By: Andrew Wassef, M.D. medical director, MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center, Long Beach Memorial
Each year, more than 1 million people undergo total joint replacement surgery in the United States. Joint replacement surgery may be an option for those suffering from arthritic knee or hip pain that severely limits the activities of daily living.
The MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Memorial offers new MAKOplasty robotic-assisted surgery technology brining a new level of precision to patients with knee and hip pain.
Long Beach Memorial is shifting the culture of knee replacement surgery. Rather than wait until the entire knee is completely arthritic, the trained MAKOplasty orthopedic surgeons are using this new technique to help people sooner, by doing partial replacements, rather than waiting for a total replacement in a few years.
The surgeon-controlled robotic arm enables accurate alignment and placement of knee and hip implants to restore mobility and an active lifestyle. Long Beach Memorial offers:
- MAKOplasty Partial Knee Resurfacing
This procedure is performed using the proven robotic arm technology of the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System. MAKOplasty provides surgeons precision to resurface only the diseased portion of the knee, retaining as much of the natural knee as possible, including healthy bone and ligaments. - MAKOplasty Total Hip Replacement
This procedure is performed using the proven robotic arm technology of the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System. MAKOplasty provides surgeons precision in placement of implants reducing incidence of dislocations and ensuring accurate leg length. - Total Knee Replacement
Implants are attached to both the lower end of the femur (thighbones) and upper end of the tibia (shinbone). This creates a new, smooth cushion and functioning joint that can reduce or eliminate pain. - Total Hip Replacement
This innovative solution was designed for patients who suffer from non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease.
Primary candidates for joint replacement are individuals with chronic joint pain that interferes with daily activities, such as walking, exercise, leisure, recreation and work. If your symptoms aren’t responding to non-surgical solutions, or your pain can no longer be managed with medication, you may be a candidate for surgery.
While there are many benefits to joint replacement, like any surgical procedure, there also are risks. Speak with your physician to determine if MAKOplasty is right for you.
For more information on joint replacement surgery, call 800-MEMORIAL or visit MemorialCare.org/LBJointReplacement.