New Era for Knee Replacements with Mako SmartRobotics

The landscape of orthopedic surgery is continually evolving, driven by innovation and a relentless pursuit of better patient outcomes. At St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital, we're proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, embracing revolutionary technology that promises to transform knee replacements as we know them: the Mako SmartRobotics™ system.

For years, patients facing debilitating knee pain due to osteoarthritis have relied on knee replacement surgery to regain mobility and quality of life. While traditional methods have been highly effective, statistics show that a significant portion of patients – approximately 20% – experience dissatisfaction after conventional surgery. This highlights a critical need for even greater precision and personalization in every procedure. This is where Mako SmartRobotics™ shines.

"The Mako robot is not just an advancement; it's a paradigm shift in how we approach knee replacements," says Dr. Mark Gendi, Orthopedic Surgeon at St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital. "It empowers us to achieve an unprecedented level of accuracy and customization that ultimately translates to better results and a faster return for our patients to the activities they love."

"What truly excites me about Mako SmartRobotics™ is the potential to minimize the 'recovery hurdle' for our patients," adds Dr. Jason Brannen, Orthopedic Surgeon at St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital. "When we can achieve such precise implant placement and optimize bone preservation, it creates a foundation for less post-operative pain, earlier engagement in physical therapy, and ultimately, a more natural-feeling joint that patients forget they even had replaced. That's the real win – helping them get their natural stride back, discreetly and effectively."

Know More: The Power of Personalized Insight

Before a single incision is made, the Mako system utilizes a sophisticated 3D CT scan. This isn't just a generic image; it's a highly detailed, personalized blueprint of your knee's unique anatomy. This comprehensive scan allows surgeons to "know more" about your individual bone structure, including any subtle osteophytes, cysts, or bone defects that might influence the surgical approach. This level of insight is crucial for developing a truly tailored surgical plan.

Cut Less: Precision to the Millimeter

With this detailed anatomical map in hand, surgeons can then "plan" with incredible precision. The Mako system allows us to create a personalized surgical plan, meticulously identifying the desired implant size, orientation, and alignment. This pre-planning is critical, but the magic truly happens during the actual surgery, thanks to Mako's exclusive AccuStop™ haptic technology.

Imagine virtual boundaries guiding the surgeon's hand with unparalleled accuracy. That's exactly what AccuStop™ delivers. These haptic boundaries, built upon the surgeon's precise plan, help control the cutting tool, ensuring that only the necessary bone is removed. Rather than relying on traditional cutting guides, AccuStop™ provides auditory, visual, and tactile feedback, helping surgeons stay within the planned boundaries for optimal bone preparation and implant placement. This means "cutting less" — only what's required for a perfect fit, leading to potentially less trauma, faster recovery, and a more natural-feeling joint.

More Than Just a Robot: A Comprehensive System for Enhanced Outcomes

Mako SmartRobotics™ isn't a stand-alone tool; it's a comprehensive system that integrates advanced robotic technology with clinically proven implant designs like Stryker’s Triathlon Total Knee System. This integration allows for:

• Enhanced Outcomes: Studies have consistently shown that Mako-assisted surgeries deliver enhanced outcomes for total hip, total knee, and partial knee patients compared to manual surgery.

• Elevated Surgeon Control and Confidence: The system empowers surgeons with increased control and confidence, allowing them to optimize implant placement and execute the surgical plan with remarkable precision.

• Intraoperative Flexibility: Surgeons can even virtually modify the surgical plan in real-time during the procedure, adapting to any unforeseen circumstances and ensuring the best possible fit.

• Muscle-Sparing Approaches: Mako SmartRobotics™ facilitates muscle-sparing techniques, such as the subvastus incision, which can lead to less pain and a quicker return to normal activity.

• An Intuitive and Evolving Technology: With over 1.5 million procedures performed globally and a fourth-generation Mako System offering enhanced capabilities, it's clear that this technology is continually being refined to offer a superior clinical and operational experience. Our latest Total Knee 2.0 application even includes an innovative digital tensioner to assess knee stability in real-time, further fine-tuning surgical results.

Getting You Back to What You Love

The ultimate goal of any knee replacement is to alleviate pain and allow patients to return to the activities they enjoy. With the expected 85% increase in total knee replacements between 2020 and 2030, having a technology that significantly reduces patient dissatisfaction is more crucial than ever.

At St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital, we believe that Mako SmartRobotics™ is that technology. By combining intricate 3D planning with haptic-guided precision, we can offer our patients a truly personalized and optimized knee replacement experience. We are committed to utilizing this revolutionary tool to help you get back to the things you love, faster and with greater confidence.

St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital: Award-Winning Care

At St. Luke’s Health-Lakeside Hospital, we strive to deliver exceptional results, innovate relentlessly, and make a positive impact on the patients we serve. This dedication has been recognized by leading organizations and industry experts. We're proud to share a selection of awards and distinctions that reflect our commitment to excellence:

• Healthgrades 2026 Specialty Care Awards

  • America's 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery (Best Speciality)

  • Spine Surgery Excellence Award (Orthopedics)

  • Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery (Orthopedics)

• Certificate of Distinction Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for Total Knee and Hip Replacement

• Aetna® Institutes of Quality for Total Joint Replacement

• Top Hospitals in Houston for Surgery by Consumer Reports

If you're considering knee replacement surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits of Mako SmartRobotics™ at St. Luke's Health-Lakeside Hospital. We're here to help you take the first step towards a more active and pain-free life. 

Learn more about our Lakeside Hospital at CommonSpirit.org/Lakeside.