Wound Closure & Healing Optimization
Dr. Buechel is focused on optimizing wound healing for all of his surgical patients. Therefore, he has recommendations on the entire process from before surgery, to after surgery to enhance wound healing and recovery.
Patients should optimize their preoperative nutrition and exercise, while eliminating or minimizing any risk factors for poor wound healing such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor blood sugar control or excessive Body Mass Index which all can lead to greater complications after surgery. Immuno-nutrition products such as Ricochet drinks help optimize each patients nutritional status for elective surgery. Proper protein and nutritional intake before and after surgery has been shown to improve wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.
During the procedure, Dr. Buechel meticulously cares for the health of the skin and deep tissues throughout the procedure while exposing, retracting, and closing the knee joint, to optimize healing, minimize blood loss, and reduce the incidence of wound healing problems.
A cosmetically appealing scar is common after Dr. Buechels procedures because of the variety of techniques he employs during the surgery, and the carefully chosen products he uses for the closure and aftercare. The highest quality suture is used to hold the tissues longer and stronger, while providing anti-bacterial protection. Stratafix Plus barbed antimicrobial suture is our preferred suture.
How Long Will My Knee Implant Last
Knee replacements do not last forever, but with normal amounts of wear and tear, most last for many, many years. The current literature shows us that at 16 years post-surgery, only 8% of knee replacements need to undergo revision. During revision, your physician will remove and replace any parts of the implant that are not functioning properly. Implant loosening is often the main reason for revision.
The lifetime of a knee replacement varies depending upon each patients weight and activity levels. Ask your physician for guidance on how to prolong the life of your implant based upon your medical conditions and lifestyle.
Satisfaction Rates For Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery Vary
The robotic knee replacement procedure is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the traditional knee replacement procedure because of its lower pain and faster recovery time. You may be able to move more quickly and exercise more effectively if you are less bothered by pain, which may result in a more natural recovery process. Using the Mako technology, you will be able to walk more naturally, sooner. Satisfaction levels vary by as much as 89%. As a result, you must discuss your options with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure that the best robotic knee replacement options are available to you.
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What Is The Mako Knee Replacement Made Of
The mako knee replacement is made of a titanium alloy that is designed to provide a strong and durable replacement for a damaged or diseased knee joint. The titanium alloy is also designed to be compatible with the surrounding bone and tissue, which helps to promote a more natural and successful joint replacement surgery.
An estimated 90% of patients who have a total knee replacement experience significant pain relief and improved function as a result of the operation. One out of every 700,000 knee replacement surgeries is done in the United States each year, and this number is expected to rise further. The goal of Makos procedure is to use implants to restore leg alignment. Robotic knee surgery allows for a surgical approach that is tailored to each patient. Cameras and arrays are attached to the femur and shin bone, respectively, by Mako. A robot can locate a knee position within less than 1mm and 1 degree of angle with this technique. Preoperative CT scans are obtained and loaded into the computer prior to surgery.
Several studies have shown that this technique performs better than other partial knee replacement techniques. As a result, the surgeon can adjust the position of the knees ligament and femoral components to improve joint alignment. Because the application was released less than two years ago, there is no long-term data available.
Mako Total Knee Replacement
Over the years, knee replacement techniques and instrumentation have undergone countless improvements. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology with Triathlon Total Knee implants is an example of how technology is transforming the way joint replacement surgeries are being performed.
When you hear robotic-arm assisted technology, its important to understand that the Mako Robotic-Arm doesnt actually perform the surgery. Surgery is performed by an Dr. Allsing, who uses the Mako System software to pre-plan your surgery. Dr. Allsing will guide the Mako robotic-arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage. Then Dr. Allsing will insert a Triathlon Total Knee implant.
Mako Technology was designed to help surgeons provide patients with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.
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Who Performs Mako Knee Surgery
Highly certified and skilled surgeons perform Mako Knee Surgery. A surgeon who has undergone training will have the skills and experience to keep your recovery time to a minimum. They will analyze your problem and decide on the best course of action for your specific situation. The analysis will combine their experience with the most current research conducted on the topic.
Some surgeons may reject specific procedures when their experience indicates that a better option exists.
The importance of searching for a qualified surgeon is critical with any procedure, especially with recent advancements in minimally invasive surgery.
Am I A Candidate For Mako Total Knee Robotic
Mako Total Knee Robotic-arm Assisted Surgery may be the best option for you if you suffer from:
- Knee pain that interferes with daily activity, and is persistent even at rest
- Start-up knee pain or stiffness when activities are initiated from a sitting position
- Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
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How Mako Total Knee Robotic
With Mako Total Knee Robotic-arm Assisted Surgery, surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon who uses the Mako System software to pre-plan your surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will guide the Mako robotic-arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage. Then the surgeon will insert a Triathlon Total Knee implant.
With over a decade of clinical history, Triathlon single-radius knees are different than traditional knee replacements because they are designed to work with the body to promote natural-like circular motion. This is due to the single radius design of the knee implant. Single radius means that as your knee flexes, the radius is the same, similar to a circle, potentially requiring less effort from your quadriceps muscle.
The Benefits Of Dr Buechels Mako Robotic Partial Knee Replacement
The benefits of using the Mako Robotic-Arm System when performing partial knee replacement over conventional manual tool systems has now been well documented in the peer review literature, of which Dr. Buechel has contributed greatly from his clinical experiences. As a world leading surgeon expert and an educator of surgeons with this technology, Dr. Buechel has seen first-hand, all of the benefits patients have enjoyed over a decade of involvement with Mako Robotics. If your knee is painful, and you are considering joint replacement surgery, you should contact Dr. Buechel through the office, or our initial Complimentary Online Consultation, to see if you can benefit, also.
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Mako Knee Replacement Vs Traditional
Using a robotic arm, the procedure has fewer soft tissue releases than traditional nonrobotic approaches. It is preferable to have less pain and a faster recovery time. A better joint alignment, which can be provided by using Mako technology, may also allow you to walk more naturally and faster.
A few orthopaedic surgeons are now offering robotic arm-assisted hip and knee replacements to patients. We will examine the advantages and disadvantages of conventional knee and hip replacements in this blog. You may be offered a partial or total knee replacement if your knee is damaged. The Mako system enables surgeons to create a 3D model of your affected joint prior to surgery based on a CT scan. In this process, the surgeon will be able to estimate how much space is left in the joint and which parts must be removed and which must be left intact. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, orthopaedic treatments are still being provided to patients on a regular basis. You should not be concerned if you have the vaccine because your treatment will not be halted. In the meantime, you should wait a few weeks to ensure that your bodys response to the vaccine is optimal.
Total Or Makoplasty Partial Replacement Replacement How To Decide Which Is Best
Total Knee replacement is done when 2 or 3 of the knee compartments are completely worn out. These patients typically limp, have crooked legs and limited knee motion. Partial or Unicompartmental Knee replacement is done robotically using the Makoplasty technique when only one compartment is diseased or injured.
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Rehabilitation & Recovery Time
A post procedure exercise program is recommended to optimize your outcomes and optimize your quality of life moving into the future. Patients can begin a progressive exercise program the day of surgery. Your therapy begins in the hospital with daily exercises. Local therapists are recommended for patients so they can begin their exercise programs immediately. Those that will be returning to their home towns can take their initial training program plan with them and continue back at home when they arrive.
Most total knee patients begin with an initial 6-week therapy program and often require a second 6-weeks of formal therapy before moving into independent exercise programs.
The initial primary goal is to achieve a well healed incision with full knee extension, so the knee lies flat when extended. The second goal in to maximize flexion. The best judge of final flexion has always been a persons starting pre-operative flexion range, but this can improve for some with hard work and consistent stretching.
Most people should be able to discontinue pain medications by 3-6 weeks switching to NSAIDs or Acetaminophen only, after this time period. Many people can return to sedentary jobs by 4-6 weeks, sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later. Most people can return to light duty work by 6 weeks and some take up to 12 weeks to get back to regular duty level work, if they are in an active job setting with lots of walking, climbing or carrying.
If This Sounds Like You Consider A Surgeon Who Works With Mako Technology
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Important information
Knee Replacements
Total knee replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative, rheumatoid and posttraumatic arthritis, and for moderate deformity of the knee.
Knee replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock, skeletal immaturity, or severe instability of the knee.
MKOSYM-PE-10_18011
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Why Should I Consider A Robotic
After digesting the above facts and answers to frequently asked questions, you may now be wondering, What is the right knee replacement procedure for me?
If youre looking for the most up-to-date, least invasive procedure, then its a knee replacement using Strykers Mako System.
Strykers Mako System has transformed our approach to joint replacement surgeries. It allows us as surgeons to be incredibly accurate when performing knee replacements. So, how does it work?
First, a CT scan of your knee is conducted. Highly advanced software takes your CT scan and creates a 3D model of your exact knee, helping surgeons formulate an even more personalized preoperative plan. That 3D model is then uploaded into the Mako, and the surgeon guides the robotic arm during surgery. No decisions are made by the robotic arm itself. The surgeon is in complete control and can make any adjustments during the surgery as necessary.
All patients in need of a partial or total knee replacement are candidates for a Mako robotic-arm-assisted procedure. The only requirement is that your physician must be properly trained and comfortable with using the Mako.
And last, but not least, what about the effects on recovery time? Due to the procedure being less invasive, patients may return home the same day as the procedure.
To make an appointment with me or any of our other physicians highly trained in Strykers Mako System, visit orthovirginia.com/appointments.
The Mako Knee Replacement: What Do You Need To Know
No matter what surgery you may need, there can be feelings of uneasiness due to the unknown. A total or partial knee replacement procedure is no exception. These feelings are completely normal and valid for you as a patient to have.
And the need for knee replacement surgeries in the United States is on the rise with more than 600,000 knee replacements being performed each year.
Thankfully, innovations in medical technologies are allowing us surgeons to perform more accurate and precise procedures. Here at OrthoVirginia, we are the first outpatient operatory in Virginia to offer robotic-arm-assisted knee replacement surgeries using Strykers Mako System.
To help alleviate some of your worries, I want to inform you of the statistics and facts regarding knee replacements, answer questions patients frequently ask, and explain how a knee replacement using Strykers Mako System may be the best option for you.
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Quick Stats And Facts About Knee Replacements
- The first knee replacement was performed in 1968.
- Its estimated that by the year 2040, more than 78 million U.S. adults will be diagnosed with arthritis of the knee. Thats over a quarter of the U.S. adult population.
- Around 15% of all patients suffering from knee arthritis can be treated with a partial knee replacement.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly help in relieving joint pain.
What Does The Procedure Involve
Your surgeon will use Mako to make a 3-D virtual model of your knee. He or she will then virtually put the implant in place, and once its in the proper position, this plan can be implemented during surgery.
As youre under general anesthesia, Makos robot arm, along with the doctor, will hold the surgical instrument. Your surgeon will be able to see the pre-surgical plan overlaid on the real-time surgery to use as a guide, and the instruments are under his or her control the entire time.
The robotic instrument has tracking eyes and can adjust for very small movements of the knee if they occur. It precisely prepares the bone according to visual boundaries that protect the essential structure of the knee and removes only the part thats been affected. The implant is placed, the joint is properly balanced, and if necessary, your surgeon can make adjustments if needed.
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Makoplasty Surgery: Partial Knee Replacement
Mako or Makoplasty are robotic surgical procedures which are performed only at Baptist Downtown Campus. There are two types of surgeries which can be performed using the Mako robot. The first procedure is a partial knee replacement. Specially trained physicians use the Mako robot to replace just one of the compartments of a knee without replacing the entire knee joint. There are 3 main compartments of the knee. Medial or inside aspect, lateral or outside aspect and the patellar-femoral aspect which is your knee cap area.
They use a robot-assisted method that includes a guidance system to help surgeons align components with great precision. MAKOplasty is considered a minimally invasive surgery that shortens hospital stay, aids recovery and restores more natural joint function. Patients who are eligible for this procedure only have damage to one of the three knee joint compartments. The damage is usually related to Osteoarthritis.
To learn more, please what this VIDEO.
Robotic Assisted Mako Surgery
The second procedure to be offered with the Mako robot assistance is total knee replacement. The difference with a total knee replacement is that all three compartments of the knee are affected vs. just one compartment with he partial knee replacement.
Less Pain And A Faster Recovery After Surgery
Unlike traditional nonrobotic-assisted approaches, Mako procedures require fewer soft tissue releases. This means theres less pain and a faster recovery. And, because your surgeon can provide a better joint alignment using Mako technology, it can mean you walk more naturally, sooner.
After Mako Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement, most people can go home the same day as surgery or the next day. You’ll get up and walk around, with assistance, the same day as surgery. You’ll walk with a walker for a few days or up to a week mainly for balance. Most people are walking unassisted by the second or third week after surgery. Youll go through at least six weeks of physical therapy.
Due to advances in pain management techniques during your surgery as well as the Mako procedure itself, patients pain is much decreased compared to total knee replacements of years past.
El Camino Health takes a multi-pronged approach to control your pain and lower your narcotic consumption by giving you medicine before surgery and supplementing anesthesia with injections into the knee during surgery. We also encourage spinal anesthesia instead of general anesthesia spinal anesthesia numbs half of your body, below the waist, and not your central nervous system, like general anesthesia.
If concerns about pain and recovery time were keeping you from considering joint replacement surgery, its time to reconsider. Ask your doctor if Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery is right for you.
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