Mako SmartRobotics

Mako SmartRobotics offers a minimally invasive approach to joint replacement surgery, allowing specialists to perform complex surgical procedures with increased accuracy and control than is possible through standard operative techniques^1,2,3.

At Wangaratta Private Hospital, we utilise the region’s first Mako robot. The technology adds to the hospital’s suite of surgical options for orthopaedic patients, ensuring patients have access to a range of advanced treatments close to home.

The Mako robot is used as a treatment option for adults living with osteoarthritis; causing pain, limited range of motion or decreased function. Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery allows surgeons to create a patient-specific preoperative plan from CT imaging and make changes during the procedure to best suit your biomechanics. Mako is the only robotic system with Accustop haptic technology, allowing surgeons to achieve precise execution of their plan^1,2,3.  

What does this mean for you?

Mako SmartRobotics has shown better outcomes for your total knee, partial knee and total hip procedures, compared to standard operative techniques^1,2,3. Patients have experienced reduced length of stay in hospital, less pain and opioid use, increased satisfaction post-surgery, and reduced complications^4,5,6,7. Surgeons who utilise this technology are required to go through specialist training. No additional technology fees are payable by patients. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise you on whether or not Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery is the right option for you.

How does it work?

Mako SmartRobotics enables the surgeon to complete a patient-specific pre-surgical plan, customising implant position and size using a CT scan of the patient’s unique anatomy. During the procedure, the software creates a three-dimensional, virtual view of the patient’s bone surface and correlates the image to the pre-programmed surgical plan. As the surgeon uses the robotic arm, tactile, auditory and visual feedback limits are given to guide bone preparation of the diseased areas, while providing real time adjustments to restore natural biomechanics ^{1,2,3,8,9,10,11}.

Our Orthopaedic Surgeons

Mr James Churchill

Mr Michael Falkenberg

Dr Prue Keith

Mr Richard Kjar

Dr Warren Seager

References

1. Illgen, R, Bukowski, B, Abiola, R, Anderson, P, Chughtai, M, Khlopas, A, Mont, M. Robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty: Outcomes at minimum two year follow up. Surgical Technology International. 2017 July 25; 30:365-372
2. Kayani B, Konan S, Tahmassebi J, Pietrzak JRT, Haddad FS. Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty is associated with improved early functional recovery and reduced time to hospital discharge compared with conventional jig-based total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study. The Bone and Joint Journal. 2018;100-B:930-7.
3. Kleeblad LJ, Borus T, Coon T, Dounchis J, Nguyen J, Pearle A. Midterm survivorship and patient satisfaction of robotic-arm assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a multicenter study. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2018:1-8.
4. Roche, M.W., Vakharia, R.M., Law, T.Y. Survivorship and patient satisfaction rates of robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A 10-year follow up study. Presented at American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. November 2020. Dallas, TX.)
5. Kayani, B., Konan, S., Tahmassebi, J., Rowan, F.E. and Haddad, F.S., 2019. An assessment of early functional rehabilitation and hospital discharge in conventional versus robotic-arm assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study. Bone Joint J, 101(1), pp.24-33.
6. Cool, C.L., Jacofsky, D.J., Seeger, K.A., Sodhi, N. and Mont, M.A., 2019. A 90-day episode-of-care cost analysis of robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty. Journal of comparative effectiveness research,(0).
7. Bukowski, B.R., Anderson, P., Khlopas, A., Chughtai, M. and Mont, M.A., 2016. Improved Functional Outcomes with Robotic Compared with Manual Total Hip Arthroplasty. Surgical technology international, 29, pp.303-308.
8. Haddad, F.S., et al. Iatrogenic Bone and Soft Tissue Trauma in Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared With Conventional Jig-Based Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study and Validation of a New Classification System. J Arthroplasty. 2018 Aug;33(8):2496-2501. Epub 2018 Mar 27.
9. Hozack, W, Chen, A, Khlopas, A, Mahoney, O, Mont, M, Murray, T, Orozco, F, Higuera Rueda, C, Stearns, K. Multicenter Analysis of Outcomes after Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. March 12-16, 2019.
10. Suarez-Ahedo, C; Gui, C; Martin, T; Chandrasekaran, S; Domb, B. Robotic arm assisted total hip arthroplasty results in smaller acetabular cup size in relation to the femoral head size: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study. Hip Int. 2017; 27 (2): 147-152.
11. Hampp E, Chang TC, Pearle A. Robotic partial knee arthroplasty demonstrated greater bone preservation compared to robotic total knee arthroplasty. Annual Orthopaedic Research Society. Austin, TX. 2-5 Feb 2019.