MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

The MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System is one of the most groundbreaking advancements in joint replacement surgery, particularly for knee and total hip arthroplasty, which are procedures designed to restore joint function and mobility. It revolutionises the way these surgeries are performed by offering higher accuracy and precision, significantly reducing complications and improving long-term surgical outcomes.

At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) in Malaysia, we were among the first hospitals to introduce robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery using the state-of-the-art MAKO System. Since early 2022, SJMC has successfully performed more than 130 joint replacement surgeries with MAKO technology, offering patients better outcomes, less pain, and faster recovery times.

Beyond Open Surgery: How MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted System Works for Hip & Knee Surgery

Traditional open surgery requires large incisions and extensive tissue disruption, which often leads to pain, longer hospital stays, and higher risk of complications. The MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery System helps overcome these issues through advanced MAKO SmartRobotics™ technology that integrates three powerful components:

1. 3D CT-based Planning

A CT scan of the patient’s leg creates a detailed 3D image of their unique anatomy, allowing surgeons to plan implant positioning and joint balancing with precision before surgery. This ensures a highly personalised surgical plan tailored to each patient.

2. AccuStop™ Haptic Technology

The robotic-assisted arm guides the surgeon’s movements, maintaining precision while preserving soft tissue and healthy bone. This ensures safer, more accurate procedures and helps reduce recovery time.

3. Real-time Visualisation

During surgery, surgeons receive continuous feedback through a high-definition 3D monitor, ensuring precise implant placement and reducing the likelihood of surgical errors. This real-time feedback supports the best possible outcome for every patient.

Benefits of MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

Types of Knee and Hip Surgeries Performed Using MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Replaces the entire damaged knee joint with artificial components. MAKO ensures precise implant placement and sizing, reducing bone removal and promoting faster healing.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
Replaces only the damaged portion of the knee while preserving healthy cartilage and bone. MAKO helps ensure optimal implant fit and function.

Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Replaces the damaged hip joint with artificial components. MAKO enables accurate socket and cup alignment, ensuring long-term joint stability and function.

Surface Hip Replacement
Replaces only the damaged surface of the hip joint, preserving more bone and allowing faster recovery compared to traditional hip replacement procedures.

The Impact of SJMC’s Adoption of the MAKO Robotic System in Hip and Knee Surgery

The advanced capability of robotic-assisted surgery using the MAKO Robotic-Arm System helps patients recover faster and experience less pain after joint surgery. This innovation supports Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), making daycare surgery possible, where selected patients can safely go home on the same day of their procedure. This approach, widely practised in the United States and Europe, is now available in Malaysia through SJMC’s adoption of the MAKO system and its minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery (MIS) with Direct Anterior Approach

To further support faster recovery, SJMC also performs Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery using the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA). This method accesses the hip joint from the front of the body, reducing muscle damage, preserving blood flow, and lowering the risk of dislocation. Combined with MAKO technology, it allows quicker recovery and improved joint mobility.

The MAKO system also helps address the complexity of hip and knee surgeries among Asian patients, who often have smaller bone structures compared to Western patients. With 3D CT-based planning and real-time visualisation, surgeons can perform procedures with higher confidence, precision, and improved long-term results.

Why Choose SJMC for MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery in Malaysia