Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery 

In a Nut Shell

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The Mako technology provides Mr Shakokani with a patient-specific 3-D model to pre-plan the patient’s hip replacement. During surgery, Mr Shakokani guides the Stryker robotic-arm based on each patient’s specific plan. This helps him focus on the removal of diseased bone, helping preserve healthy bone, and assists in positioning the total hip implant based on the patient’s anatomy.

Personalised plan 

It all begins with a CT scan of your joint that is used to generate a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy. This virtual model is loaded into the Mako system software and is used to create your personalised preoperative plan.

In the operating room 

During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm while preparing the hip socket and positioning the implant based on the patient’s personalised preoperative plan. The Mako System also allows the surgeon to make adjustments to the patient’s plan during surgery as needed. When the surgeon prepares the bone for the implant, the Mako system guides the surgeon within the pre-defined area and helps prevent the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. This helps provide more accurate placement and alignment of the implant to plan.

What is the difference between a "standard" and Mako Robotic-Arm assisted hip replacement?

Surgeons have been using 2-D digital x-rays for the past decade to plan the surgery. Mako requires a pre-operative CT scan which allows for patient-specific 3-D digital planning, which is far more accurate than 2-D planning. During the operation, the Mako computer and robotic arm allow the surgeon to place implants with much greater precision and to reduce any variability.

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​What has yet to be confirmed is whether improved accuracy at the time of surgery will result in improved clinical outcomes in the longer term.