Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ronald Hillock Explains the MAKO Robot (Blog: Voyager Med)
I am frequently asked by patients and their families about “Laser Surgery” and “Robot Surgery” as if it is magic that can work miracles. Sadly this is not the case. So then what are the benefits of robotic surgery for partial knee replacement?
Let’s consider one of the biggest challenges with partial knee replacement; consistency. Joint replacement surgery is technically demanding and requires a highly-skilled surgeon. The implant must be aligned accurately and secured precisely or the patient’s function will be suboptimal.
The key to success in partial knee replacement, or in any surgery for that matter, is performing it repeatedly with reproducible results. The more accurate the plan, the more accurate the action which leads to more consistent outcomes. The robot allows me as a surgeon to perform precise, accurate bone shaping for optimal implant positioning and alignment. And the major benefit of using a robot for orthopedic surgery is that it helps the surgeon complete tasks repeatedly with more accuracy.
The robot is a high tech tool, but like any other knife or retractor, it is just another...
