Regain your mobility: Stryker Mako SmartRobotics joint replacement

Successful joint replacement involves more than just having an operation. It's a process that requires careful preparation, planning, and patient involvement.

Today, many orthopedic specialists consider the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system a game changer in the field of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. This next-generation technology is also a preferred method of performing hip replacements.

The system offers an exceptional degree of surgical precision and customization to the joint replacement process, combined with sophisticated recovery support for patients. The result is better surgical outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.

What is joint replacement surgery?

Joints are complex groups of working parts that can be damaged by injury, disease, or wear and tear over time. This can cause joint pain and reduced function. Joint replacement is an orthopedic surgery that renews surfaces inside the damaged joint with components made of specialized materials. The goal of a joint placement is to relieve pain, restore joint function, and improve mobility. A joint replacement can be customized to each patient's unique needs.

What is robotic-assisted joint replacement?

Modern joint replacement procedures were kickstarted by the advent of minimally invasive surgery techniques. An alternative to traditional "open" surgery, minimally invasive surgery is performed through very small incisions. This results in reduced post-surgical discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Robotic-assisted surgery provided further enhancements to the process by improving the surgeon's ability to see tiny details, access hard-to-reach areas, and avoid fatigue.

The Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system goes a step further, helping the surgeon plan and perform joint replacement surgery with a degree of precision and personalization never before possible.

How it works

The system is made up of three key components: 3D CT-based planning, AccuStop haptic technology, and data analytics. Together, these technologies allow the surgeon to achieve accurate, personalized results for each patient. Here's how they work:

• 3D CT-based planning starts with a CT (computed tomography) scan of the joint to be replaced. This scan creates a three-dimensional model of the shape of the hip or knee joint in great detail. After deciding on the best size and placement of joint implants for a patient's needs, the surgeon creates a computerized surgery plan. The CT-based plan helps the surgeon achieve an accurate placement of implants, as well as preserve more healthy bone and joint tissue. This results in joint replacement implants that work more effectively and feel more natural.
• AccuStop haptic technology provides feedback during surgery, based on the surgeon's computerized plan. AccuStop assists the surgeon by highlighting only those tissues that need to be operated on to obtain the desired result.
• Data analytics gathers information on joint replacement patients from the planning phase through completed recovery. This allows the surgeon to track each patient's individual progress in real time, as well as spot trends to help improve care for all patients.

The system is specially designed to assist with joint replacement procedures on the knee and hip, including total knee replacement and total hip replacement. The orthopedic surgeons at Reid Health Comprehensive Bone and Joint Center have extensive experience with the Mako system. Since adopting the technology in 2019, their surgeons have performed more than 1,200 joint replacement surgeries.

RecoveryCOACH is right by your side

After joint replacement surgery, patients typically need to complete several weeks of orthopedic rehabilitation followed by several months of monitoring until the healing process is complete.

RecoveryCOACH is an online guide to help joint replacement patients navigate the recovery process. It can be accessed from any computer or smartphone with an internet connection, and is available before, during, and after joint replacement surgery.

This easy-to-use, effective tool guides joint replacement patients through the process of joint replacement surgery and the steps they need to take to help ensure recovery will be successful. It's designed to help patients feel more confident and prepared before surgery, and better manage recovery with exercises and self-care.

• With RecoveryCOACH, patients can:
• Review helpful materials before surgery, such as tips on how to prepare their homes for recovery
• Receive the right information about joint replacement surgery at the right time
• Make it easier to share information about the joint replacement process with family and others providing support
• Keep track of day-to-day progress
• Inform the joint replacement care team about challenges and needs

A recent case study of Reid Health's adoption of RecoveryCOACH showed patients logged in 56 times on average; 97% of patients reported feeling prepared for joint replacement surgery. The data gathered also helps the Comprehensive Bone and Joint Center continuously refine its care processes and improve outcomes for their patients.

Through the use of these leading-edge technologies, surgeons who practice state-of-the-art musculoskeletal medicine are able to improve outcomes and advance the science of orthopedic care for their patients.

Download our Joint Care Guide, in which Reid Health bone and joint specialists and surgeons offer lifestyle tips to protect joint health, facts about the causes of joint pain, and advice for effective pain relief.