Mako SmartRobotics™ technology helps your surgeon plan and perform joint replacement with exceptional precision, tailored to your unique anatomy.
What is Mako SmartRobotics™?
Mako SmartRobotics™ is an advanced surgical technology that helps your orthopaedic surgeon plan and perform joint replacement procedures with a high level of precision.
Using a detailed 3D CT scan of your joint, Mako creates a personalised surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy. During surgery, the system provides real-time guidance to help your surgeon remove only the damaged bone and place your implant with accuracy.
It’s important to know that your surgeon is always in control. Mako simply provides an extra layer of information and support to help them work with greater confidence and consistency.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of robotic assisted surgery?
Robotic-assisted surgery offers many benefits, and for most patients the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Advantages
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Personalised planning - This does require a CT scan of your joint to provide your consultant with more detailed views and combined with the software enables them to create a more bespoke surgical plan.
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More precise removal of damaged bone while protecting healthy tissue - the technology guides your surgeon to highlight the damaged cartilage and bone, to be excised with visibility of the non-affected areas which can be preserved.
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Consistency - real-time data supports confident decision-making during surgery.
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Potential for faster recovery –patients may require shorter hospital stays, fewer rehabilitation sessions, and often return to normal activities sooner.
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Higher patient satisfaction rates - many partial-knee replacement patients report less postoperative pain.
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Lower revision rates – potential lower revision rates.
Disadvantages
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Not suitable for everyone - your surgeon will assess whether robotic-assisted surgery is appropriate for your joint based on the level of bone affected, or previous surgery.
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CT scan required – adding an extra step before surgery.
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Availability - not all hospitals offer robotic-assisted procedures.
As with any surgical approach, individual results may vary due to factors including your health, activity level, and rehabilitation, whether you choose robotic‑assisted or a more traditional joint replacement surgical technique.
What is the difference between robotic assisted surgery and traditional surgery?
For conventional joint replacement a surgeon uses manually operated instruments and high powered tools to remove the damaged tissue/ bone making decisions based on x-rays and their visual assessment of the joint with the benefit of years of experience.
Robotic-assisted surgery adds:
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A detailed 3D CT-based plan that gives your surgeon information they cannot get from an X-ray alone
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Real-time data during surgery
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A robotic arm that helps your surgeon stay within the planned boundaries
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Enhanced accuracy in implant placement
It is important to understand that your surgeon remains fully in control and makes the decisions in both approaches. Robotic assistance simply provides additional tools to support precision and consistency.
Mako SmartRobotics™ and partial knee replacement
Mako SmartRobotics™ offers a precise, personalised approach to partial knee replacement, designed to help protect healthy bone and support a smoother recovery.
Benefits of partial knee replacement with Mako SmartRobotics™ assistance
For people with arthritis affecting only one part of their knee, (usually one side) a partial knee replacement can be the best option. The aim is to minimise the amount of tissue removed, and you keep the healthy and unaffected parts. When supported by Mako SmartRobotics™, patients may benefit from:
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A personalised surgical plan based on a 3D model of your knee
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More precise removal of damaged bone while protecting healthy tissue
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Accurate placement of the implant
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Patients may have less pain after surgery
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Potentially shorter hospital stays with fewer rehabilitation physiotherapy sessions
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Possibly returning to everyday activities quicker compared to traditional surgery
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Potentially reducing or delaying the need for a total knee replacement
These benefits come from detailed planning and the system’s ability to guide your surgeon during key steps of the procedure.
What to expect with a partial knee replacement with Mako SmartRobotics™ assistance?
Before surgery, you’ll have a CT scan of your knee. This allows your surgeon to more precisely map out exactly how much bone needs to be removed and where your implant should be positioned.
During the operation, your surgeon uses the Mako robotic arm to remove your arthritic bone within the boundaries of your personalised plan. The technology provides tactile feedback and real-time data, helping your surgeon stay on track and make adjustments if needed.
Once the implant is placed, your surgeon checks your knee’s movement and stability before completing the procedure.
What does recovery look like after Mako SmartRobotics™ partial knee surgery?
Recovery varies from person to person, but compared to traditional surgery, patients may experience:
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Less postoperative discomfort
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A shorter hospital stay
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A faster return to walking and daily activities
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Fewer physiotherapy sessions to support recovery
Your care team will guide you through each stage of recovery and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Mako SmartRobotics™ and total knee replacement
Mako SmartRobotics™ brings added precision and personalised planning to total knee replacement, helping your surgeon perform the procedure with confidence and accuracy.
Benefits of total knee replacement with Mako SmartRobotics™ assistance
If you’re having a full knee replacement, Mako SmartRobotics™ is designed to help make your surgery more precise and your recovery more comfortable. Patients may benefit from:
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A surgical plan tailored to you – your surgeon uses a 3D virtual model of your knee to understand more detail on bone and surrounding cartilage, helping ensure the procedure is tailored to your anatomy
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More accurate bone preparation – the robotic-arm technology provides gentle resistance, helping your surgeon stay within the planned boundaries and remove only the damaged bone, which could help protect your healthy tissue
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Improved implant positioning – the added accuracy can help your new knee feel more natural and function more smoothly
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Real-time information during surgery – your surgeon receives continuous data about how your new joint moves and feels, allowing them to make adjustments if needed
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A smoother, more predictable recovery – many patients report improved comfort and a faster return to everyday activities compared to traditional surgery
What to expect with a total knee replacement with Mako SmartRobotics™ assistance?
Your journey begins with a CT scan of your knee, which helps your surgeon design a precise surgical plan. During the procedure, the Mako system guides your surgeon as they remove the affected bone and any damaged cartilage and prepare the joint for your implant.
Throughout the operation, your surgeon receives real-time information about your knee’s movement, alignment, and soft-tissue balance. This helps ensure the implant is positioned according to the plan and adjusted if needed.
What does recovery look like after Mako SmartRobotics™ total knee surgery?
Recovery after Mako SmartRobotics™ total knee surgery is designed to be smooth, structured, and supported every step of the way. While everyone heals at their own pace, patients can experience less discomfort in the early days after surgery and are able to begin moving sooner than they expect.
In most cases, you’ll start gentle physiotherapy shortly after your operation to help strengthen your new joint and restore movement.
Many patients return to everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and driving in four to six weeks, depending on their progress and their surgeon’s advice.
Your care team will guide you through a personalised rehabilitation plan, monitor your recovery, and help you safely build confidence in your new knee.
As with any surgery, individual results vary however, the goal is always to help you return to the activities you enjoy with improved comfort and mobility.
Mako SmartRobotics™ Assisted Knee Surgery at Ramsay Health Care UK
We understand the debilitating nature of knee pain which may be putting your life on hold. Our aim is to provide you with fast and convenient appointments for the diagnosis and treatment of your knee problem so that we can quickly lessen your pain and get you moving again.
If you have been reccomended by your doctor or surgeon for knee replacement surgery and interested in finding out more information about Mako SmartRobotic surgery, contact us today to speak to our friendly enquiry team and to book an appointment.
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