What is the Stryker Mako system? 

The Stryker Mako robotic-arm system is a piece of state-of-the-art technology that assists surgeons when performing joint replacements. The system is now available to patients here at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. 

Since 2007, more than 200,000 procedures, including total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements, have been performed around the world, from the UK to New Zealand, using the Mako technology. 

This proven and trusted system provides a number of patient benefits, over and above standard surgery, including: 

• A surgical procedure that is fully customised to the patient’s exact requirements 
• New levels of accuracy within the operation – allowing fine adjustments by the surgeon throughout the procedure 
• Precise and accurate surgery – a personal pre-op plan ensures Mako guides and assists the surgeon in placing the new implant in the optimal position 
• Faster recovery times with less post-op pain and increased mobility 

What is involved with robotic-arm assisted surgery? 

Before the surgery takes place, the surgical team use the Mako technology to create a personalised plan based on your unique anatomy. First, a CT scan is taken, which is then uploaded into the Mako System software to create a 3D model of the joint. The surgeon will then use this 3D model to plan the surgery. 

During the surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm within a pre-defined area, based on the pre-op plan. With the system helping the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries, they can more accurately place and align the implant. 

Whilst the technology is a key component of the overall procedure, it is important to understand that the orthopaedic surgeon is in control of the surgery at all times, guiding the robotic-arm to position the implant in the joint. The Mako robotic-arm does not perform surgery, make decisions, or move without the surgeon guiding it, the technology simply assists the surgeon in delivering a superior result.

What happens afterwards? 

Immediately after the surgery, and for the rest of your time at the hospital, your surgeon, nurses and physical therapists will closely monitor your condition and progress. As soon as possible your physical therapy will begin, with a lot of time being spent exercising the new joint as well as going through other exercises to help your body recover from surgery. 

As with all surgeries, there will be some pain, but you will be prescribed pain medication to manage this, which will gradually be reduced as you recover. 

Before leaving the hospital your physiotherapist will talk you through rehabilitation exercises to be done at home and, depending on limitations in movement, an occupational therapist may provide direction on how to use devices to assist in daily tasks such as bathing and getting dressed. 

Of course, support doesn’t end when you leave the hospital, you will be given information on follow up appointments and contact details if you have any questions or struggles at home. 

This investment helps place us at the forefront of medical advancement. Offering this new method of joint replacement surgery will help transform the experience and quality of medical treatment available for hip and knee joint replacements for our patients.