Scan, Plan, Mako Can | The Northern Echo
As one of the most comprehensive and experienced hip and knee surgeons in the country, Mr. Webb believes this technology represents a major advancement for his patients. “I perform some of the largest hip and knee replacements in the country at around 850 per year and see the Mako robot as a real game-changer for my practice,” he says.
“The Mako robotic system has been used on more than a million patients worldwide and there are several scientific studies showing benefits such as faster recovery, less pain and a lower risk of complications, as well as a more natural hip feel.” I have had these benefits over the last few years I’ve seen it with my patients over the years.”
The first step in the Mako procedure is a detailed CT scan of the patient’s arthritic joint. A detailed 3D image of the joint in question is then created. Based on this, Mr Webb and the team are able to create a tailored plan for each patient with the exact size, fit and alignment of the new joint replacement required to reproduce their own anatomy. During the procedure itself, it is important to remember that Mr. Webb is still in charge of the operation.
However, using the Mako robotic arm, it makes very precise cuts in the patient’s bone to prepare it for the new artificial joint. Mr Webb is able to use the robot to measure the position of the new components to within 1mm to ensure they exactly match the pre-operative bespoke plan created from the scan. This very precise technique results in less soft tissue injury, swelling and bleeding, meaning faster recovery and less need for pain medication compared to standard techniques.
Patients who use this technology tend to have a shorter length of hospital stay and a lower risk of complications such as dislocations and leg length discrepancies. Mr Webb has the most experience in the UK using Mako for hip, knee and partial knee replacements and now shares his experience with other surgeons as a Mako faculty member, training and certifying surgeons new to the technique are.
For more information call 07511 466676 or visit us mrjameswebb.co.uk
