Orthopaedic: Mako® robotic-arm assisted surgery

Leading technology for orthopaedic surgery, that improves patient outcomes in hip and knee joint replacement surgery

A robotic double knee replacement Davids mako story.jpg

Pioneering orthopaedic technology for hip and knee joints

The Princess Grace Hospital was the first private hospital in the UK to offer robotic orthopaedic procedures for patients requiring joint replacements, such as total and partial knee or hip replacements, by utilising the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted system.

As part of HCA Healthcare UK's continued invest in the latest medical technology, The Lister Hospital, London Bridge Hospital and The Wellington Hospital also have introduced the Mako robot at their facilities.

“The robotic technology we have now gives us the opportunity to deliver something very specific to each individual patient.”

Professor Fares Haddad

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

What is joint replacement surgery using the Mako robot?

The Mako robotic arm is a surgical robot that assists surgeons performing complex hip and knee surgery.

Patients feel less pain, have quicker recovery, and gain better motion and function.

Over time there will be fewer surgical revisions than standard hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Being able to walk again, pain free

“I didn't really know a lot about Mako, but it was fantastic for me to see the robotic arm and see how sensitive it was.” - Martin (Mako surgery patient)

After struggling for years with the simplest day-to-day activities like walking. Martin had a consultation with orthopaedic surgeon Mr William Bartlett in the hope that we could help with his diseased hip.

Martin describes how his hip surgery with the Mako robot, at The Princess Grace Hospital, helped to get his life back on track.

What is the Mako robot?

The Mako robotic surgical system allows for a much more accurate placement of your implants compared to more traditional joint replacement methods, meaning that you will have a more natural feeling joint post-op.

The benefits of using the Mako includes fewer complications, less pain and faster recovery times, restoring confidence in your mobility and helping you to return to your active lifestyle sooner. The lifespan of your implant should also be increased as more accurately positioned implants last longer.

Personalised hip and knee surgery for you

Every body is unique. At HCA UK we take a personalised approach to your healthcare and treatment and the Mako robotic arm-assisted system is no different.

As part of your consultation, patients will undergo a Computer Tomography (CT) scan of their joint (or joints). This scan produces a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy, which is then uploaded onto the Mako system so our consultants can begin to create a personalised pre-operative plan.

During the operation

Based on your personalised pre-operative plan, your surgeon will use Mako to prepare your joint for implant.

The robotic arm guides the surgeon within a pre-defined area, enabling them to remove only the diseased bone whilst preserving your healthy bone areas and tissue. This helps with greater accuracy when aligning and placing your implant.

The Mako robot also allows your surgeon to make any adjustments to your plan during surgery when needed.

Your recovery

Our goal is to get you back to doing what you love best. Your surgeon, nurses and physiotherapists will work with you, set goals and get you back on the move.

You will be closely monitored during your recovery with us at HCA UK, and when discharged, your consultant will arrange a follow up meeting to discuss how you’ve taken to your new implant and review the progress you’ve made since your operation.

This consultation may include further imaging scans, such as x-rays.