The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust joins a small number of NHS trusts nationally to have a new state-of-the-art robotic arm in place, which will transform knee and hip replacement surgeries.
The Stryker Mako robot allows for more accurate positioning of the new joint than conventional surgeries, leading to improved long-term outcomes for patients, such as reduced pain, better mobility and faster recovery times. The robot-assisted procedure also increases the longevity of the implant, making it less likely that patients will need further surgery in the future.
A pre-operative CT scan of the patient’s hip or knee is taken in order to create a 3D model of the joint. With the help of a Mako product specialist, surgeons use the 3D model to create a detailed implant plan to determine the exact amount of bone excision to be carried out by the robotic arm in the operation.
The Mako robot also gives real-time feedback during the procedure, enabling surgeons to assess the tension of the joint and fine-tune soft tissue balancing whilst they are operating, which is essential for optimal function of the joint.
Mr Sohail Quraishi, consultant orthopaedic surgeon said, “The aim of surgery is to reduce pain and restore normal function to the joint. With the Mako robot, we can greatly improve the alignment of the implant, reducing the possibility of the patient experiencing pain after surgery and restoring the anatomy fully so that they can go on to enjoy physical activities after they recover.”
