For weekend warriors who push their limits on the trails or the road, knee pain can be a frustrating roadblock. If chronic joint pain is keeping you from hiking, cycling, or staying active, Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement offers a precise, muscle-sparing solution for end-stage arthritis. Today’s technology helps you recover faster, so you can get back to conquering new fitness challenges or weekend hobbies.
What Makes Robotic Knee Replacement Different?
Traditional knee replacement procedures can be effective, but they often require cutting through muscle and soft tissue, leading to longer recovery times and more post-surgical restrictions. Robotic-assisted techniques, such as Mako, enhance surgical precision and preserve muscle function. The benefits include:
- Customized Surgery: Mako technology creates a 3D model of your knee, ensuring a personalized approach for optimal implant positioning.
- Muscle-Sparing Approach: By avoiding unnecessary disruption to surrounding muscles and ligaments, this technique promotes a quicker, smoother recovery.
- Improved Joint Alignment: Enhanced precision leads to better implant fit, reducing wear and increasing joint longevity.
- Less Postoperative Pain: By preserving healthy tissue, patients experience reduced discomfort compared to traditional knee surgery.
- Faster Recovery: Many patients begin rehabilitation sooner, with a faster return to daily activities and sports.
- Increased Stability: Keeping key muscle structures intact enhances balance and strength, crucial for active individuals.
Back into Action
Robotic knee replacement helps weekend warriors regain mobility and get back into action. Many patients return to light physical exercise, such as walking or cycling within weeks. While high-impact sports like running and basketball aren’t typically recommended in the early stages of recovery, low-impact activities—such as swimming, hiking, doubles tennis, weight lifting, core workouts, and using an elliptical—remain great options. With proper rehabilitation, you can stay fit and maintain strength without putting unnecessary stress on your new joint.
If knee pain is limiting your mobility and non-surgical treatments haven’t provided relief, it may be time to consider robotic-assisted knee replacement. Book an appointment with Dr. Palmer to determine whether this advanced approach is the best solution for you.
AUTHOR: Dr. Christopher W. Palmer, DO is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon at Signature Medical Group in Missouri, specializing in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Dr. Palmer has specialized training in the Mako SmartRobotics ™ System with a focus on compassionate, individualized patient care.
