One may have heard from their orthopedic surgeon that there is such a thing as Mako robotic assisted surgery as a viable option for joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery can greatly improve one’s life, as it takes away the pain from daily activities, while giving their mobility back, helping them stay active. While knee or hip replacement may be obvious, which type, standard or robotic to pick, may not. This article is here to shed some light on the differences between these two types.
Standard
Partial knee replacement surgery, as an orthopedic surgeon may have already talked about, means replacing only a portion of the joint. This is great for those who have knees that are in good working order, with the exception of some parts. Indeed, in this case, only the parts that are damaged are removed, and replaced with implants. Having only part of the knee taken out and replaced makes the recovery process a whole lot easier.
When it happens with standard procedures, the orthopedic surgeon looks to see the correct way in which the implant should be placed. For that, he or she used an X-ray. Then, they insert the implant, and cements it in place.
Robotic
Alternatively, a robotic arm can be used for assistance. In this case, the X-ray is replaced with a CT scan, which the doctor uses to build a 3D model of the joint that is to be replaced. After the model is created, it is uploaded onto the robotic software to plan the path of the procedure.
While it is happening, the doctor controls the robot, while using the model for guidance. The implant is placed precisely in the location where it needs to go, making sure that the leg is properly aligned, and that the soft tissue is balanced.
Advantages
Research supports the idea that robot-assisted joint replacement is more effective. This is so because the robot provides superior precision, helping the doctor align everything properly. Indeed, when alignment is not properly made, the joint suffers from excessive wear and tear, and may even lead to the implant becoming ineffective prematurely.
When You Are Ready
Request a consultation with one of the hip specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online. OSI offers anterior, posterior, and robotic surgical options for the treatment of hip or knee pain. Do your homework, talk to friends and family members, neighbors and colleagues, to identify the procedure that is right for you.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. The campus in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, as well as a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries. OSI has outreach clinics in Green Bay, New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location at 600 N. Koeller Street in Oshkosh.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.