Mobility After Hip Replacement with Mako Robotics

Joyce had left hip pain for more than 10 years, making it hard for her to walk even one kilometer. Her pain made it hard to sleep, especially when there was pressure on her hip. An active lifestyle enthusiast who enjoys yoga and aerobics, she couldn't do the things she enjoyed.

At that juncture, she decided to take charge of her health and researched hip replacement surgery. She looked into robotic hip surgery from many sources and videos but wasn't sure until she met Dato' Dr Siva Kumar Ariaretnam, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC).

Dr Siva diagnosed her with severe hip osteoarthritis, and informed that her hip cartilage had worn down to bone-on-bone. He assured her that the direct anterior approach with the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System would allow a swifter recovery and reduce pain significantly.

Mako aligns the patient's anatomy with the CT scan for precise implant placement, eliminating the need for X-rays. Dr Siva explains that he is able to reduce the time needed for reaming, reducing the risk of bleeding. He is also able to make a hemispherical cavity in the acetabulum, accurate to about half millimeter to one millimeter.

"The direct anterior approach has emerged as a minimally invasive solution for hip replacement surgery over the last 15 years. It avoids cutting through muscles, making recovery faster. This approach is the way to go it as helps patients recover muscle strength and regain mobility sooner," Dr Siva shared.

"Joyce was a perfect fit for anterior hip surgery. She didn't have any other health problems, she was slim (which is important), and she was strong and active," he added.

Following her surgery, Joyce was able to walk the very next day, with the aid of a walker and the support of the nursing staff. She made a grand return to her regular daily life after three months. "I'm now enjoying yoga and hiking, all thanks to Dr Siva's skillful surgery. I'm delighted with the outcome and grateful for his expert diagnosis and recommendation," she said.