Partial knee replacement is ideal for those who are suffering from knee pain or degeneration in a single area of the joint. By utilizing a CT scan to determine the exact location of the damaged area, a customized surgical plan is created and an individualized implant is built to replace only that part of the knee. During the surgery, a robotic arm is used to precisely resurface the damaged areas and fit the prosthetic to the patient's specific needs. This highly accurate method reduces the risk of error and increases the longevity of the implant, allowing individuals to return to their active lifestyle with a rehabilitated knee that feels and behaves more like their natural joint.
Before the procedure, a CT scan is taken to create a custom-made prosthetic implant tailored to the patient's anatomy. During the surgery, a four-to-six inch incision is made over the knee, with additional small cuts at the side if needed. Then, the ligaments, tendons, and kneecap are moved to access the affected section. A robotic arm is used to carefully resurface only the affected area and match the custom prosthetic. This prosthetic is then glued onto the bone with bone cement, and the tendons, ligaments, and kneecap are put back in the correct position. Using the robotic arm instead of manual methods reduces the chances of error and revision, leading to higher success rates.
Typically, patients will experience less pain and a shorter recovery time with a MAKOplasty partial knee replacement than a traditional total knee replacement. Most patients can go home the same day, while a few may require an overnight stay in the hospital. Patients should be able to walk independently within hours after the procedure. Common post-operative side effects include tenderness and swelling; using icepacks and taking over-the-counter pain medication is encouraged. With regular physical therapy sessions and exercises to strengthen the joint, a full recovery can usually be expected within 2-4 weeks.
