Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

December 19, 2016

Mako Enables a New Level of Accuracy for Partial Knee and Total Hip Replacement 

Hartford Hospital was first in Greater Hartford to offer patients this new tool in orthopedic surgery: Mako Partial Knee resurfacing and Mako Total Hip replacement procedures uses the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System. RIO is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that enables even more precise alignment and placement of implants.

RIO enables surgeons to personalize partial knee and total hip arthroplasties to achieve optimal results with a level of accuracy previously unattainable with conventional instrumentation. The RIO System features a patient-specific visualization system and robotic arm technology that is integrated with surgical instruments. It assists surgeons in pre-planning and treating each patient uniquely.

During Mako Total Hip surgery, RIO provides visualization of the joint and biomechanical data to guide the bone preparation and implant positioning to match the pre-surgical plan. After first preparing the femur or thighbone, the surgeon uses the robotic arm to accurately shape the acetabulum socket in the hip, and then implant the cup at the correct depth and orientation. The surgeon then positions the femoral implant. Mako offers the confidence of more accurate cup placement and accurate leg length restoration.

Eligibility

Mako Partial Knee is a treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. It is less invasive than traditional total knee surgery. A pre-surgical plan is created based on a CT scan of the patient’s knee. The surgeon uses the robotic arm during surgery to resurface the diseased portion of the knee, sparing healthy bone and surrounding tissue for a more natural feeling knee. An implant is then secured in the joint to allow the knee to move smoothly again.

Like other total hip replacement procedures, Mako may be a treatment option for people who suffer from either non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease.

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