Robotic Hip Replacement — Mako SmartRobotics™

What is robotic hip replacement?

Robotic-assisted hip replacement using the Stryker Mako system is one of the most significant advances in hip surgery in recent years. The Mako robot does not perform the operation independently — it provides the surgeon with real-time data and precision guidance to ensure the implant is placed in the optimal position for each individual patient.

How does Mako work?

• CT scan: a detailed pre-operative scan is used to construct a precise 3D model of your bones.
• Pre-operative planning: implant size, type, position and orientation are tailored to your anatomy.
• Intra-operative guidance: the robotic arm tracks your bone position in real time using infrared sensors.
• Tactile boundaries (haptic feedback): physical resistance keeps cuts and implant placement within the pre-planned safe zone.
• Real-time feedback: live cup angle, leg length and offset are displayed for instant adjustment.

Benefits

• Greater accuracy in cup positioning vs conventional techniques
• Personalised planning based on your CT, not a generic template
• Reduced dislocation risk through more accurate cup placement
• Potentially faster recovery from less soft tissue disruption
• Better long-term outcomes through more accurate alignment

Who is this for?

• Any patient suitable for total hip replacement who wants the most advanced surgical planning available
• Patients with complex anatomy or previous hip surgery
• Younger patients for whom long-term implant durability is particularly important

My approach

• Full pre-operative Mako CT planning, tailored to your anatomy
• Posterior approach as standard with real-time robotic guidance
• Stryker Trident II acetabular cup with Mako-compatible components, paired with the Exeter stem
• Two pins are inserted into the pelvis to aid guidance, and a small registration probe is used inside the hip to read anatomy and navigate in real time
• Available at: Meriden Nuffield Health Hospital and University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire

Risks

• Dislocation
• Leg length discrepancy
• Injury to nerves and vessels
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Further surgery
• Failure of the implant
• Infection
• Fracture

Recovery

Recovery is the same as for conventional hip replacement — typically 1 day in hospital, mobilising on the same day or the day after surgery, with a full return to activities expected at 3–6 months.