Robotic-assisted Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacements have undergone many improvements over many years. BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital, in Windsor, is offering the latest orthopaedic technology – Mako. It’s an advancement in the way surgeons carry out partial and total knee replacement surgery.

The technology comprises a surgical planning and navigation system combined with a robotic arm that is guided by your skilled surgeon. Knee replacement surgery involves removing part, or all of a damaged knee joint and replacing it with an implant.

Mr Bourke and Mr Kucheria use 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 a 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 help Mr Bourke and Mr Kucheria before and after your procedure, aiding with accuracy throughout. There are four key steps:

1. A personalised surgical plan
   • You will initially have a CT scan taken of your knee joint before your operation
   • The Mako software uses this to create a 3D virtual model of your knee joint
   • Mr Bourke and Mr Kucheria then uses this model to design a highly personalised plan for surgery.

      

2. Continued assessment
   • Throughout the procedure, Mako sends real-time data to Mr Bourke and Mr Kucheria, which means they can constantly assess your joint and make changes and adjust the plan if necessary.

      

3. Accurate bone removal
   • Mr Bourke and Mr Kucheria will guide 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.

                                                                                                                            

4. Precise implant placement

• The implant is then placed into the knee joint and carefully guided to the best location.

   

  What are the benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery?

  The key benefits of having a robotic-assisted knee replacement include:

1. 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 knee replacement.*

      

2. 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 knee.

    

3. Less pain
   • Studies have found that patients undergoing robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery reported less pain in the days and weeks following the operation as a well as the six months following.*

      

4. Faster recovery times
   • Research shows that knee function can improve more quickly after robotic-assisted total knee replacement than with traditional methods.*
   • One study or partial knee replacements found that 9 out of 10 patients were walking without aid after three weeks. After six weeks, 85% were back at work.*

5.  Long-term satisfaction

• One study found that 91% of people who had undergone robotic-arm assisted surgery were either satisfied or very satisfied five years after surgery. *

*For full references please click here to go to BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital to find out more about Mako robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery.

 For more information please look at these patient guides:

MakoPartialKneePatient'sGuide.pdf 

MakoPartialKneePre-operativeGuide.pdf

Mako Total Knee Patient Guide.pdf

Mako Total Knee Pre Operative Guide.pdf