One of the more recent innovative and highly successful technologies for hip and knee replacement is using robotic assistance for surgery.

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform complex procedures, like hip replacements and partial knee replacement, with more precision and control than is possible through conventional methods.

One of the first to adopt robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement surgery in Australia and the first in Newcastle and the Hunter region, Dr Stuart MacKenzie uses Mako robotic technology to achieve the best results during and after surgery for patients.

Prior to surgery, a CT scan is used to generate a 3D computer model of your knee or hip. This allows the orthopaedic surgeon to plan precisely where the implants should be placed for optimal function of the hip or knee replacement. This plan can be adjusted at the time of surgery as appropriate

Once the planned position of the knee or hip replacement is finalised, the Mako robotic arm assists the surgeon to position the artificial joint replacement parts more precisely.

Surgical tools are connected to the robotic arm and the orthopaedic surgeon controls and guides the tools during the preparation of the bone and placement of the hip or knee replacement by holding the arm during the surgery.