Mako SmartRobotics™ Joins the Surgical Lineup at Corona Regional

August 19, 2022

man enjoys golfing after joint replacement If a major hip or knee problem is keeping you from the activities you love, consider robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery. This innovative procedure can help get you back on your feet faster than traditional surgery.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 32.5 million adults in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that breaks down the cartilage within a joint and over time can alter the underlying bone. This typically results in severe pain, stiffness and swelling that can reduce function and prevent people from performing daily tasks. These issues usually develop slowly and worsen over time, sometimes to the point that total joint replacement becomes necessary.

While traditional joint replacement surgery can help an osteoarthritis patient reclaim their mobility, the road to recovery after the procedure is often lengthy and arduous. To improve and ease recovery for these patients, Corona Regional Medical Center is pleased to offer Mako SmartRobotics™ robotic-arm assisted surgery.

Orthopedic Surgeon Omar Kadri, MD, who has performed more than 500 Mako-assisted surgeries, says that the system allows a surgeon to perform a procedure based on the patient’s unique anatomy. “A pre-op CT scan from the Mako system pinpoints the joint structure and helps us determine the positioning and sizing,” says Dr. Kadri. “This can result in the preservation of soft tissue around the joint, and that can mean a quicker, less painful recovery for the patient.”

There’s a misconception that robotic-assisted surgery is performed by the system itself. Instead, Dr. Kadri says, the system is a tool that is guided by the surgeon. “We still perform all the steps of the procedure, but the robot guides us according to the results of the precise pre-op scan,” he says. “We are able to accurately position and balance the joint through this process.”

The Recovery Process

The value of the system’s high level of precision and detailed insight into patient anatomy is made most clear during the recovery process. Patients often regain their range of motion in less time than with traditional surgeries, which can help reduce pain more quickly, too. Primary candidates for robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery are people with primary osteoarthritis who have not had a prior joint replacement. Additionally, those with a severe deformity or bone loss make ideal candidates because the system allows for precise planning and fine tuning to meet their unique needs. While most people are suitable candidates, they should talk to their physician to find out if the procedure is right for them.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.