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Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip Replacement

saint alphonsus ortho mako robotic

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from hip pain from degenerative joint disease (DJD), Saint Alphonsus offers treatment options that can enable you to maintain an active lifestyle and quality of life.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement Technology for Total Hip Replacement may be the right treatment option for you. Be sure to discuss all treatment options with your doctor.

What is degenerative joint disease?

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a common cause of hip pain. DJD is a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans, often resulting in loss of an active lifestyle and quality of life. There are different types of DJD that may cause hip pain.

How is DJD treated?

For hip pain, non-surgical treatment options are often the first line of defense. This can include resting the hip from overuse, gentle exercise (such as swimming), or over the counter medicines to manage the pain. 
If your symptoms aren't responding to non-surgical solutions, be sure to speak with your doctor. You may be a candidate for total hip replacement.

What is total hip replacement?

Patients who have DJD may benefit from total hip replacement, also referred to as total hip arthroplasty. This is a surgical procedure in which the arthritic hip joint is replaced by implants, which include:

  • A metal cup with a plastic liner, which replaces the socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis
  • A metal femoral stem and head

The goal of total hip replacement is to increase mobility and the ability to perform daily activities.

What is Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement Total Hip Replacement?

MAKOplasty is an innovative, breakthrough solution for those suffering from painful DJD of the hip and need a total hip replacement. MAKOplasty, powered by the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, allows your surgeon to treat your specific hip condition with accuracy and precision.

How does Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement work?

If your surgeon determines that you are a good candidate for the procedure, one or two weeks prior to your surgery date you will receive a CT scan of your hip. This is used to create a 3-D model of your hip pelvis and femur.

The surgeon uses the RIO® software with information from the model to plan your surgery based on your unique anatomy. During surgery, the software provides real-time information to optimize implant positioning and alignment, and the robotic arm is used to prepare your socket and guide placement of the implants.

Who is a good candidate?

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor – you may be a candidate for MAKOplasty.

  • Pain while putting weight on the affected joints
  • Limping to lessen the weight-bearing pressure on the hip
  • Hip pain or stiffness during walking or other impact activities
  • Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments or pain medication

What can I expect?

A typical hospital stay for a total hip replacement is determined by your MAKOplasty surgeon. Your surgeon will also determine what physical therapy may be prescribed for you.

As a total hip replacement procedure, Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement is typically covered by Medicare. Check with your private health insurance to verify coverage.

To be referred to a physician to discuss this new option, call 208-302-3500.