What is the MAKOplasty ® procedure?

The MAKOplasty ® procedure is an FDA-cleared treatment option for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis damage in the medial (inner) portion of the knee. Using the newly developed Tactile Guidance System ™, we are able to perform this procedure through a 2-3 inch incision as opposed to the 8 inch or larger incision required for traditional total knee replacement surgery. Only the diseased portion of your knee is removed, leaving the healthy bone and tissue surrounding it untouched. An implant is then secured in your knee joint that will allow your knee to move smoothly again. Like other unicondylar knee resurfacing procedures, MAKOplasty ® is typically covered by health insurance.

Although the best treatment for each patient must be determined individually, typical MAKOplasty ® patients share the following characteristics:

If I have these symptoms, could osteoarthritis be to blame?

Yes. Osteoarthritis affects more than 21 million people in the United States alone. It is a degenerative bone disease that causes the cartilage found on healthy joints to break down removing the buffer between bones. This often causes pain during normal daily activities and can eventually cause loss of motion and malalignment of the knees.

How can I determine if I am a candidate for the MAKOplasty® procedure?

We suggest you consult with an orthopedic surgeon trained in the MAKOplasty ® procedure.

What are the benefits of this new technology?

Experience has shown that the MAKOplasty ® procedure allows patients to experience a shorter hospital stay, minimal blood loss, quicker rehabilitation and a smaller scar. In addition, many MAKOplasty ® patients are able to return to an active lifestyle within weeks of the procedure.

How long can I expect the implant used in a MAKOplasty ® procedure to last?

All implants have a limited life expectancy that depends on several factors including a patient’s weight, activity level, quality of bone stock and compliance with the doctor’s orders. However, alignment and positioning are also are very important factors affecting the life expectancy of an implant. The goal of the MAKOplasty ® procedure is to achieve the absolute best alignment and positioning for your implant to help it last as long as possible.