Each year, more than 1 million people undergo total joint replacement surgery in the United States. The most common reason for having a hip or knee replaced is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. Excess weight, joint fracture, ligament tears, or other injury can damage cartilage and cause osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is another condition that may be alleviated by hip or knee joint replacement.
Joint replacement surgery may be an option for those suffering from arthritic knee or hip pain that severely limits the activities of daily living. Rather than wait until the entire joint is completely arthritic, a trained Mako® orthopedic surgeon at the Memorialcare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Medical Center can use a new technique to help people sooner, by doing partial replacements, rather than waiting a few years for a total replacement.
These are the even more advanced procedures offered with Mako:
- Mako Partial Knee Resurfacing
Performed using the proven robotic arm technology of the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System. Mako provides surgeons precision to resurface only the diseased portion of the knee, retaining as much of the natural knee as possible — including healthy bone and ligaments. - Mako Total Hip Replacement
Implants are attached to both the lower end of the femur (thighbone) and upper end of the tibia (shinbone). This creates a new, smooth cushion and functioning joint that can reduce or eliminate pain.
Mako exceeds previous joint replacement methods by guiding surgeons with real-time images, magnified to give surgeons a closer look. Joint replacement surgeons have precise control for more accurate implant placement. Mako Technology also provides three benefits:
- CAT scan imagery creates a 3-D plan custom to the patient
- Time views and precise tools during surgery
- Clear view and understanding during surgery allows for exacting changes
Primary candidates for joint replacement are individuals with chronic joint pain that interferes with daily activities, such as walking, exercise, leisure, recreation and work. If a person’s symptoms aren’t responding to non-surgical solutions, or pain can no longer be managed with medication, they may be a candidate for surgery.
The benefits of joint replacement surgery include relief from pain, restored independence and the opportunity to return to work and other daily activities. Like any surgical procedure, there also are associated risks. Speak with a physician to determine if Mako is right for you. Call (877) 696-3622 for more information.