When should you consider hip or knee replacement?

Joint replacement may be recommended when hip or knee pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility continue despite medications, physical therapy, injections, or other nonsurgical treatments.

What conditions does Seann Willson, MD treat?

Dr. Willson treats hip and knee arthritis, joint degeneration, osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and other conditions that cause chronic joint pain and limited mobility.

Does Dr. Willson perform robotic-assisted joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Willson performs robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement procedures to help improve surgical precision and personalized implant positioning.

Is robotic joint replacement better than traditional joint replacement?

Robotic-assisted surgery can provide greater accuracy and surgical planning, but the best approach depends on each patient's condition, anatomy, and treatment goals.

Can joint replacement be done as an outpatient procedure?

Many patients may qualify for outpatient joint replacement, allowing them to return home the same day, depending on their overall health and recovery plan.

What is the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement treats only the damaged portion of the knee, while total knee replacement resurfaces the entire joint when arthritis affects multiple areas.

What treatments should I try before considering hip or knee replacement?

Conservative treatments may include weight management, exercise, physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and joint injections before surgery is considered.

Why choose Dr. Seann Willson for hip or knee replacement?

Dr. Willson is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, with experience in modern techniques and robotic-assisted surgery.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology for Partial Knee Replacement | Dr. Seann Willson | Orthopedic Surgeon Flint

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology for Partial Knee Replacement

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Partial Knee Replacement in Flint & Fenton, MI

Advanced Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Replacement with Dr. Seann E. Willson

If knee arthritis is causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities, but has not affected the entire knee joint, a partial knee replacement may be an effective treatment option. Dr. Seann E. Willson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction specialist offering Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Partial Knee Replacement in Flint and Fenton, Michigan.

If knee pain is limiting your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities, schedule a consultation to learn whether Mako robotic-assisted partial knee replacement may be right for you.

Request an Appointment

We understand that making sure you know what to expect from your joint replacement experience is important to you. As you are reading through this material, if you have additional questions please reach out to us to discuss.

Each patient is unique, and can experience joint pain for different reasons. It’s important to talk to us about the reason for your knee pain so you can understand the treatment options available to you. Pain from arthritis and joint degeneration can be constant or come and go, occur with movement or after a period of rest, or be located in one spot or many parts of the body. It is common for patients to try medication and other conservative treatments to treat their knee pain. If you haven’t experienced adequate relief with those treatment options, you may be a candidate for Mako Partial Knee replacement, which may provide you with relief from your knee pain.

How Mako Technology works

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology provides you with a personalized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy. First, a CT scan of the diseased knee joint is taken. This CT scan is uploaded into the Mako System software, where a 3D model of your knee is created. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist your surgeon in performing your partial knee replacement.

In the operating room, your surgeon follows your personalized surgical plan while preparing the bone for the implant. The surgeon guides the robotic-arm within the pre-defined area and the Mako System. The surgeon guides the robotic-arm within the pre-defined area and the Mako System helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries that were defined when the personalized pre-operative plan was created. This helps to provide more accurate placement and alignment of your implant.¹

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted partial knee replacement is a treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis (OA) that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. Depending on where the arthritis affects the knee, patients may have an implant inserted in any of the following areas:

Step 1. Knee CT Scan

Step 2. Knee Personalized Planning

It’s important to understand that the surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, who guides the robotic-arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee joint. The Mako Robotic-Arm does not perform surgery, make decisions on its own, or move without the surgeon guiding the robotic-arm. The Mako System also allows your surgeon to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Partial knee replacement

General indications: Partial knee replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis, and for moderate deformity of the knee.

Contraindications: Partial knee replacement surgery is not appropriate for patients with certain types of infections, any mental or neuromuscular disorder which would create an unacceptable risk of prosthesis instability, prosthesis fixation failure or complications in postoperative care, compromised bone stock, skeletal immaturity, severe instability of the knee, or excessive body weight.

Common side effects of knee replacement surgery: As with any surgery, knee replacement surgery has serious risks which include, but are not limited to, peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage), circulatory compromise (including deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)), genitourinary disorders (including kidney failure), gastrointestinal disorders (including paralytic ileus (loss of intestinal movement)), vascular disorders (including thrombus (blood clots), blood loss, or changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm), bronchopulmonary disorders (including emboli, stroke or pneumonia), heart attack, and death.

Implant related risks which may lead to a revision of the implant include dislocation, loosening, fracture, nerve damage, wear of the implant, metal sensitivity, osteolysis (localized progressive bone loss), and reaction to particle debris. Partial knee implants may not provide the same feel or performance characteristics experienced with a normal healthy joint.

The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is right for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will receive the same postoperative activity level. The lifetime of a joint replacement is not infinite and varies with each individual. Your doctor will help counsel you about how to best maintain your activities in order to potentially prolong the lifetime of the device. Such strategies include not engaging in high-impact activities, such as running, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. Ask your doctor if robotic-arm assisted surgery is right for you.

Stryker Corporation or its other divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Mako, Stryker. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respected owners or holders.

Why Choose Dr. Willson for Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Partial Knee Replacement in Flint and Fenton, MI?

Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is an important part of achieving the best possible outcome from partial knee replacement surgery. Dr. Seann E. Willson combines fellowship-trained expertise in adult joint reconstruction with advanced robotic-assisted technology to deliver personalized care for patients with knee arthritis.

Fellowship-Trained Knee Reconstruction Specialist

Dr. Willson has completed advanced fellowship training focused on adult hip and knee reconstruction, providing specialized expertise in partial knee replacement and advanced arthritis treatment.

Advanced Mako Robotic Technology

Mako technology allows Dr. Willson to create a patient-specific surgical plan using a CT-based 3D model of your knee. This individualized approach supports precise implant positioning and personalized treatment planning.

Personalized Treatment for Every Patient

No two patients experience knee arthritis in exactly the same way. Dr. Willson develops individualized treatment plans tailored to your anatomy, symptoms, activity level, and long-term goals.

Comprehensive Care Throughout Your Recovery

From your initial consultation through postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up visits, Dr. Willson and her team provide ongoing support to help guide your recovery.

Convenient Flint and Fenton Locations

Patients from Flint, Fenton, and surrounding Genesee County communities can access advanced robotic-assisted knee replacement care close to home.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Partial Knee Replacement FAQs

What is a partial knee replacement?

A partial knee replacement is a procedure that replaces only the damaged compartment of the knee while preserving healthy portions of the joint. It is often recommended for patients whose arthritis is limited to one area of the knee.

What is Mako robotic-assisted partial knee replacement?

Mako robotic-assisted partial knee replacement uses CT-based imaging, advanced software, and robotic-arm technology to assist surgeons in creating and executing a personalized surgical plan.

How does Mako technology work?

A CT scan of the knee is used to create a detailed 3D model of your anatomy. Dr. Willson uses this model to develop a customized surgical plan, and the robotic-arm provides real-time guidance during surgery.

Does the robotic arm perform the surgery?

No. The robotic arm does not perform surgery independently. Dr. Willson remains in complete control throughout the procedure and guides the robotic-arm during every step of surgery.

Who may be a candidate for Mako partial knee replacement?

Patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis affecting only one compartment of the knee who have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments may be candidates for this procedure.

What are the potential benefits of partial knee replacement?

Potential benefits may include preservation of healthy bone and tissue, smaller incisions, less disruption of normal knee structures, and a more targeted approach to treating arthritis. Individual results vary.

How is partial knee replacement different from total knee replacement?

Partial knee replacement addresses only the damaged portion of the knee, while total knee replacement involves resurfacing all compartments of the knee joint.

How long does recovery take after partial knee replacement?

Recovery timelines vary based on the individual patient, overall health, and rehabilitation progress. Many patients begin walking soon after surgery and gradually resume activities over time.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Most patients participate in a rehabilitation program that may include physical therapy to improve strength, mobility, flexibility, and overall knee function.

How do I know if partial knee replacement is right for me?

A comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Willson, including imaging studies and a physical examination, can help determine whether your arthritis pattern makes you a candidate for partial knee replacement.

Schedule a Mako Partial Knee Replacement Consultation in Flint or Fenton, MI

You do not have to let knee arthritis limit your lifestyle. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides advanced Mako robotic-assisted partial knee replacement for patients throughout Flint, Fenton and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Take the next step toward improved mobility and reduced knee pain. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Mako robotic-assisted partial knee replacement may be the right solution for your condition.

References

Bell, Stuart W., Anthony, Iain, Jones, Bryn, MacLean, Angus, Rowe, Philip, and Blyth, Mark. Improved accuracy of component positioning with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Volume 98-A: Number 8. April 20, 2016. pp 627-35.