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MAKOplasty Robotic Replacements

Throughout his career, Dr. Denis Nam has had a special interest in robotic replacements and is now among the first to master this cutting-edge approach. Robotic assistance is the most innovative and advanced technology available, providing a level of precision and accuracy that can’t be achieved with manual techniques.

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MAKOplasty Joint Replacement

Compared to traditional procedures, MAKOplasty robotic-arm assisted replacements are less invasive, and allow Dr. Nam to selectively target any damage while sparing the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding it. This approach often results in a more natural feeling replacement and shorter recovery time.

The procedure begins with a CT scan of the affected joint, which is then uploaded into the Mako system and a virtual 3D model is created. This allows Dr. Nam to see more details than an x-ray alone to determine the optimal size, placement, and positioning of the replacement. During the procedure, Mako provides real-time data that allows Dr. Nam to assess the movement and tension of each patient’s joint.

During the procedure, Dr. Nam removes the arthritic bone using a robotic-assisted surgical arm. Using real-time information, Dr. Nam then customizes the replacement to optimize the function and stability for each individual patient. He targets and removes any damage while sparing healthy bone and ligaments. A virtual boundary provides resistance to help Dr. Nam stay within the boundaries defined by your surgical plan. As he prepares to place the implant into its final position, the robotic-arm guides the implant at the desired angle determined in your surgical plan to ensure the placement and alignment of the implant are performed according to plan. This results in a joint replacement that genuinely mimics your own pre-arthritic joint – more natural; more comfortable.

The Mako Total Knee Replacement Difference:

Patients who opt for robotic joint replacement surgery may experience significant benefits. In clinical studies, Mako total knee replacements resulted in:
  • Improved accuracy in execution of the surgery 1, 2
  • Minimized damage to the soft tissue and ligaments 3
  • After six months, patients who opted for Mako robotic surgery reported lower pain scores compared to those who had a traditional joint replacement surgery 4
  • Higher satisfaction overall comparatively with those who opted for traditional joint replacement surgery

The Mako Partial Knee Replacement Difference:

In clinical studies, Mako partial knee replacements resulted in: 

  • Improved accuracy related to removal of the bone and placement of the prosthesis (artificial joint), leading to better outcomes and knee function 5, 6
  • Reduction of pain in the near term post-surgery 7
  • Shorter hospital stay8 
  • Shortened recovery period. Three weeks post-surgery, Ninety percent of patients reported walking without the assistance of a cane or walker 9

The Mako Total Hip Replacement Difference:

In a clinical study, Mako total hip replacements resulted in:

  • The prosthesis (artificial hip) placed more accurately10
  • Reduced probability of dislocation post-surgery11, 12
  • Reduction in loss of blood13
  • A more natural-feeling hip 14
  • More healthy bone preserved 15, 16

Is a Makoplasty Joint Replacement Right for You?

If you’re considering a joint replacement for your hip or knee pain, a robotic Makoplasty surgery with Dr. Nam may be right for you. Robotic Mako joint replacements are ideal for the following patients.
Experiencing severe hip or knee pain or stiffness resulting from degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, or rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritides
When traditional, more conservative treatments (injections, utilization of a brace, medications, etc.) have failed to provide relief

Think a robotic replacement could be right for you?

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A Patient-Centric Approach

Similar to traditional joint replacements, we put an emphasis on our patient experience to ensure each patient understands their individual journey. From setting up any necessary appointments to one-on-one patient education, our team of experts is by your side from day one. You’ll stay informed and encouraged with optional text messages, and have access to your care team anytime.
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Patient Resources

Considering a joint replacement is a big step. Our team cares deeply about your experience and works to help you understand what to expect throughout your journey. From practice information to tools to help you anticipate what’s to come, we offer the resources you need to feel cared for and confident.
Your First Visit
Text Services
Patient Forms
Educational Resources
Pre-Op Care
Post-Op Care
Insurance Information
FAQs

MAKOplasty Videos

Patient Success Stories

Sarah needed to have both knees redone and wanted an experienced surgeon she could trust. Enter Dr. Nam. Read more about her revision experience and see how the right doctor can make a big difference.

Hear from Real Patients

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Have a question about robotics for Dr. Nam? Let us know how we can help. Submit your inquiry and our responsive team will share relevant insights and answers.

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References:
  1. Haddad, Fares. How Procedural Innovation Has Changed My Practice: Mako TKA. World Arthroplasty Congress Rome, IT April 2018
  2. Hampp EL, Scholl LY, Chang TC, et al Robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty demonstrated greater accuracy to plan compared to manual technique. 17th annual CAOS Meeting, June 2017, Vol 1, 2017; 1-
  3. Kayani B., Konan S., Pietrziek J., Haddad F. S. Iatrogenic Bone and Soft Tissue Trauma in Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared With Conventional Jig-Based Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study and Validation of a New Classification System. “https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29699827″J Arthroplasty. 2018 Aug;33(8):2496-2501.
  4. Marchand RC, Sodhi N, Khlopas A, Sultan AA, Harwin SF, Malkani AL, Mont MM. Patient satisfaction outcomes after robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty: a short-term evaluation. J Knee Surg. 2017 Nov;30(9):849-853.
  5. Blyth MJ, Anthony I, Rowe P, Banger MS, MacLean A, Jones B. Robotic-arm assisted versus conventional unicompartmental knee arthoplasty: Exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Bone and Joint Research. 2017 Nov 16 (11):631-9.
  6. Bell SW; Anthony I; Jones B; MacLean A; Rowe P; Blyth M. Improved accuracy of component positioning with robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: data from a prospective, randomized controlled study. J Bone and Joint Surg. 2016;98: 627-35.
  7. Baker Tilly, LLP. Mako robotic-arm assisted system: a clinical and economic analysis for health plans and providers. 2016.
  8. Coon T, Shi S, DeBattista J. Clinical and functional outcomes of robotic-arm assisted medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. European Knee Society 2017 Annual Meeting. London, England. Poster No. P59. April 19-21, 2017.
  9. L Kleeblad, T Borus, T Coon, J Dounchis, J Nguyen, A Pearle. Midterm Survivorship and Patient Satisfaction of Robotic-Arm Assisted Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty, January 2018: 1-8.
  10. Domb BG, El Bitar YF, Sadik BS, Stake CE, Botser IB. Comparison of Robotic-assisted and Conventional Acetabular Cup Placement in THA: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study., Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014 Jan;472(1):329-36
  11. Illgen R. Robotic Arm Assisted THA Improved Accuracy, Reproducibility, and Outcomes Compared to Conventional Technique. 43rd Annual Course: Advances in Arthroplasty, October 22-25, 2013, Boston, MA.
  12. Bukowski, B.; Abiola, R; Illgen R. Outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty: Manual compared with robotic assisted techniques. ; 44th Annual Advances in Arthroplasty; Cambridge, MA. October 7-10 2014.
  13. Bukowski BR, Anderson P, Khlopas A, Chughtai M, Mont MA, Illgen RL Improved Functional Outcomes with Robotic Compared with Manual Total Hip Arthroplasty. Surg Technol Int. 2016 Oct 26;XXIX:303-308.
  14. Itay Perets, John P. Walsh, Mary R. Close, Brian Mu, Leslie C. Yuen and Benjamin G. Domb. Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty – Clinical Outcomes and Complication Rate. SPEAKER: Itay Perets
  15. Suarez-Ahedo, C; Gui, C; Martin, T; Chandrasekaran, S; Domb, B. Robotic-arm assisted total hip arthoplasty results in smaller acetabular cup size in relation to the femoral head size: A Matched-Pair Controlled Study. Hip Int. 2017; 27 (2): 147-152.
  16. Nawabi DH; Conditt MA; Ranawat AS; Dunbar NJ; Jones, J; Banks S, Padgett DE. Haptically guided robotic technology in total hip arthroplasty – A cadaveric investigation. Journal of Engineering in Medicine. December 2012;227(3):302-309.
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Chicago & Indiana Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Denis Nam is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction, replacement, revision, partial knee replacement, and minimally invasive surgery.

Rush Ortho White
Rush University White

Hospital & Surgical Locations

Rush University Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60612

Great Lakes Surgical Suites
9200 Calumet Avenue 
Suite N500
Munster, Indiana 46321

Dune Grass Surgical Suites
505 Pintail Trace 
Chesterton, IN 46304

Physican Office Locations

Sofija and Jorge O. Galante Orthopedic Building
1611 West Harrison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60612

Munster Indiana Office
9200 Calumet Avenue
Suite 300
Munster, Indiana 46321

Priya Patel

Registered nurse
Priya Patel is a nurse clinician for Dr. Nam. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for her undergraduate education, and then completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Marquette University. She takes part in all aspects of the patient journey, from preoperative to postoperative care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring the city of Chicago!

Tara Duffy

Physician Assistant
Tara joined Dr. Nam’s practice in August 2023 and is excited to join a team focused on excellence in patient care. Tara completed her bachelor and graduate studies at Marquette University. As a PA, Tara treats patients in the clinic as well as assists Dr. Nam in surgery. She most enjoys caring for patients every step of the way during the surgical process.