What is a Robot for Joint replacement surgery? How does it work?

Robotic surgery is currently carried out with the use of the most precise and advanced Stryker MAKO Robotic system, a unique set of technologies that include specialized “arms” for holding instruments, as well as a magnified screen and a console.

MAKO is a CT based robot. It means, that CT scan of every patient is done to identify his Hip centre, Knee centre, Ankle centre and other bony landmarks around the knee. This data is sent to the Artificial intelligence based Robotic system. Based on those landmarks and CT slices, a virtual 3D model of the bone is created which is an exact replica of the knee to be operated.

The exact sizes of the implant and their best position, which matches the structure of the patient’s knee, are determined on the basis of these CT images. Remember, all this is done even before the patient is admitted to the hospital.

To operate using the Robotic system, your surgeon makes incisions in your body and inserts miniaturized instruments. During surgery, the bony landmarks which were already identified in the CT are reconfirmed. Tissue balance is checked and the bone cuts to ensure perfect alignment and balanced are planned.

The surgeon holds control of the robotic arm and precise bone cuts, as per plan are taken.