Total Knee Replacement

You’re a unique individual and so is your body. That’s why 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center uses the Mako Knee robotic technology for patients who need total knee replacement surgery. Mako is a Robotic Surgical Assistant, that assists Dr. David Dominguez, who is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specially trained for this procedure, in ensuring the precise knee implant placement is a perfect fit.

Every patient’s situation is unique to them, so the length of time a knee replacement lasts will vary between patients. Individual results may vary, and your personal outcome and recovery will be based on several factors including your medical history, body weight, physical condition, activities, and surgical techniques. Since artificial replacements are not as strong or durable as natural, healthy joints, there is no guarantee that it will last for life. Consequently, a patient may need another knee replacement at some point.

Arthritis in the knee joint

The knee is the largest joint in your body. Three bones form the knee: the tibia (shinbone), femur (thighbone), and patella (kneecap). There is also cartilage tissue that lubricates the bone edges in the knee joint, acting as a cushion during movement.

Your age, activities, and injuries can damage the cartilage tissue and bone. The increased friction due to the lack of cartilage in the bones of your knee joint can become increasingly painful making it difficult to bend your knee or move around as the cartilage continues to wear down. This is a condition known as Osteoarthritis and it is the most common form of arthritis. It typically develops after several years of repetitive motion and constant pressure in the knee joints. If non-surgical options are not providing relief, Dr. Dominguez may recommend knee replacement surgery using our surgeon-guided robotic technology.      

Mako KNEE Robotic Technology

A precise-fitting knee implant is essential to your comfort, recovery, and overall outcome after knee replacement surgery. The Mako Knee robotic technology collects vital data before the procedure and during surgery, giving Dr. Dominguez precise information about your unique physical anatomy to ensure a more accurate implant fit. This precision technology allows Dr. Dominguez and 3D Sports Medicine to plan a custom total knee replacement surgery based upon your unique individual needs.

Before surgery

During the preoperative procedure, Dr. Dominguez and 3D Sports Medicine may use the Mako Knee system to take a series of x-rays to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of your knee joint. Dr. Dominguez will use this 3D model of your knee to tailor the knee replacement surgery just for you.

During surgery

Robotic total knee replacement surgery with 3D Sports Medicine is very similar to traditional surgery, but with the guidance of robotic technology. Dr. Dominguez is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specially trained to use the Mako Knee system and will customize the procedure for your unique knee and joint structure. 

During the procedure, optical trackers will be attached to your leg. The robotic cameras use these trackers to keep track of the precise location of your knee during surgery, like the way GPS uses satellites to track objects.  This way if your leg moves, the robot will update and make any necessary adjustments. The Mako Knee system will continually provide Dr. Dominguez with data about your knee throughout the surgery. The assistance of robotic technology and Dr. Dominguez’s skills as an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, will help ensure the precise positioning and placement of the artificial joint for your unique anatomy.

It is important to note that the robotic technology that 3D Sports Medicine uses doesn’t operate by itself. It is operated by Dr. Dominguez and only moves when instructed. Your surgical procedure will be under the command and control of Dr. Dominguez for the duration of the surgery.

After surgery

Dr. Dominguez will provide you with a personalized recovery plan which will include the length of stay in the hospital after surgery. You can expect to remain in the hospital for one to three days.  The remainder of your recovery will be at home. Dr. Dominguez will let you know when to begin resuming daily activities and which activities to avoid during the recovery period. Remember that recovery time varies, but most patients can drive after two weeks, gardening in three to four weeks, and golfing six to eight weeks.

Complications

Complications are rare but can occur during and after any surgical procedure. Complications can include, but are not limited to blood clots, infection, implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear, which can require additional surgery.

Implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, but some patients still experience stiffness and pain. An implant may not last for the rest of your life. There are many factors that can affect the implant’s longevity, including your weight, and post-surgery activities. Be sure to follow the personalized recovery plan that Dr. Dominguez provides and keep all follow-up appointments.

Dr. Dominguez may have preoperative requirements before surgery to reduce the risk for complications, such as obtaining tests from your primary care provider and ensuring your dental work is up to date. You may also be instructed on preparing your home to avoid falls. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with Dr. Dominguez.

Summary

At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, we understand that deciding to have a surgical procedure can be difficult. We hope that the information we have provided about the Mako Knee System will help you feel comfortable making the decision that is right for you. Please schedule an appointment with 3D Sports Medicine, to see if total knee replacement is right for you.

Please Note: The information on this site does not constitute medical advice. It is intended to provide an overview of our robotic total knee replacement surgery procedure. This overview doesn’t include all the information necessary to determine your eligibility for knee replacement surgery or for the proper use and care of artificial knee replacements or any contraindications, warnings, precautions, and possible adverse effects. Please review all information and consult with Dr. Dominguez at 3D Sports Medicine to determine if total knee replacement is right for you.