Meet Mako

  • Spring 2018

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Brookings Health System is expanding its surgical robotic program, becoming the second facility in South Dakota to offer robotic-arm assisted total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements with Stryker’s Mako System. 

This highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

Dr. Mark Mayer, who will join Dr. Patrick Moriarty at Avera Medical Group Specialty Care Clinic and Brookings Hospital, will provide general orthopedic services and offer the advanced robotic-assisted surgical options to patients. Mayer, who is relocating to Brookings from Michigan, has already performed numerous Mako robotic procedures. 

“With Mako, we can provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Operating Room Director Candace Johnson. “Using a virtual 3D model, Mako allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee, total hip and partial knee replacements.”

The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are estimated to increase by 673 percent by 2030, while primary total hip replacements are estimated to increase by 174 percent. 

The Mako Total Knee application is a knee replacement treatment option designed to relieve pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections.

The Mako Partial Knee application is a treatment option designed to relieve pain caused by joint degeneration due
to osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Following the personalized pre-operative plan, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to execute the pre-determined surgical plan and position the implant. By selectively targeting only the part of the knee damaged by osteoarthritis, surgeons can resurface the diseased portion of the knee while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding the knee joint. 

The Mako Total Hip application is a treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease of the hip. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to prepare the hip socket and position the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan.

“We are proud to be the second hospital in South Dakota to offer this highly advanced robotic technology,” said CEO Jason Merkley. “The addition of Dr. Mayer to our orthopedic team and the Mako robot to our surgical program further demonstrates our commitment to provide high-quality, compassionate, personalized 
health care to our community.”

The public is invited to test-drive the Mako robot and meet Dr. Mayer on Monday, April 16 from 3 – 6 p.m. at Hy-Vee. 

For more information about the Mako robotic-assisted surgical system and orthopedic services at Brookings Health System, please visit www.brookingshealth.org/Mako