is then placed into the hip and carefully guided to the best location.
What are the benefits of robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery?
The key benefits of having a robotic-assisted hip replacement include:
- Greater accuracy and precision
- Studies show that Mako can help your surgeon place your implant more precisely; precision in implantation is a significant factor in the success of a hip replacement.*
- A shorter hospital stay
- Having robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery could see you spend fewer nights in hospital than conventional surgery.*
- Less chance of damage to surrounding tissue and ligaments
- Mako gives your surgeon greater control over the surgery and establishes boundaries to protect the healthy parts of your hip.*
- Better feel and function
- Studies have found that robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery leads to better functional outcomes. Patients have reported higher satisfaction and more natural-feeling hips.*
- Reduced risk of complications
- Using Mako could reduce your risk of post-surgical complications including dislocation and misalignment.*
For full references pleaseclick here to go to BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital on Mako robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery.