New Technology Helps Surgeons Perform Robotic Arm Guided Knee Surgery

Osteoarthritis affects millions of people each year and is one of the leading reasons for total knee replacements.

However, innovative new technology is now available at Martin Memorial that allows orthopedic surgeons to perform a minimally invasive partial knee resurfacing procedure for early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. MAKOplasty®, powered by the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic system, provides incredible precision and improved results for partial knee resurfacing.

Martin Memorial is the first hospital on the Treasure Coast to have MAKOplasty®, with the closest facility in Broward County. (See NewsChannel 5 video report of the procedure here).

“Using the MAKOplasty® technique, the surgeon can plan and perform a virtual surgery on the computer before going to the OR, and then carry out the plan using the robotic arm system to allow a degree of precision never before possible,” said Scott M. Desman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Martin Memorial. “This allows for a truly minimally invasive procedure that speeds recovery in the short term, and most importantly will improve the durability for better long term results.”

Through innovative technology, MAKOplasty® is able to improve the level of precision with partial knee resurfacing. During a MAKOplasty® procedure, surgeons utilize a robotic arm and a 3-D virtual visualization system to facilitate optimal joint resurfacing and implant positioning.

The system provides the surgeon with a pre-surgical plan that details the technique for bone preparation and customized implant positioning using a CT scan of the patient’s knee. During the procedure, the system creates a three-dimensional live-action, virtual view of the patient’s bone surface and correlates the image to the pre-programmed surgical plan.

As the surgeon uses the robotic arm, its tactile, acoustic and visual feedback limits the bone preparation to the diseased areas and provides for the best possible positioning and placement of the implant for each individual patient.

“MAKOplasty allows us to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis at earlier stages and with greater precision,” said Norman A. Palmeri, MD, an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Martin Memorial. “Because it is less invasive and more of the patient’s natural knee remains, the goal is for patients to have more natural knee motion post-operatively.”

MAKOplasty® can be performed to treat osteoarthritis on two parts of the knee: the medial (inner) portion, the patellofemoral (front) portion, or the lateral (outer) portion of the knee. It can also be performed as a bicompartmental procedure on both the inner and top portions of the knee. Most MAKOplasty® patients experience a shorter hospital stay, quicker rehabilitation and a smaller scar. In addition, many are able to return to an active lifestyle within weeks of the procedure.

For more information, patients can call 1-866-361-HOPE (4673).