Makoplasty vs. Traditional Knee Replacement: What's the Difference?

By Shaun E. Chandran, M.D. — Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery, Torrance, CA

When patients come to my Torrance office to discuss knee replacement, one of the first things they ask about is robotic surgery. "Is the robot doing the operation?" "Is it actually better?" Good questions. Here's a clear, honest explanation of how robotic-assisted knee replacement — often called Makoplasty — compares to the traditional approach.

First: the surgeon does the surgery

Let's clear this up right away. The robotic arm doesn't operate on its own. I perform the surgery — the robotic system is a precision tool I control, the way a pilot uses advanced instruments to fly more accurately. It doesn't replace surgical judgment; it sharpens execution.

How traditional knee replacement works

In a conventional total knee replacement, the surgeon uses mechanical guides and jigs, along with experience and feel, to remove damaged cartilage and bone and position the implant. It's a proven, highly successful operation that has given millions of people their mobility back. Done well, results are excellent.

How robotic-assisted (Makoplasty) replacement works

Robotic-assisted surgery adds two things to that proven foundation:

1. A 3D pre-surgical plan. Before the operation, we build a detailed 3D model of your specific knee from a CT scan. I plan implant size, alignment, and positioning down to the millimeter — customized to your anatomy.

2. Real-time precision during surgery. The robotic arm gives feedback as I work and helps execute that plan with a high degree of accuracy, including a defined boundary that protects surrounding soft tissue.

What the difference may mean for you

The potential benefits of the robotic approach include:

• More precise implant alignment, which is one of the factors associated with how a knee feels and how long it lasts.
• Tissue-sparing accuracy, which may contribute to less disruption of healthy structures.
• A plan tailored to your individual anatomy rather than a standard set of cuts.

It's worth being straightforward: both traditional and robotic knee replacements have excellent track records, and a skilled surgeon gets great results with either. The robotic system is a tool that helps me deliver the plan more precisely — which is why I use it for appropriate candidates.

Is Makoplasty right for everyone?

Not necessarily. The best technique depends on your anatomy, the extent of your arthritis (it's also used for partial knee resurfacing in the right cases), your overall health, and your goals. At your consultation we'll look at your imaging together and I'll give you a straight recommendation about which approach fits you best.

The bottom line

Robotic-assisted knee replacement isn't about replacing the surgeon — it's about giving the surgeon better information and better precision. For many of my patients it's an excellent option, and it's one of the technologies I rely on to deliver consistent, durable results.

Curious whether robotic knee replacement is right for you? Dr. Shaun Chandran is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Torrance specializing in robotic-assisted (Makoplasty) knee and hip replacement. Call [phone] or request an appointment online.

This article is general education, not medical advice for your specific situation. Please consult a qualified orthopedic surgeon about your individual condition.