Robotic partial knee replacement is sometimes called makoplasty after the company that first developed this technology:  Mako. Mako has since sold to Stryker Orthopedics.

Partial knee replacement or resurfacing is an approach to repair knees with severely damaged joint surfaces on the spectrum of arthritis. Partial joint resurfacing involves capping the ends of the bones that are worn away to provide a new bearing surface and eliminate pain. Unlike a complete knee replacement, this procedure only replaces the worn cartilage to take away pain.

i like to think of knees as having three main areas that must be smooth and have good ‘tread’ like a car tire.  While a ‘total knee’ fixes all three areas the partial fixes just one of them.  Some people only need the partial while others just need the whole knee done.  This is something we can discuss in the office

Makoplasty partial joint replacement

Actual X-ray of a mako partial joint resurfacing patient

I. perform this procedure using a highly advanced computer-guided robotic knee surgery system. This method, designed and engineered by Mako, has been called a ‘makoplasty’. The procedure utilizes a specialized scan of your knee that allows us to completely plan and customize the procedure for you before we get to the operating room.

Rather than making bone cuts by hand, a computer-guided robotic-assisted surgical technique creates a perfectly machined bone surface.

Parients usually recover faster with a partial than a full replacement. The knee tends to feel a little more natural than a full replacement.   This may be an option for you. It is best if we can review your x-rays together and decide if this is your solution.  It is not for everyone.   It’s important to understand your situation and customize a plan just for you

Here is a little video about the robotic knee replacement procedure:

These procedures are performed at Sharp Grossmont and Sharp Coronado Hospitals in San Diego. Patients almost always go home the same day. The San Diego International Airport is 10 minutes from Coronado and 20 minutes from Grossmont with easy accommodations for family members at several resorts including the Hotel Del Coronado, and the Coronado Marriot.

I am always happy to review X-rays and MRI scans to determine if this may help you get your life back. Please contact me through my website or through my office at 619-354-7060.

Dr. Scott Hacker is a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon in San Diego, CA, and Team Surgeon to the US Olympic Team. He specializes in sports medicine and sports injuries, knee and shoulder surgery.

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