Based on pre-operative CT scans, the MAKO system generates a 3D model of a patient’s hip joint. This 3D model is used by the surgeons to determine how much bone to remove, and where to place the implants that replace diseased sections of these bones.

Without MAKO, surgeons work by eye, looking at the bone itself to determine whether enough has been removed. This can lead to an increased risk of component malposition, early failure or leg length change. MAKO tracks healthy and diseased bone so the surgeon can clearly see how much bone should be removed. The robotic arm is equipped with a reamer and the surgeon is free to remove bone within the boundaries identified during the planning stages. If the surgeon attempts to move outside these boundaries, the reamer will turn off. This helps the surgeon minimise the trauma to the hip and preserve the maximum amount of healthy tissue. The robotic arm determines exactly where the implants go: improving function, reducing pain and potentially reducing wear, allowing the new hip to last longer and feel more natural.