Reducing Variability in Joint Replacement with Mako Robotic Technology 

As one of the first health systems in western Pennsylvania to adopt Mako™ Robotic Technology, AHN Orthopaedic Institute continues to expand access to advanced orthopaedic care. Now available at AHN Grove City Hospital, Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures are helping improve surgical precision and reproducibility, while enhancing outcomes for patients in more communities.

Accuracy in every incision

Mako Robotic Technology is designed to elevate surgeon control and optimize implant placement. The state-of-the art treatment combines 3D CT-based planning and haptic technology to help AHN orthopaedic surgeons perform precise bone preparation while receiving real-time guidance within predefined boundaries tailored to each patient’s surgical plan.

The new level of precision through this leading-edge procedure provides benefits like:

• Sparing the healthy bone, cartilage, and surrounding ligaments for partial knee arthroplasty, so patients may remain candidates for total knee arthroplasty later in life if necessary.
• Preserving healthy bone and surrounding tissue during total knee arthroplasty, while supporting more precise implant placement.
• Supporting accurate restoration of leg length and joint stability in total hip arthroplasty — areas where even minor discrepancies can impact functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.

“Even experienced surgeons can see variability of three to six degrees with manual instrumentation,” said Alan Slipak, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at AHN. “With robotic assistance, we’re consistently within less than one degree and under one millimeter.

That level of reproducibility is difficult to achieve manually, especially across multiple cases.”

Supporting faster functional return

The minimally invasive capabilities of Mako Robotic Technology enhance surgical accuracy and improve joint kinematics, while also contributing to patient outcomes. Early post-operative outcomes suggest meaningful improvements in the immediate recovery period, including:

• Reduced blood loss
• Minimal scarring
• Improved early pain control
• Earlier functional recovery
• Potentially shorter hospital stays

“The clinical benefits of Mako Robotic Technology are clear, and we see many patients requesting it themselves after learning more about its success,” said Dr. Slipak. “Patient comfort is our top priority, and it’s wonderful to be able to provide these benefits to more patients close to home.”

When conservative management is no longer enough

Joint replacement, historically reserved for patients over 60, is now suitable for younger, active patients thanks to more durable implants and advanced techniques such as Mako Robotic Technology, and it continues to serve older adults well into their 80s and 90s. Appropriate referral considerations include patients with:

• Advanced hip or knee arthritis that is degenerative or post-traumatic
• Functional limitation affecting daily activities
• Persistent pain despite physical therapy, bracing, medications, or injections
• Progressive deformity or instability

“Most patients we evaluate have tried non-surgical treatment for years,” said Dr. Slipak. “When pain and dysfunction begin limiting daily activities and quality of life, that’s typically when joint replacement becomes the right conversation. And Mako is a new option that helps patients quickly get the relief they need to return to normal life.”

How to refer

Even if surgical candidacy is uncertain, early evaluation at AHN Orthopaedic Institute at AHN Grove City Hospital can help determine appropriate next steps and avoid prolonged functional decline. To refer your patient, send a message to Dr. Slipak through Epic or email alan.slipak@ahn.org.