Dr Mackenzie performs robotic assisted uni-compartmental knee replacement and patelofemoral replacement at Lingard Hospital using the Stryker Mako robotic system.
The Stryker Mako robot can be used for partial knee replacement which is a procedure designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis in one or two compartments of the knee.
In the first stage of the operation, the surgeon collects information about the soft tissue balance of the knee.
This information is combined with the pre-operative CT scan and allows the surgeon to perform a virtual operation on the computer. Once the optimum position has been ascertained for the femoral (thigh bone) component and the tibial (leg bone) component, the robotic arm is then utilised to mill the bone ends and to allow the exact placement of the implants.
By selectively targeting the part of your knee damaged by osteoarthritis, your surgeon can replace the diseased part of your knee while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding it.
The Stryker Mako technology provides the surgeon with a patient-specific 3D virtual model to pre-plan your partial knee replacement. During surgery, the surgeon guides the Mako robotic-arm based on your patient-specific plan. The advantage is that the surgeon removes only the diseased bone, preserving healthy bone and soft tissue, and is assisted in positioning the implant very precisely based on your anatomy.
Lingard Hospital is the only hospital in the Hunter region with the equipment required for robotic surgery.
How it works
1. We put together a plan personalised for you
It all begins with a Computer Tomography (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 pre-operative plan.
2. We perform the surgery
In the operating room, the surgeon will use Mako to assist in performing your surgery based on your personalised pre-operative plan. The Mako system also allows to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed. When we prepare the bone for the implant, the Mako system guides the surgeon within the pre-defined area and prevents from moving outside the planned boundaries. This helps provide more accurate placement and alignment of your implant.
To know more about knee replacement surgery, receive a free copy of the specialist guide Your Complete Guide to Knee Replacement Surgery
