HSHS St. John’s Hospital is the first hospital in Sangamon County to offer Stryker’s Mako Robotic-Arm assisted total knee replacement procedures. This latest advancement in joint replacement surgery is transforming the way joint replacement procedures are performed.
Robotic-arm assisted surgery is a new approach to joint replacement that offers the potential for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment and positioning. The technology allows surgeons to create a patient-specific 3D plan and perform joint replacement surgery using a surgeon controlled robotic-arm that helps the surgeon execute the procedure with a high degree of accuracy.
Patients are able to experience greater accuracy, minimal scarring and faster recovery from knee surgery thanks to the new Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System, according to Dr. Gordon Allan from Orthopedic Center of Illinois.
“Mako is changing the way joint replacement surgeries are performed,” Allan said. “Using a virtual 3D model, the Mako system allows surgeons to personalize each patient’s surgical plan. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments, while the robotic-arm then allows us to execute that plan with a high level of accuracy and predictability. The combination of these three features of the system has the potential to lead to better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.”
The Mako total knee application is a treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease of the knee. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to prepare the knee and position the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan.
Allan is the only surgeon in Springfield who is trained to perform this type of full knee replacement procedure; he has had extensive experience with Mako Robotic total hip and partial knee replacements.
“We are building on our five years of experience on Mako robotic partial knee and total hip replacement with this new machine and procedure,” Allan said.
