Mako Robotic Joint Replacement

What is a Mako Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement?

Dr. Cahill uses Mako technology for total knee replacements, partial knee replacements, and hip replacements.

Though a “robotic-assisted joint replacement” may sound like a robot is performing the surgery, the Mako robot is simply a tool that Dr. Cahill uses to plan out and complete your joint replacement surgery. The Mako software uses a CT scan of your hip or knee to create a 3D virtual model of the joint that is unique to your own anatomy. This 3D model is then used to plan out your joint replacement procedure.

Though Dr. Cahill uses the Mako robot to perform the surgery according to the predefined plan, he has complete control over the robot. If needed, he is able to make adjustments to the plan in real-time. The robot cannot go outside of the predefined plan unless Dr. Cahill makes adjustments himself. The Mako software gives feedback on where to make bone cuts and how to position the implants so that the new joint is well-aligned.

Benefits of Mako Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement

There are several benefits to robotic-assisted joint replacement that have led Dr. Cahill to make this procedure available to patients.

• Smaller surgical incisions – Mako robotic-assisted joint replacements are minimally invasive and do not require large incisions to complete the surgery. This may lead to less blood loss during surgery.
• Less pain after surgery – Smaller incisions combined with advanced pain management techniques mean that patients have less pain during the initial recovery period.
• No overnight hospital stay – Dr. Cahill performs Mako joint replacements in an outpatient surgery center, so patients are able to return home the day of surgery.
• Quicker recovery times – Minimally invasive procedures like Mako joint replacements allow patients to recover more quickly because incisions are smaller and there is less pain after surgery.
• More accurate implant placement – The Mako software allows Dr. Cahill to plot out implant placement with great accuracy, which leads to better alignment of the joint, better long-term results, and greater patient satisfaction than traditional joint replacement procedures.

Though Dr. Cahill is very experienced and skilled at traditional joint replacement procedures, Mako technology improves upon his expertise by providing feedback and planning capabilities that are not possible with the human eye.

Recovering from Mako Joint Replacement

The recovery process for a Mako joint replacement is fairly similar to the recovery process for a traditional joint replacement. However, patients tend to recover more quickly with Mako joint replacements because they have less pain after surgery and are able to begin putting weight on the joint soon after surgery.

Because Dr. Cahill performs Mako joint replacements in an outpatient surgery center, patients are able to return home the day of surgery. Patients can then go to a physical therapist on an outpatient basis, or have in-home physical therapy services.

Full return to activity ultimately depends on the patient’s needs and activity levels, but most patients are able to resume all of their usual activities within 1-3 months of surgery.

Mako Robotic Joint Replacement in Hackensack, NJ

Dr. James Cahill has over 20 years of experience with joint replacement surgery. Mako robotic-assisted technology compliments Dr. Cahill’s expertise to provide even better results for patients needing joint replacement surgery, including more accurate implant placement. Dr. Cahill performs total and partial knee replacements and hip replacements using Mako technology. If you would like to learn more about Mako robotic joint replacement or schedule an appointment with Dr. Cahill, please call our office at (201) 489-0022.