Advanced knee arthritis can cause persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking or performing everyday activities. When nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief, partial or total knee replacement may be recommended to relieve pain and restore function.
Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He utilizes MAKO robotic arm-assisted technology to enhance surgical planning and implant positioning while maintaining complete control throughout every procedure.
How MAKO Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Works
MAKO robotic arm-assisted technology is an advanced surgical platform that helps Dr. Cohen perform partial and total knee replacements using a personalized surgical plan. The robotic system does not perform the operation independently. Dr. Cohen remains in complete control throughout the procedure.
Before surgery, a CT scan is used to create a three-dimensional model of your knee. Dr. Cohen combines this information with your examination and imaging studies to develop a customized surgical plan, including implant size, alignment, and positioning.
During surgery, the robotic system provides real-time guidance and establishes predefined boundaries to assist Dr. Cohen in preparing the bone and positioning the implant according to the surgical plan, while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.
Potential Benefits of Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement
MAKO robotic-arm-assisted technology offers several potential advantages during knee replacement surgery, including:
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Personalized surgical planning
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Precise implant positioning
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Improved assessment of knee alignment and soft tissue balance
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Greater control during bone preparation
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Real-time surgical guidance
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Preservation of healthy bone whenever appropriate
Because every patient and procedure is different, recovery and long-term outcomes vary based on the severity of arthritis, overall health, rehabilitation, and individual healing.
Partial Knee Replacement
The knee contains three compartments: the medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (kneecap) compartments. When arthritis is limited primarily to one compartment, and the remaining portions of the knee are healthy, Dr. Cohen may recommend a partial knee replacement instead of replacing the entire joint.
During a partial knee replacement, only the damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with an implant, allowing the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments to be preserved whenever possible.
Dr. Cohen carefully evaluates knee alignment, ligament stability, imaging findings, activity level, and overall joint health before determining whether a partial knee replacement is the most appropriate treatment option.
Total Knee Replacement
When arthritis affects multiple compartments of the knee and significantly limits daily activities, total knee replacement may be recommended. Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
During the procedure, the damaged surfaces of the femur and tibia are carefully prepared and replaced with metal components. A durable plastic insert is positioned between the components to create a smooth, low-friction joint surface. The kneecap may also be resurfaced when appropriate.
For patients undergoing MAKO-assisted total knee replacement, Dr. Cohen uses a patient-specific, three-dimensional surgical plan to optimize implant positioning, alignment, and knee balance, while maintaining complete control throughout the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MAKO system creates a personalized surgical plan using a three-dimensional CT model of your knee. During surgery, Dr. Cohen uses robotic-arm assistance to accurately prepare the bone, evaluate alignment, and position the implant according to the surgical plan.
Because only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced during a partial knee replacement, precise planning and implant positioning are especially important. Dr. Cohen remains in control throughout the procedure while using the robotic system to enhance surgical accuracy.
Patients with arthritis limited primarily to one compartment of the knee may be candidates for robotic-assisted partial knee replacement. Candidates often experience localized knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with walking or other daily activities despite nonsurgical treatment.
Dr. Cohen evaluates imaging studies, knee alignment, ligament stability, range of motion, overall health, and activity goals before recommending whether a partial knee replacement is appropriate.
Modern knee implants are designed to provide many years of function, although implant longevity varies from person to person. Factors such as age, body weight, activity level, bone quality, medical conditions, and adherence to rehabilitation all influence long-term results.
While MAKO technology assists with personalized implant positioning, no surgical technique can guarantee how long an implant will last.
Many patients return home on the day of surgery, although discharge depends on individual recovery and medical needs. A walker, crutches, or cane may be used during the early stages of recovery.
Physical therapy begins soon after surgery and focuses on restoring range of motion, strength, balance, and normal walking mechanics. Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure performed, overall health, and progress during rehabilitation.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Care in Chillicothe, OH
Robot-assisted knee replacement may be an excellent option for patients whose arthritis continues to limit their quality of life despite conservative treatment. Dr. Cohen carefully evaluates each patient’s symptoms, imaging, knee alignment, and goals to determine whether partial or total knee replacement is appropriate. Using MAKO technology, he develops a personalized surgical plan while maintaining complete control throughout the procedure. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
