The Mako robot takes hip and knee replacement surgery to the next level
South Shore University Hospital further invests in robotic orthopedic surgery, adding a Stryker Mako robotic surgical device to an arsenal that already includes two da Vinci systems
As part of a continued investment in the latest surgical technology, South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) has acquired a Stryker Mako robotic surgical device to perform robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures.
The Mako is a robotic arm that surgeons interact with during hip and knee replacement operations. Patients have advanced imaging performed prior to their surgery and, with the aid of the Mako, surgeons can create a three dimensional reconstruction of the person’s anatomy that can then be combined with virtual trialing of the joint during surgery to allow more accurate tensioning of the ligaments around the joint to have a better and faster recovery.
"During surgery, information gathered by the Mako robot allows the surgeon to make precise alterations in the positioning of joint replacement implants in both the hip and knee, essentially customizing the joint replacement for each patient," said Keith Reinhardt, MD, SSUH’s chief of the Institute for Joint Replacement.
"With this technology we can accurately restore a patient’s leg lengths after hip replacement, and during knee replacement we are able to correct more deformity with less damage to the soft tissues. Since we can better understand the exact orientation of the patient’s bone as we’re doing a joint replacement with robotics, we can more precisely replace the joint and at the same time reduce the risk of surgical complication."
The Institute for Joint Replacement at SSUH is a dedicated unit that includes all private rooms complete with sleeper sofas for a patient’s caregiver, a space for physical therapy and state-of-the-art patient monitoring and other medical equipment.
SSUH has been performing total joint replacement surgeries on patients who are able to leave the hospital on the same day for a few years. The addition of these machines is in line with SSUH’s commitment to surgical excellence and growth from a community into a tertiary hospital.
In addition to these orthopedic robotic platforms, SSUH has two da Vinci Xi robots that are utilized in cardiac, gynecologic, oncologic, urogynecologic, urologic, thoracic and general surgical procedures. SSUH, under its previous name of Southside Hospital, was recognized as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) four years ago.
