Upstate University Hospital performed the first Mako Total Knee replacement in New York state outside of the Greater New York metropolitan area Feb. 9, using the Mako Robotic–Arm Assisted Surgery System.

Mako Robotic–Arm Assisted Surgery System for total knee replacement is being phased in throughout the country and only about 50 or so medical facilities nationwide have the ability to do total knee replacement using Mako technology, including Upstate.

Upstate has used the MAKO system for partial knee and hip replacements since late 2014, but FDA only recently approved the system for total knee replacements.

The surgery took place on Upstate’s Community Campus, where Upstate’s orthopedic inpatient and surgical services are centered.

“Upstate is pleased to mark this milestone and to offer robotic surgical services for total knee replacement for patients throughout upstate New York,” said Nancy Daoust, chief administrative officer for Upstate’s Community Campus. “We have made a commitment to bring new medical technologies to the patients of this region, especially technology that enhances both patient safety and surgical outcomes.”

The surgeon–controlled robotic–arm system allows for more precise alignment and positioning of implants to achieve greater accuracy that previously was not available with conventional surgery, according to orthopedic surgeon Robert Sherman, MD, who performed the first robotic total knee last week.

A major benefit with a robotic system, Sherman notes, is the patient–specific visualization system that assists surgeons in pre–planning and in treating each patient uniquely and with consistent precision.

“More precise alignment of the implant means less wear and tear, less initial pain and greater lifespan of the implant,” he said.

Individuals with weakened knee joints or advanced arthritis in the knee will likely be candidates for a total knee replacement.

Sherman said pain is a good predictor that surgery may be needed. “Individuals who are in pain when they walk, climb stairs, get up from sitting, might want to talk to their physician about whether knee replacement surgery is the option.”