Knee and Hip Replacement with Mako in Hilo
Dr. Peter Matsuura is a sports medicine–trained orthopaedic surgeon whose focus is keeping patients active. He now performs knee and hip replacements with Stryker’s Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System at Hilo Community Surgery Center.
Mako uses a CT scan of your joint to build a 3D model, so your surgery is planned around your own anatomy. The robotic arm then helps Dr. Matsuura carry out that plan precisely.
How Mako Works: Scan. Plan. Perform.
Every Mako procedure follows three steps.
- Scan. A CT scan captures your joint in 3D, including bone spurs, cysts and other changes from arthritis. Your plan starts from a picture of your actual bone, not an estimate.
- Plan. Dr. Matsuura uses the 3D model to choose your implant size, position and alignment before surgery. He can fine-tune the plan in the operating room if needed.
- Perform. During surgery, Mako’s AccuStop™ haptic technology sets virtual boundaries based on your plan. Sound, visual and touch feedback help Dr. Matsuura stay within those boundaries as he prepares the bone and places the implant.
Mako is a tool, not a replacement for your surgeon. Dr. Matsuura guides the robotic arm and makes every decision during your surgery.
Mako Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement relieves pain from advanced arthritis by replacing the worn surfaces of the knee. Mako Total Knee pairs the robotic arm with Stryker’s Triathlon® Total Knee System, which has been used in more than 1 million procedures worldwide.[1]
In clinical studies comparing Mako Total Knee with manual knee replacement, Mako:[2]
- Helped surgeons carry out their surgical plans more accurately
- Better protected the soft tissue and ligaments around the knee
- Led to lower pain scores and higher patient satisfaction three years after surgery
Mako Total Hip Replacement
Mako Total Hip uses your CT-based 3D model to plan the position of your new hip. It works with several surgical approaches, including direct anterior, posterolateral, anterolateral and direct superior. More than 250,000 Mako Total Hip procedures have been performed.[1]
In clinical studies comparing Mako Total Hip with manual hip replacement, Mako showed:[3]
- More accurate implant placement and alignment, based on the surgical plan
- A lower risk of hip dislocation
- Less blood loss
- More healthy bone preserved
Mako Partial Knee Replacement
If arthritis affects only one part of your knee, a partial knee replacement may be an option. It replaces only the damaged area and keeps the healthy parts of your knee.
In clinical studies comparing Mako Partial Knee with manual partial knee replacement, patients had more accurate bone removal, less pain in the first weeks after surgery, shorter stays and faster recovery.[4] In one study, 9 out of 10 patients were walking without a cane or walker three weeks after surgery.[4] Mako Partial Knee has also shown 98% survivorship at 10 years.[4]
Why Choose Dr. Matsuura and Hilo Community Surgery Center
You’ll see the same surgeon from your first visit through your recovery, with time to ask questions and no long hospital waitlist.
- Experience you can trust. Dr. Matsuura has 30 years of orthopaedic private practice experience, plus specialized training and certification in robotic-arm assisted joint replacement.
- A proven surgery center. Hilo Community Surgery Center has served East Hawaii for 26 years and has invested in Mako technology for knee and hip replacement.
- Care close to home. There’s no need to travel to Oahu or the mainland for surgery.
- Home the same day. Eligible patients go home the day of surgery and recover in the comfort of home.
Excellent Care Without the Hospital Price Tag
Hilo Community Surgery Center is a private outpatient center, so its facility fees are typically lower than a hospital’s. That often means lower out-of-pocket costs for you. Medicare and most major insurance plans cover outpatient knee and hip replacement for qualified patients. Call our office and we’ll walk you through your costs before you decide.
From Sports Medicine to Joint Replacement
For years, Dr. Matsuura has helped athletes get back to the sports they love. He brings that same goal to joint replacement: getting you back to walking, paddling, gardening or keeping up with the grandkids.
Mako Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery?
Mako is a system made by Stryker for knee and hip replacement. It combines a 3D model of your joint, built from a CT scan, with a robotic arm that helps your surgeon carry out a personalized surgical plan.
Does the robotic arm perform my surgery?
No. Dr. Matsuura performs your surgery. Mako gives him a detailed plan and haptic feedback that helps him stay within the boundaries he set before surgery.
Why do I need a CT scan?
The scan shows your individual anatomy, including bone spurs, cysts and bone defects. Dr. Matsuura uses it to build your surgical plan before the day of surgery.
Am I a candidate for Mako knee or hip replacement?
It depends on the condition of your joint, your overall health and your goals. A consultation with Dr. Matsuura is the best way to find out.
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
Most eligible patients have surgery at Hilo Community Surgery Center and go home the same day. Dr. Matsuura will let you know at your consultation whether outpatient surgery is right for you.
Will my insurance cover it?
Medicare and most major insurance plans cover outpatient knee and hip replacement for qualified patients. Our office can check your coverage and estimate your costs.
Is Mako better than traditional joint replacement?
Studies comparing Mako with manual joint replacement have found benefits such as more accurate implant placement, less pain and faster recovery (see the sections above). Results vary from patient to patient, and every surgery carries risks. Dr. Matsuura will review the benefits and risks with you.
Mako isn’t right for everyone. Learn more at Stryker’s Mako patient site.
Find Out If Mako Is Right for You
Call (808) 969-3331 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matsuura. We’ll talk through your options, answer your questions and help you understand your costs.
Request an AppointmentSources
- Procedure counts for Triathlon® and Mako Total Hip: Stryker.
- Mako Total Knee vs. manual total knee replacement: Stryker-sponsored clinical studies.
- Mako Total Hip vs. manual total hip replacement: Stryker-sponsored clinical studies.
- Mako Partial Knee outcomes, 9-out-of-10 walking result and 10-year survivorship: Stryker-sponsored clinical studies.
- Patient information: Stryker Mako patient site
Individual results vary. Not all patients are candidates for Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery. As with any surgery, joint replacement carries risks. Talk with Dr. Matsuura about whether Mako is right for you. Mako, AccuStop and Triathlon are trademarks of Stryker Corporation.