Joint Replacement
Mako Robotic Knee Replacement: Is It Right for You?
By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Orthopedic Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA
For patients across Eastern Washington dealing with bone-on-bone knee arthritis — whether you live in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla, Yakima, or make the drive from Hermiston or Pendleton — there comes a point when a knee replacement is the right answer. The real question is: which kind, and performed by whom? Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement is the most precise option available today. Here is what you need to know to decide if it is right for you.
What Is the Mako Robot?
The Mako SmartRobotics system from Stryker combines CT-based 3D planning with robotic arm assistance to execute your knee replacement with sub-millimeter precision. Before surgery, a CT scan of your knee creates a personalized 3D model. Using that model, we plan the exact position, size, and alignment of your implant before you ever walk into the operating room.
During surgery, the robotic arm guides my instruments to match that pre-planned position exactly. Boundaries that protect your healthy bone and tissue are built directly into the system. This is not a robot operating independently — the surgeon is in complete control at all times. The robot is a precision tool that executes the plan we built around your specific anatomy.
Why Implant Position Determines Your Outcome
Knee replacement outcomes depend enormously on how well the implant is positioned and aligned. Even small deviations — one or two degrees off in rotation, or a few millimeters too much or too little resection — can cause the knee to feel stiff, unnatural, or to wear unevenly over time. Traditional manual instruments are accurate, but they carry inherent variability that robotic guidance eliminates.
Studies consistently show Mako-assisted knee replacement results in more consistent alignment, lower readmission rates, and higher patient satisfaction scores than conventional technique. For active patients who want to stay active — hiking in the Palouse, golfing in Richland, keeping up with grandkids in Pasco — precision matters enormously in the long run.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most patients with end-stage knee arthritis who have failed conservative treatment are candidates for Mako total knee replacement. Ideal candidates:
- Have moderate to severe knee arthritis confirmed on X-ray
- Have tried and not responded to physical therapy, injections, and bracing
- Have pain that limits daily activities, sleep, or quality of life
- Are medically healthy enough for surgery
Age is less of a factor than most patients expect. I regularly perform Mako knee replacement in patients in their 50s who are still highly active. Younger patients actually benefit more from the precision Mako provides, because they will live with the implant longer and place greater demands on it.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery
The process begins with a CT scan for 3D planning. Surgery takes approximately 90 minutes under spinal or general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day or after one night. Recovery milestones:
- Day 1: Walking with a walker, starting knee bends and extensions
- Week 2: Transitioning to a cane, home PT begins
- Week 4–6: Most patients driving (right-knee cases), outpatient PT
- Month 3: Walking without assistance, low-impact activities
- Month 6–12: Full recovery for most patients
Mako Knee Replacement in Eastern Washington & Eastern Oregon
Dr. Kelly performs Mako robotic total knee replacement at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick, WA. He sees patients from Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla, Yakima, Moses Lake, Sunnyside, Prosser, Hermiston OR, Pendleton OR, and Umatilla OR. Call 509-460-5588 or request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mako Robotic Knee Replacement FAQ
Is Mako robotic knee replacement available in Kennewick, WA?
Yes. Dr. Shayne Kelly performs Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick. He is one of the few fellowship-trained surgeons in Eastern Washington offering this technology and serves patients from Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla, Yakima, Moses Lake, Hermiston OR, Pendleton OR, and the broader Columbia Basin region.
How is Mako different from traditional knee replacement?
Traditional knee replacement uses manual instruments with inherent variability in alignment. Mako uses CT-based 3D planning and robotic arm guidance to position the implant according to a plan built around your specific anatomy before surgery even begins. The result is sub-millimeter precision in implant placement and more natural-feeling knees according to published data.
Does Mako knee replacement hurt more or require longer recovery?
No. Most published studies show Mako patients have equivalent or faster recovery than conventional knee replacement with similar or less post-operative pain. Robotic guidance allows more targeted bone preparation with less trauma to surrounding tissue in many cases.
Am I too young for a knee replacement?
Modern knee implants typically last 20+ years with proper technique and activity modification. I regularly perform knee replacement in active patients in their 50s with end-stage arthritis. Younger patients often benefit most from Mako's precision because they will live with the implant longer and have higher functional demands.
How long does recovery from Mako knee replacement take?
Most patients are walking the day of surgery and go home within 1–2 days. Driving resumes around 4–6 weeks for right-knee replacements. Physical therapy continues 6–12 weeks. Most patients reach 80–90% of final function by month 3 and full recovery by month 6–12.
