Dr. J. Mack Aldridge III
EmergeOrtho
Knee replacement is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the U.S. every year. Replacing damaged knee components can help you live more actively with less pain and greater mobility. If you’re a candidate for this procedure, consider a robotic knee replacement for greater surgical precision, a smoother recovery, and an overall better surgical outcome.
Knee replacement is a common procedure, but it isn’t the same everywhere you go for surgery. Many advancements have improved this type of surgery, including the use of robotic surgical equipment. Surgeons at NCSH can use MAKOplasty from Stryker or the CORI Surgical System from Smith & Nephew.
Compared to traditional surgery, MAKOplasty leads to better outcomes, including shorter recovery times and less pain. It allows surgeons to better execute their surgical plans, protects soft tissue during the procedure, and results in overall better patient satisfaction scores.
MAKOplasty knee replacement begins with a scan of the knee that is used to create a 3D picture of your actual joint. The surgeon can then plan a patient-specific procedure based on this information. They look at the diseased or damaged bone, joint alignment, and surrounding tissue to prepare the right-size implant and determine how they will place it.
During the procedure, the surgeon guides a robotic arm to remove diseased tissue and place the implant. MAKOplasty includes a technology that creates virtual boundaries and helps the surgeon stay within the area defined by their surgical plan. This leads to high precision in placing the implant. The system provides real-time data throughout the procedure to help the surgeon make adjustments as needed.
The CORI Surgical System is a robotic-assisted technology for knee replacements. The CORI system uses a 3D model of the patient’s knee to ensure optimal implant placement. The system helps the surgeon make essential alignment calculations before the procedure. This leads to improved accuracy compared to traditional, manual knee replacement surgery.
After planning for the procedure, the surgeon uses the robotic system to remove damaged tissue and shape the remaining bone accurately. The system provides important visuals to help the surgeon place the joint in the correct spot once the area has been prepared for it. The CORI Surgical System allows surgeons to provide customized, accurate knee replacement surgery.
NCSH was one of the first specialty hospitals in the state to offer MAKOplasty and now the CORI Surgical System. We partner with top orthopedic surgeons and have a track record of excellent patient outcomes. These are just some of the reasons patients choose NCSH for their robotic knee replacement surgery.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is minimally invasive. This means that the surgeon can perform the procedure with smaller incisions and less damage to surrounding tissue, leading to less pain and quicker recovery post-procedure.
Both robotic systems used at NCSH offer improved precision during the procedure as compared to manual knee replacement. Precision is important for ensuring the implant fits, is stable, and is less likely to shift position over time.
Robotic and minimally invasive procedures cause less trauma to surrounding tissue. This means that complication rates are lower, pain is less, and patient recovery times are shorter.
All the benefits of a customized surgical plan and more precise placement with robotic guidance ultimately mean that knee implants last longer. They wear less over time and are less likely to shift and need to be adjusted or replaced.
The most important reason of all to choose NCSH for your robotic knee replacement is that we see better patient outcomes. We were one of the first facilities in North Carolina to offer these advanced robotic surgeries and have proven over time that we have excellent results. Our successful implants lead to improved mobility and less pain.
All our efforts to provide the best patient outcomes in the area have paid off. CareChex awarded NCSH the 2025 Medical Excellence Award for excellence in joint replacement. This award is given to only the top 10% of hospitals in the U.S.
As a leader in the region for robotic knee replacement, NCSH is the top choice for many patients. If you’re considering a robotic joint replacement, contact us to request an appointment and learn more.
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