MAKO unicompartmental knee resurfacing

A MAKO unicompartmental knee replacement involves the use of a robotic-arm assisted technology to perform surgery on just one compartment of the knee, typically because only this part has suffered significant damage from conditions like osteoarthritis. The MAKO system provides surgeons with a pre-operative plan based on a CT scan of the patient’s own knee, allowing for more accurate placement and alignment of the implant. During surgery, the MAKO robotic arm assists the surgeon in removing the damaged bone and cartilage and placing the new implant with precision, potentially leading to a quicker recovery and better functional outcomes.

More details regarding MAKO unicompartmental knee replacement can be found here.

Here is an animation of the unicompartmental knee replacement.

Our Sportshealing rehab protocol can be very helpful with planning and preparation.

Differences Between Unicompartmental and Total Knee Replacement:

1. Compartments Involved:

•  Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR): Also known as a partial knee replacement, UKR involves replacing only one compartment of the knee—either the medial (inside), lateral (outside), or patellofemoral (front) compartment.

•  Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Involves replacing all three compartments of the knee (medial, lateral, and patellofemoral).

2. Extent of Surgery:

• UKR: Less invasive, with smaller incisions and less bone and soft tissue disruption. This usually results in a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

•    TKR: More extensive surgery involving larger incisions and more significant alteration of the knee anatomy.

3. Recovery and Rehabilitation:

•    UKR: Typically, patients experience less pain after surgery, recover faster, and return to normal activities sooner than with a TKR.

•    TKR: Recovery might be longer, with more intensive rehabilitation to regain knee strength and mobility.

4. Indications for Surgery:

•   UKR: Suitable for patients with arthritis that is confined to a single compartment of the knee.

•    TKR: Recommended for patients with severe arthritis affecting multiple compartments of the knee.

5. Longevity and Revision:

•   UKR: While the recovery is faster, there might be a higher likelihood of needing a revision surgery in the future compared to TKR, particularly if arthritis develops in other parts of the knee.

•    TKR: Generally has a longer lifespan and is less likely to require revision.

Each type of knee replacement has its advantages and is chosen based on the individual's specific condition, age, activity level, and overall health. The goal is to provide the greatest benefit in terms of pain relief and functional improvement while minimizing the extent of the surgery and recovery time where possible.

How should I prepare for surgery?

Start now. Take care of yourself. Preparing for knee replacement begins a few weeks before the actual surgery. The checklist below outlines some common tasks that your surgeon may ask you to complete in the weeks prior to your surgery date. Check with your surgeon to discuss your specific pre-surgery instructions and risks.

In the weeks ahead

• Exercise under your doctor’s supervision.

• Get a physical.

• Get a dental checkup.

• Stop smoking.

• Lose weight if you’re overweight.

Closer to the surgery

• Arrange a pre-surgery visit with your doctor.

• Get lab tests that the doctor orders.

• Complete health forms.

• Prepare and freeze some meals to make it easier when you get home.

• Choose and talk to a physical therapist to learn some important activities for after surgery.

• Decide whether you’ll go to a rehab or home after surgery.

• Talk to your surgeon’s team about if or when to stop your routine medications.

The night before

• Fast – nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours pre surgery

• Visualise a good result: imagine going back to doing all the things you would like to do.

• Look at our rehab sheet.