Why MAKO SmartRobotics™?
Let’s talk about the uniqueness of MAKO SmartRobotics™.
The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery MAKO Smart Robotics™
The millimeter precision in surgery execution practically equals a new prothesis/arthrosis being attached to the EXACT perfect spot for each patient. This leads to less (the least possible) trauma of soft tissues and, therefore, minimization of pain and fast mobility. The patients can move a few hours after surgery, while in 24 hours they can stand and walk, reducing the medication as well as the complications. In fact, the specialized fast-track postoperative protocols and the customized physiotherapy sessions can facilitate rehab even more. Furthermore, only MAKO 3D planning software allows for a perfect recording of the arthrosis, letting the surgeon know exactly what he’s about to meet in advance.
Advanced materials that last in time
The new prothesis to be attached are made of metal and polyethylene, which makes them time-proof. More precisely, Stryker’s prothesis materials for knee and hip (Triathlon, Accolade etc) offer an immediate, customized solution for every patient suffering from osteoarthritis and reassure longevity of the material, preventing a second surgery (total knee or hip revision arthroplasty) that might be needed in the past.
Digital arthroplasty (navigated surgery) Vs Robotic arthroplasty
Some patients confuse the two methods, falsely believing that navigation is robotics surgery. However, this is not true. Patients must understand that each method does not contradict the other. Simply put, robotic surgery is the advancement of navigation. Both approaches to total arthroplasty offer amazing results, giving new options to the surgeon. They mainly differ preoperatively, as MAKO Smart Robotics software performs a 3D planning with even more technical details, showing the exact millimeter to cut, how many degrees to turn the arthrosis, and where exactly to attach it. The patients’ measurements are sent to the USA, where they are analyzed to prepare the perfect operation.
Surgeon’s accreditation, original materials, absolute safety in the procedure.
Each patient after surgery receives a special folder and a card with his very own, unique patient identity (Mako Patient ID). This card certifies that the operation took place in a clinic that possesses the original MAKO robotic system, which is maintained according to all the protocols of the American company Stryker. The personal patient ID contains all the details of the surgery for future reference, and you receive it in an enclosed folder that has been delivered to your surgeon. Among other things, it certifies that your surgeon has received the necessary training and that during the surgery he used original orthopedic implants designed especially for this breakthrough technique.
Finally, only accredited orthopedics surgeons who received the necessary training can use it. MAKO system is located in only 1000 clinics around the world, mainly in the USA. In Greece, it is used by very few surgeons. It has recently come to Northern Greece, offering the chance to dozens of patients to choose it.
Dr Athanasios Adam, MD, FICS, is an orthopedics surgeon in Thessaloniki, Greece. He is specialized in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. He graduated from the Medical School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He, then, specialized into General Surgery in Kastoria’s General Hospital, as well as in Orthopedic Surgery in Edessa’s General Hospital and in Thessaloniki’s General Hospital “Agios Pavlos” (Sports Injuries Department).