Faster recovery, less pain: Why robot-assisted surgery is a joint replacement game changer

Timothy Sauber, MD
Credit: Allegheny Health Network

Referring physicians are always seeking the most advanced and effective treatment options for their patients. For those suffering from debilitating osteoarthritis in the hip or knee, minimally invasive joint replacement surgery at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) using the Mako™ robotic arm-assisted technology offers a compelling solution.

The AHN Orthopaedic Institute, a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, has performed almost 11,000 Mako procedures since 2014, making it a leader in the region and an international training center for surgeons.

“Our program helps improve long-term outcomes for patients, diversifies innovative techniques for training residents and fellows, and ultimately allows surgeons to rapidly advance the field of joint replacement,” shares Timothy Sauber, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, and clinical lead of the Mako program at AHN.

Precision and better outcomes

The Mako system utilizes a 3D map of the patient’s joint, created from a CT scan, to personalize the surgical plan. This allows for precise bone cuts, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and leading to several key benefits:

• Increased accuracy: The robotic arm guides the surgeon’s instruments with precision, ensuring optimal implant placement and minimizing the risk of complications.
• Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption translate to less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays.
• Improved outcomes: Patients often experience less blood loss, quicker rehabilitation, and a higher likelihood of achieving long-term implant stability.

“For patients who qualify, using the Mako Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopaedic System can make a drastic difference in their overall comfort and recovery time,” adds Dr. Sauber.

Beyond Technology: A Positive Patient Experience

The Mako system is not just a technological advancement; it represents a change in thinking for joint replacement surgery. It empowers surgeons to perform procedures with greater precision and control, leading to improved patient outcomes.

“By offering this advanced technology, we provide your patients with the best possible care and help them regain their mobility and quality of life,” Dr. Sauber said.

To make a referral to AHN for joint replacement, call 844-MD-REFER.

Mako is a registered trademark of Stryker and used with permission.