Dr. Rajesh Makim Performs First Mako SmartRobotics Procedure at Blue Water Surgery Center
In June, joint replacement surgeon Dr. Rajesh Makim performed the first Mako SmartRobotics knee replacement at the Blue Water Surgery Center at 920 River Centre Drive. Patients seeking specialized care for their joint pain are encouraged to call 810-985-4900 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Makim at the practice's main office at 940 River Centre Drive.
With specialized training using Stryker’s innovative Mako SmartRobotics technology, Dr. Makim has extensive experience providing robotically assisted joint replacement for local patients. The Mako SmartRobotics system creates a 3D model of the joint which is then used to create an anatomically specific presurgical plan. During surgery, Mako provides the surgeon with real-time visual, tactile and auditory feedback to facilitate optimal joint resurfacing and implant positioning. It is this optimal placement that can result in more natural knee motion following surgery.
Dr. Makim is proud to provide this innovative procedure in the specialized outpatient setting of the Blue Water Surgery Center. In addition to Dr. Makim, Dr. William Braaksma, Dr. Scott Heithoff and Dr. Todd Murphy also offer Mako SmartRobotics joint replacement at the surgery center.
Direct benefits of Mako joint replacement at Blue Water Surgery Center include:
- Patient-specific surgical plan with preoperative CT scan to develop a 3D virtual model of the involved joint.
- Improved accuracy and precision of bone cuts and implant positioning compared to traditional total and partial knee replacements.
- More predictable limb alignment compared to traditional knee replacements.
- Improved soft tissue balance.
- Haptic guidance and safety boundaries reduce the risk of inadvertent soft tissue and ligament damage.
- Lower pain scores and better patient satisfaction 6 months after surgery compared to traditional joint replacements.
“It is tremendous for our region that we can offer patients this precise technology at our state-of-the-art Blue Water Surgery Center for outpatient procedures,” said Dr. Makim. “With robotic assistance and enhanced surgical planning, I can dramatically reduce joint disruption and optimize implantation for less pain and a quicker recovery for patients.”
Dr. Makim received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. He then completed an internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor. Dr. Makim is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery for both general orthopedics and sports medicine.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of the Mako SmartRobotics experts at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron, please call 810-985-4900.