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 Hip Replacement | Dr. Seann Willson | Orthopedic Surgeon Flint

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology for Total Hip Replacement

Mako SmartRobotics™ Total Hip Replacement in Flint & Fenton, MI

Advanced Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement with Dr. Seann E. Willson

If chronic hip pain is limiting your mobility, quality of life, or ability to enjoy everyday activities, Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Hip Replacement may provide a highly personalized treatment option. Dr. Seann E. Willson, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained adult hip and knee reconstruction specialist, offers Mako robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery for patients throughout Flint, Fenton, and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Whether you live in Flint, Fenton or the surrounding areas, Dr. Willson is committed to helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to an active lifestyle through advanced hip replacement solutions.

Request an Appointment

We understand that making sure you know what to expect from the 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 hip 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 hip pain. If you haven’t experienced adequate relief with those treatment options, you may be a candidate for Mako Total Hip replacement, which may provide you with relief from your hip 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 joint is taken. This CT scan is uploaded into the Mako System software, where a 3D model of your hip is created. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist your surgeon in performing your total hip 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. ^1,2

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Hip replacement is a surgical procedure intended for patients who suffer from non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease (DJD). Some forms of DJD include osteoarthritis (OA), post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), avascular necrosis (AVN) and hip dysplasia.

Step 1. Hip CT Scan

Step 2. Hip Personalized Planning

It’s important to understand that the surgery is performed by an orthopaedic surgeon, who guides the surgeon-controlled robotic-arm during the surgery to position the implant in the hip 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

Mako hip replacements

Hip joint replacement is intended for use in individuals with joint disease resulting from degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, fracture of the neck of the femur or functional deformity of the hip.

Joint 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 joint, or excessive body weight.

Like any surgery, joint replacement surgery has serious risks which include, but are not limited to, pain, bone fracture, change in the treated leg length (hip), joint stiffness, hip joint fusion, amputation, 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 of the implant 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), audible sounds during motion, and reaction to particle debris.

The information presented is for educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor to decide if joint replacement surgery is appropriate for you. Individual results vary and not all patients will return to the same activity level. The lifetime of any joint replacement is limited and depends on several factors like patient weight and activity level. Your doctor will counsel you about strategies to potentially prolong the lifetime of the device, including avoiding high-impact activities, such as running, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to closely follow your physician’s instructions regarding post-surgery activity, treatment and follow-up care. 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 SmartRobotics™ Total Hip Replacement in Flint & Fenton, MI?

Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make when considering hip replacement surgery. Dr. Seann E. Willson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in adult hip and knee reconstruction, providing specialized expertise in complex joint replacement procedures.

Specialized Hip Replacement Expertise

Dr. Willson focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of hip arthritis and degenerative joint conditions, offering advanced surgical solutions tailored to each patient's needs.

Advanced Robotic-Assisted Technology

Mako SmartRobotics™ allows Dr. Willson to create a personalized surgical plan based on a detailed CT scan of your hip. This technology provides real-time guidance during surgery to support precise implant placement and alignment.

Personalized Patient Care

Every patient experiences hip pain differently. Dr. Willson takes the time to evaluate your condition, explain treatment options, and develop a customized care plan designed to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Comprehensive Joint Replacement Care

From your initial consultation through recovery and rehabilitation, our team provides comprehensive support throughout your joint replacement journey.

Convenient Locations in Flint and Fenton

Patients throughout Genesee County and Mid-Michigan have convenient access to expert orthopedic care with appointments available in both Flint and Fenton, Michigan.

Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Hip Replacement FAQs

What is Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Hip Replacement?

Mako SmartRobotics™ is a robotic-assisted technology used during total hip replacement surgery. It enables your surgeon to create a personalized surgical plan using a 3D model of your anatomy and provides real-time guidance during the procedure.

Does the robot perform the surgery?

No. Mako SmartRobotics™ does not perform surgery independently. Dr. Willson remains in complete control throughout the procedure and uses the robotic-arm technology as a surgical tool to enhance precision and accuracy.

Who may be a candidate for Mako hip replacement?

Patients with severe hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip dysplasia, or other degenerative hip conditions may be candidates for Mako-assisted total hip replacement if conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

What are the benefits of robotic-assisted hip replacement?

Potential benefits may include more precise implant placement, individualized surgical planning, improved joint alignment, preservation of healthy bone, and a personalized approach to treatment. Individual outcomes vary.

How long does recovery take after total hip replacement?

Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual patient, overall health, activity level, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Many patients begin walking shortly after surgery and continue improving over the following weeks and months.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Most patients participate in a rehabilitation program that may include physical therapy exercises to help restore strength, flexibility, and mobility following surgery.

Is Mako hip replacement covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary total hip replacement surgery. Our team can help verify your benefits and discuss coverage details prior to treatment.

How do I know if I need hip replacement surgery?

If hip pain is interfering with daily activities, sleep, work, or recreation and conservative treatments are no longer effective, it may be time to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Willson to discuss your treatment options.

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

Don't let chronic hip pain keep you from living the life you enjoy. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides advanced Mako SmartRobotics™ total hip replacement for patients throughout Flint, Fenton, and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether Mako robotic-assisted hip replacement may be the right solution for your condition. Our team is dedicated to helping you move with greater comfort, confidence, and mobility.

References

Nawabi DH, Conditt MA, Ranawat AS, Dunbar NJ, Jones J, Banks SA, Padgett DE. Haptically guided robotic technology in total hip arthroplasty - a cadaver investigation. Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2013 Mar22 7(3):302-9
Illgen R. Robotic assisted total hip arthroplasty improves accuracy and clinical outcome compared with manual technique. 44th Annual Advances in Arthroplasty Course. October 7-10, 2014, Cambridge, MA.F