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 Total Knee Replacement | Dr. Seann Willson | Orthopedic Surgeon Flint

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology for Total Knee Replacement

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

Advanced Robotic Knee Replacement with Dr. Seann E. Willson

Chronic knee pain caused by arthritis can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, and enjoying an active lifestyle increasingly difficult. If conservative treatments such as medications, injections, physical therapy, or activity modification are no longer providing relief, Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Replacement may be an advanced treatment option to help restore mobility and improve quality of life.

Dr. Seann E. Willson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction specialist offering Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery in Flint and Fenton, Michigan. Mako technology combines advanced CT-based planning with robotic-arm assistance to create a personalized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy.

If knee arthritis is limiting your ability to stay active and enjoy daily life, schedule a consultation to learn whether Mako robotic-assisted total 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 Total Knee replacement, which may provide you with relief from your knee pain.

How Mako Technology Works

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Replacement is a treatment option for adults living with mid to late-stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Mako 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 total knee replacement.

In the operating room, your surgeon follows your personalized surgical plan while preparing the bone for the Triathlon Total Knee implant. With over a decade of clinical history, Triathlon knee replacements are different than traditional knee replacements because they are designed to work with the body to promote natural-like circular motion.^1-4

The surgeon guides the robotic-arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage 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. In a laboratory study, Mako Technology demonstrated accurate placement of implants to a personalized surgical plan.⁵

It’s important to understand that the surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who guides the robotic-arm during the surgery to position the implant in the knee joint. The 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

Knee replacements

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

Contraindications: 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, or severe instability of the knee.

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 digestive 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 include dislocation, loosening, fracture, nerve damage, heterotopic bone formation (abnormal bone growth in tissue), wear of the implant, metal sensitivity, soft tissue imbalance, osteolysis (localized progressive bone loss), and reaction to particle debris. 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 the Triathlon knee 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, Triathlon. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respected owners or holders.

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

Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions when considering knee replacement surgery. Dr. Seann E. Willson combines fellowship-trained expertise in adult joint reconstruction with advanced robotic-assisted technology to provide personalized treatment for patients suffering from chronic knee pain and arthritis.

Fellowship-Trained Knee Reconstruction Specialist

Dr. Willson has advanced fellowship training focused on adult hip and knee reconstruction, providing specialized expertise in total knee replacement and complex joint reconstruction procedures.

Advanced Mako Robotic Technology

Mako technology allows Dr. Willson to create a personalized surgical plan using a CT-based 3D model of your knee anatomy. This detailed planning process helps support accurate implant positioning and individualized treatment.

Personalized Approach to Knee Replacement

Every patient has unique anatomy, symptoms, activity goals, and treatment needs. Dr. Willson develops customized care plans designed to help patients achieve the best possible functional outcomes.

Comprehensive Care from Consultation Through Recovery

From diagnosis and surgical planning through rehabilitation and follow-up care, Dr. Willson and her team provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of your joint replacement journey.

Convenient Flint and Fenton Locations

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

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Replacement FAQs

What is Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement?

Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement is an advanced surgical procedure that combines CT-based planning technology and robotic-arm assistance to help surgeons perform personalized knee replacement surgery.

How does Mako technology work?

Before surgery, a CT scan is used to create a 3D model of your knee. This model allows Dr. Willson to develop a personalized surgical plan. During surgery, the robotic-arm assists with bone preparation while helping the surgeon stay within the planned treatment area.

Does the robotic arm perform the surgery?

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

Who may be a candidate for Mako total knee replacement?

Patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease who have not achieved adequate relief from conservative treatments may be candidates for Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement.

What are the potential benefits of Mako-assisted knee replacement?

Potential benefits may include personalized surgical planning, precise implant positioning, individualized treatment based on patient anatomy, and advanced surgical guidance. Individual outcomes vary.

What conditions can Mako total knee replacement treat?

Mako-assisted total knee replacement is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and other forms of advanced knee joint degeneration.

How long does recovery take after total knee replacement?

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Many individuals begin walking shortly after surgery and gradually return to daily activities over the following weeks and months. Dr. Willson will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your needs.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Most patients participate in a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and overall function following knee replacement surgery.

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

If chronic knee pain is affecting your ability to walk, work, exercise, sleep, or participate in everyday activities despite conservative treatment, a consultation with Dr. Willson can help determine whether knee replacement may be appropriate.

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

You do not have to live with chronic knee pain caused by arthritis. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides advanced Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement for patients throughout Flint, Fenton, and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Take the next step toward improved mobility and a more active lifestyle. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement may be right for you.

References

Mistry J, Elmallah R, Chughtai M, Oktem M, Harwin S, Mont M. Long-Term Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes of a Single Radius Total Knee Arthroplasty. International XXVIII.
Designed to maintain collateral ligament stability throughout the range of motion. Stryker-Initiated Dynamic Computer Simulations of Passive ROM and Oxford Rig Test, Stephen Piazza, 2003.
Wang H, Simpson KJ, Ferrara MS, Chamnongkich S, Kinsey T, Mahoney, OM. Biomechanical differences exhibited during sit-to-stand between total knee arthroplasty designs of varying radii. J Arthroplasty. 2006;21(8):1193-1199.
Gómez-Barrena E, Fernandez-García C, Fernandez- Bravo A, Cutillas-Ruiz R, Bermejo-Fernandez G. Functional performance with a single-radius femoral design total knee arthroplasty. Clin Ortho Relates Res. 2010;468(5):1214-1220.
Hampp E. et al. Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Demonstrated Greater Accuracy to Plan Compared to Manual Technique. Orthopaedic Research Society 2017 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA. Poster No. 2412. March 20-22, 2017.