Total Hip Arthroplasty
The robotic arm technology enables a new level of accuracy in implant alignment and positioning – that may mean restored mobility and a return to your active lifestyle.
This technology offers the potential for a higher level of patient–specific implant alignment and positioning to accurately reproduce the surgical plan, an aspect not consistently achieved in manual techniques. Accurate alignment and positioning of hip implants are important factors affecting surgical outcomes and the lifespan of implants.
If your surgeon determines that you are a good candidate for the Mako procedure, he or she will schedule a computed tomography (CT) scan of your hip one or two weeks prior to your surgery date. Then, a patient-specific 3-D model of your pelvis and femur from the CT scan is created pre-operatively to plan optimal implant placement. During surgery, the RIO guides the surgeon in preparing the hip anatomy and positioning the implants. Real-time data and images allow surgeons to know and control accurate implant placement, which can be difficult to achieve using traditional manual techniques.
- Accurate placement of the hip implant can reduce the likelihood of hip dislocation
- More consistency in leg length
- Potentially decreasing the need for a shoe lift
- Decreased risk of the implant and bone abnormally rubbing together – this may improve the life of the implant
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any hip surgical procedure, including Mako Total Hip Replacement. Your doctor can explain these risks and help determine if Mako Total Hip Replacement is right for you.
A typical hospital stay for a total hip replacement is determined by your Mako surgeon. Your surgeon will also determine what physical therapy may be prescribed for you.
All implants have a life expectancy that depends on several factors, including the patient’s weight, activity level, quality of bone, and compliance with his/her physician’s orders. Proper implant alignment and accurate positioning during surgery are also very important factors that can improve the life expectancy of an implant. Through the use of the RIO robotic arm system, implants may be more optimally aligned and positioned.
Only your surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for Mako Total Hip Replacement. A candidate for Mako Total Hip Replacement may experience the following:
- Pain while putting weight on the affected hip
- Limping to lessen the weight-bearing pressure on the affected hip
- Pain that may radiate to the groin, lower back, or down the thigh to the knee
- Hip pain or stiffness during walking or other impact activities
- Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
