MAKO Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee arthritis can be a painful and limiting condition, often affecting patients' ability to walk, exercise, and enjoy day-to-day activities.

For patients with medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartment osteoarthritis confined to one area of the knee, MAKO robotic-assisted partial knee replacement offers a cutting-edge surgical option that is accurate, minimally invasive, and personalised. At Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre, Dr Daniel Meyerkort specialises in both non-surgical and surgical treatments for knee arthritis, including MAKO partial knee replacement, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis & Partial Knee Arthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterised by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage. When arthritis is limited to just one compartment—most commonly the medial (inner) compartment—it is referred to as unicompartmental arthritis.

Patients may present with:

  • Localised knee pain

  • Swelling or stiffness

  • Pain during activity, especially walking or climbing stairs

  • Minimal symptoms at rest

  • Preserved range of motion

Unlike total knee replacement, which replaces all three compartments of the knee, partial knee replacement preserves healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments, making it a more targeted option for selected patients.

Non-Surgical Management of Partial Knee Arthritis

Before considering surgery, many patients benefit from comprehensive non-operative management. Dr Daniel Meyerkort tailors conservative treatment plans that may include:

1. Physiotherapy:
Targeted strengthening of quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles can reduce joint stress and improve knee mechanics.

2. Weight loss:
Excess body weight significantly increases pressure on the knee joint. Reducing body mass can slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms.

3. Activity modification:
Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling are preferable over high-impact activities that stress the knee.

4. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications:
Short courses of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or paracetamol can reduce discomfort.

5. Injections:
Corticosteroid injections may offer temporary relief, and hyaluronic acid injections may improve joint lubrication.

6. Bracing:
Offloading braces can shift the load away from the arthritic compartment, reducing pain during activity.

Non-surgical strategies can be effective for many patients, especially in early stages of arthritis. However, when pain persists despite conservative measures, surgical options like MAKO partial knee replacement are considered.

What is MAKO Partial Knee Replacement?

MAKO is a robotic-assisted surgery platform developed by Stryker, designed to enhance the accuracy and outcomes of joint replacement procedures. It enables surgeons to perform unicompartmental knee replacement with a high degree of precision.

The key steps include:

1. Preoperative CT scan:
A 3D model of the patient’s knee is created to plan implant positioning and assess alignment and bone quality.

2. Intraoperative navigation:
During surgery, the MAKO system guides the surgeon using real-time data and robotic assistance, ensuring exact bone cuts and optimal implant placement.

3. Preservation of soft tissue:
Unlike traditional knee replacement, MAKO partial knee replacement spares healthy ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), maintaining more natural knee kinematics.

Benefits of MAKO Partial Knee Replacement

Dr Daniel Meyerkort and the Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine team have seen significant advantages for suitable patients undergoing MAKO-assisted surgery:

1. Greater Precision and Personalisation
The robotic guidance system allows for fine-tuned surgical planning and execution, minimising variation and improving implant alignment.

2. Minimally Invasive Approach
Compared to total knee replacement, partial replacement involves smaller incisions, less bone removal, and lower soft tissue disruption.

3. Faster Recovery
Patients often experience shorter hospital stays and more rapid rehabilitation. Many are walking unaided within weeks.

4. Better Knee Function
By preserving the ACL, PCL, and unaffected joint surfaces, MAKO partial knee replacements often retain a more natural “feel” compared to total knee implants.

5. Lower Complication Rates
Studies have shown reduced blood loss, lower infection risk, and decreased postoperative pain with robotic-assisted procedures.

6. Cost-effective in the Long Term
Although robotic surgery can have higher upfront costs, improved implant longevity and faster return to function often reduce long-term healthcare expenses.

Risks & Considerations

While MAKO partial knee replacement has numerous benefits, it is not without risks. Dr Daniel Meyerkort ensures every patient is thoroughly assessed and informed of the potential complications:

1. Disease Progression in Other Compartments
If arthritis spreads to the previously healthy parts of the knee, a revision to total knee replacement may eventually be required.

2. Implant Loosening or Wear
As with all joint replacements, components may loosen or wear over time, although modern implants are highly durable.

3. Surgical Complications
These include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, or stiffness, though the incidence is low in experienced hands.

4. Patient Selection is Critical
Not all patients are suitable for partial knee replacement. Candidates must have arthritis limited to one compartment, good range of motion, and stable ligaments.

Dr Daniel Meyerkort’s Expertise in Robotic Knee Surgery

Dr Daniel Meyerkort is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon in Perth, Western Australia, with extensive experience in robotic joint replacement and sports knee surgery. At Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre, he utilises the latest MAKO robotic technology to deliver precision care for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

His patient-centric approach focuses on:

  • Detailed imaging and diagnosis

  • Evidence-based non-surgical therapies

  • Minimally invasive surgical solutions

  • Comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation

What to Expect After MAKO Partial Knee Replacement

Recovery from MAKO partial knee replacement is generally faster than total knee replacement. Most patients follow this timeline:

  • Hospital stay: 1–2 days (some same-day discharges possible)

  • Walking: Often within 24–48 hours with physiotherapy support

  • Return to driving: Within 2–4 weeks

  • Full recovery: Usually 6–12 weeks for most daily activities

  • Long-term results: Many patients experience lasting pain relief and return to low-impact sports like golf, cycling, and swimming

Ongoing care with physiotherapy, home exercises, and regular follow-up with Dr Meyerkort ensures optimal recovery and joint function.

Is MAKO Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?

If you’re suffering from localised knee arthritis and conservative treatments are no longer effective, MAKO partial knee replacement may be an ideal solution. Dr Daniel Meyerkort will evaluate your knee with physical examination, weight-bearing X-rays, and advanced imaging to determine your suitability.

Personalised Orthopaedic Care in Perth

Dr Daniel Meyerkort consults at Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre in West Perth. With access to state-of-the-art imaging and robotic surgical facilities at Hollywood Private Hospital, patients receive world-class orthopaedic care close to home.