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MAKO Total Hip Arthroplasty

Makoplasty is the latest and most advanced surgical technique in orthopedic procedures to treat degenerative joint disease. With Mako, your orthopedic surgeon uses robotic technology to increase precision and accuracy.

Mako allows for an incredibly precise placement of your hip implant, which may reduce the likelihood of hip dislocation. The procedure also creates more consistency in leg length, potentially decreasing the need for a shoe lift. Additionally, Mako creates a more natural-feeling joint and a longer-lasting implant, thanks to decreased abnormal wear on the joint.

In a total hip replacement, a highly polished prosthesis is used to replace damaged cartilage and bone so the hip joint can move without pain. These prostheses, also known as artificial joints, are primarily made of metal, ceramic and plastic and are designed to duplicate the hip function as well as work compatibly with the body and resist corrosion.

There are two primary surgical approach options for hip replacement: posterior and anterior. The anterior approach allows a surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the body with a small 3 to 4-inch incision. This allows for preservation of muscle around the hip, resulting in faster recovery times and minimal pain.

The posterior approach is the most commonly used approach and to this day remains as the gold standard for hip replacement surgery. The posterior approach minimizes muscle dissection and preserves hip flexor muscles, all while avoiding contact with anterior nerve structures. Your surgeon will provide you with a recommendation as to whether you are best suited for an anterior or posterior hip procedure based on your particular situation.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision over your hip and remove all diseased and damaged bone and cartilage. Using the MAKO Robotic Arm technology, your surgeon precisely places your new artificial hip into the joint. The result is a more natural-feeling, nearly pain-free gliding surface for your hip joint. The operation typically takes an hour and for most patients, recovery happens quickly. Your muscles start working again right after surgery, and you can begin walking the same day.

We believe that understanding your treatment plan and how to actively participate in your recovery will reduce anxiety. In turn, you will recuperate faster and experience better long-term results. This is why we offer a preoperative patient education program about total joint surgery where patients can learn about the exercises that will help them recover and smoothly transition back to their normal day-to-day routine.

More than 98 percent of hip replacement patients do not experience complications. Still, some may arise depending on your specific health conditions. These possible complications include infection, blood clots in the legs, dislocation or loosening of the hip joint, nerve injuries, fractures, or a change in leg length. Because MAKO allows for improved accuracy and alignment of implants, you can rest easy knowing your surgeon is using the best technology available for the best possible outcomes.

Doctors Specializing in MAKO Total Hip Arthroplasty

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.