Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System is one of the biggest medical frontiers in joint replacement surgery, in particular knee and total hip arthroplasty (surgical procedures to restore the function of the joint). It revolutionises the way these surgeries are performed with higher accuracy and precision while significantly reducing complication after procedures.
Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC)is the first hospital in Malaysia to offer Total Knee Replacement TKR surgery as a daycare service utilising the state-of-the-art Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System. Since early 2022, SJMC has performed more than 130 joint replacement surgeries using this system.
Beyond Open Surgery: How Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted System Works for Hip & Knee Surgery
Traditional open surgery involves large incisions and extensive tissue disruption, leading to significant pain, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of complications. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery system eliminates all these shortcomings.
The system is powered by Mako SmartRobotics technology which combines these three key components in order:
3D CT-based Planning
A CT scan on the leg that creates a 3D image of the patient's unique anatomy. This accurate and precise information allows surgeons to create their patient's plan and assess and balance the joint.
AccuStop Haptic Technology
The robotic-assisted arms enhances the surgeon's capabilities to operate based on the planning with high precision and accuracy, preserving soft tissue (connective tissue, fat, blood vessels and nerves) and saving healthy bones.
Real-time Visualisation
During surgery, the surgeon receives continuous feedback through a high-definition monitor, ensuring optimal implant placement and minimising potential errors.
Advantages of Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System to Patients.
Higher Accuracy & Precision
- Improved surgical outcome
- Better pain & discomfort management
- Accurate visualisation for implant placements, leading to improved joint function and longevity
Reduced Risks & Complications
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced blood loss
Faster Recovery
- Shorter hospital stays
- Minimal scarring
- Faster return to normal daily activities
Types of Knee and Hip Surgeries Performed Using Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System
Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
The procedure replaces the entire damaged knee joint with artificial components. Mako allows for accurate implant placement and sizing, minimising bone removal and promoting faster healing.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
The procedure replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving healthy cartilage and bone. Mako's precision helps ensure optimal implant fit and function.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
The procedure replaces the damaged hip joint with artificial components. Mako's advanced technology facilitates precise socket placement and cup alignment, promoting long-term implant stability and function.
Surface Hip Replacement
The procedure replaces only the damaged surface of the hip joint, preserving more bone and offering a faster recovery compared to traditional THR. Mako's accuracy minimises bone removal and ensures optimal implant placement.
The Impact of SJMC's Adoption of Mako's System in the Robotic-assisted Surgery of Hip & Knee
The superior capability of robotic-assisted surgery like Mako's system unlocks its capability to achieve enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), being daycare surgery as one of its end products. The ERAS movement is widely practised in the United States and parts of Europe. In Malaysia, SJMC has facilitated such possibilities, thanks to the minimally invasive procedure capability achieved by the Mako system.
Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery (MIS) with Direct Anterior Approach
To emphasise the importance of minimally invasive procedures, one of the techniques used for hip replacement surgery is called the direct anterior approach (DAA). It differs from traditional approaches by accessing the hip joint from the front of the patient, rather than the side or back. The procedure which is made feasible with the use of Mako system, minimises muscle disruption, preserves blood supply and reduces risk of dislocation after surgery.
SJMC's adoption of the Mako system solves one of the most important issues: Complexity of hip and knee surgeries on Asian patients. Due to their smaller bone structures compared to individuals from Western countries, the surgeries are more challenging in general. Thanks to the 3D CT-based planning and real-time visualisation of the Mako system, surgeons can plan and perform such surgeries with improved confidence due to its higher accuracy and precision.
Advancements in Orthopaedic for Hip & Knee Replacement Surgeries
Read morePatient Story:
Joyce had left hip pain for more than 10 years, making it hard for her to walk even one kilometre. 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 SJMC, she was diagnosed with severe hip osteoarthritis, and informed that her hip cartilage had worn down to bone-on-bone. After the Mako surgery performed in SJMC, she shared her recovery experiences:
"I actually walk the next day, which I'm very surprised as well, because normally people say after the surgery, you won't be able to walk for like how many days. No, I actually walked the second day in the morning. Basically, I can stand and walk using the walker with the help of the nurse. Three months later, I'm basically a normal person. And if I don't tell you I had a surgery, there's no one who can really know that I did a surgery. So right now I have no problem doing yoga, walking. Well, I am very happy and I also go hiking now."- Joyce, 61, hip replacement patient with Mako Robotics at SJMC
Fused with the capabilities and expertise of skilled surgeons of the Mako system at SJMC, each and every patient will receive the best and highest level treatment and care for better quality of life.