Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Gives Patient Renewed Hope and Lease on Life

Thanks to her outpatient MAKOplasty knee replacement surgery with Eric G. Bonenberger, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in partial and total knee replacements at Orlando Orthopaedic Center, Terri went home the same day after surgery and can now walk on her own again without pain. Not only that, but she is also free from being dependent on others to help her get around, something that as a fiercely independent person, caused her a great deal of anguish before the surgery. MAKOplasty technology employs a robotic arm to help specially-trained orthopaedic surgeons perform minimally invasive total knee replacements. The procedure allows surgeons to achieve complex surgical maneuvers while circumventing the limitations of traditional surgery. Robotics enhances the surgeon’s skills with advanced control, flexibility, and precision. The MAKOplasty robotic system is a cutting-edge solution for patients suffering from severe knee pain due to degeneration or osteoarthritis. The system utilizes a 3D virtual model of each patient’s unique anatomy and a robotic arm, called Mako, that helps the surgeon plan and perform the knee replacement surgery with increased accuracy and efficiency. “It was extremely hard to walk,” says Terri. “I did it, but I was always in pain. And people had to wait for me. One night, I fell asleep on the couch, and everybody was sleeping. I got up and my leg just gave out. I had to grab onto the counter and was stuck there. I couldn't go anywhere. The knee swelled up, and every time I tried to walk, the leg would buckle. It was excruciating.” In an effort to eliminate pain and reclaim her autonomy, Terri turned to Dr. Bonenberger and his team. “Terri was in quite a bit of pain,” says Dr. Bonenberger. “She notified us that she was getting worse. We went ahead and got her on the schedule and discussed doing a knee replacement utilizing robotic assistance.” Dr. Bonenberger recently performed Oviedo Medical Center’s first MAKO minimally-invasive joint replacement surgery. He has been heavily involved with computer navigation and MAKO robotic surgery since 2006. Dr. Bonenberger also specializes in same-day outpatient joint arthroplasty surgery, including anterior approach hip replacement.