What should you know about Stryker Mako knee replacement?

Before surgery, imaging is used to build a model of your knee and plan the bone preparation and implant position. During the operation, the surgeon uses that plan with a robotic system that provides guidance and helps control the planned working area. The surgeon remains responsible for the operation and can adjust the plan when the findings require it.

Mako may be used for a [Partial Knee Replacement](/treatments/joint-replacement/partial-knee-replacement/) when damage is limited to one compartment, or for a [Total Knee Replacement](/treatments/joint-replacement/total-knee-replacement/) when several parts of the joint are affected. [Knee Osteoarthritis](/conditions/knee-osteoarthritis/) is one reason replacement may be considered. Implant parts can include [Cobalt-Chrome Alloy](/materials/cobalt-chrome-alloy/) and [Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene](/materials/highly-cross-linked-polyethylene/).

Ask which compartments of your knee are damaged, whether partial or total replacement fits your joint, and what the scan adds to the plan. Review medicines, allergies, other illnesses, dental concerns, and any previous knee surgery with the clinical team. Arrange practical help, a safe route through your home, and the exercises or physiotherapy plan recommended for after surgery.

After surgery, contact your care team promptly for increasing wound drainage, spreading redness, fever, worsening pain, or a new inability to move the knee. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or sudden one-sided leg swelling. Use the discharge instructions from your own hospital because they take priority over general guidance.

Useful questions include: Is my arthritis confined to one compartment? Which implant materials are planned? What would make you change from a partial to a total replacement? How will pain control, wound checks, walking, and physiotherapy be managed? Which symptoms should be reported immediately?