Choose Precise, Individualized Robotic-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery
Northern Arizona Healthcare now offers the Mako System, which is the only true robotic technology available in Northern Arizona that can be used to perform total knee, total hip, and partial knee replacements. Not only is this the most technologically advanced option for patients with pain due to joint degeneration from osteoarthritis in the knee or degenerative joint disease in the hip; it is also transforming the way surgeons are able to perform joint replacement surgeries.
The advanced robotic technology allows Northern Arizona Healthcare to provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience and reconstruction plan based upon their diagnosis, goals, and the 3D plan that uses a CT scan to consider the patient’s specific anatomy and ligament balance.
To schedule a consult, call 800-656-7880.
What procedures are available with Mako Technology?
Orthopedic procedures that can be performed with Mako include:
A total knee replacement is really a cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. The knee itself isn't replaced, as is commonly thought; rather, an artificial substitute for the cartilage is inserted on the end of the bones. This is done with a metal alloy on the femur, and a plastic spacer on the tibia and kneecap or patella. This creates a new, smooth cushion and a painless, functioning joint.
Benefits of Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery makes it possible to complete certain procedures with an exceptionally high level of precision. For instance, robot-assisted technologies can help surgeons selectively target damaged cartilage and bone, in turn reducing the impact to healthy bone tissues and surrounding ligaments. Benefits of robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery include:
- Improved surgical outcomes
- More precise implant placement
- Smaller incision
- Quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay*
- Less postoperative pain*
- Less postoperative therapy required*
- Less implant wear and tear
- Faster return to activities
*As compared to standard orthopedic surgery
How does Mako work?
It’s important to understand that while the surgery utilizes a robot, it is performed by an orthopedic surgeon who guides the robotic arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee and hip joints. The Mako robotic arm does not perform surgery, make decisions on its own, or move without the surgeon guiding it. The Mako System also allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed.
Three Steps that lead to improved precision:
- Create a custom, virtual 3D model - A CT scan of the affected hip or knee joint is taken. This CT scan is uploaded into the Mako System software, where a 3D model of the hip or knee is created. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist the surgeon in performing the joint replacement procedure.
- Build a personalized surgical plan - The surgeon will use the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology and 3D model to provide a personalized surgical plan and identify implant size, orientation, and alignment based on the patient’s unique anatomy.
- Replace hip or knee with precision - During the procedure, the Mako System helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries that were defined during the preoperative plan. And Mako allows the surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed.