Orthopedic Joint Replacement in Scottsdale

About Dr. Shane Martin

Dr. Shane Martin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Scottsdale AZ who is fellowship-trained in adult reconstructive and joint replacement surgery. He specializes in hip and knee replacements and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, as well as the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

FIND OUT IF YOU'RE A CANDIDATE for Knee or Hip Replacement

MAKO Technology for Joint Replacement

With the MAKOplasty technology, our team at Greater Phoenix Orthopedics uses a surgical visualization system in conjunction with a robotic arm to perform total hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Precision is the hallmark of MAKOplasty surgery. It starts with a CT scan a day or more before the surgery. The MAKO technology uses the imaging to create a personalized, highly detailed 3D virtual model of the patient’s joint. Dr. Martin then uses the 3D model to plan the surgery in advance.

The robotic arm also uses the 3D model as a guide during the surgery. The arm allows for greater dexterity than is possible with conventional manual joint replacement surgery.

It’s important to note that the robotic arm is merely a tool used at Greater Phoenix Orthopedics while performing hip and knee replacement surgery. Dr. Martin remains in complete control of the surgical instruments throughout the procedure. And although the technology permits the arm to move only within a predefined area to ensure the greatest precision, he can adjust the parameters during surgery if necessary.

Surgical Advantages of MAKOplasty

For patients who are good candidates for MAKOplasty surgery, the procedure offers many advantages over traditional joint replacement surgery:

The procedure is far less invasive because the joint can be accessed through much smaller incisions.
The 3D model is used to ensure proper sizing of the implant based on the exact specifications of the patient’s joint. This helps to make sure the new artificial joint will feel comfortable and natural.
The robotic arm allows for the preservation of healthy soft tissue (e.g., muscles, tendons and cartilage) surrounding the joint.
There is less blood loss.
Because the technology permits pinpoint accuracy, only diseased bone tissue is removed.

Better Patient Outcomes Using Robotic Technology

After MAKOplasty procedures, patients typically report having less pain and shorter recovery times as compared with patients who undergo conventional joint replacement surgery. Other outcomes are generally better as well:

MAKOplasty technology allows for optimal alignment and positioning of the implant, which ensures the best possible range of movement and comfort, and can prolong the life expectancy of the prosthetic.
MAKOplasty surgery can often be conducted on an outpatient basis, whereas traditional joint replacement procedures usually require a hospital stay that can last several days.
The risk of postsurgical infection is lower.
Because the incisions are smaller (and frequently fewer), there is less scarring.
The failure rate (i.e., the need for resurgery) is lower, both short term and long.
Rehabilitation time is usually considerably shorter.
Patients who undergo MAKOplasty surgery are often walking just hours afterward, and many can expect to return to normal daily activities within a couple of weeks.
With MAKOplasty’s superior precision, there are fewer complications that could eventually require revision surgeries. When necessary, future procedures are more viable because more of the healthy bone tissue has been preserved.

Hip Replacement Surgery

For patients who have not had a previous hip replacement surgery, Dr. Martin uses the MAKO robotic-assisted technology to perform an anterior total hip replacement procedure. With the anterior approach (from the front), only a 4- to 6-inch incision is necessary. Other approaches typically require an incision that can be twice as long.

The average recovery time after a hip replacement procedure using MAKOplasty technology can be as short as two weeks. That compares with a potential recovery time of six to eight weeks with traditional hip replacement surgeries.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Dr. Martin performs both partial knee replacement and total knee replacement surgery. For patients with osteoarthritis or other painful knee conditions limited to one or two compartments of the joint, a partial knee replacement may be a viable treatment option. For those with more severe disease that encompasses all three joint compartments, a total knee replacement is indicated.

Is MAKOplasty the Right Choice for You?

If you have been experiencing persistent pain in your knee or hip because of osteoarthritis or another health condition, and conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy are not working, then MAKOplasty joint replacement surgery may provide the relief you need.

To find out if you might be a good candidate for this minimally invasive, state-of-the-art surgical procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shane Martin in Scottsdale, AZ today.