Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis can gradually limit mobility, independence, and quality of life. For patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery does not always have to mean replacing the entire joint. Advances in orthopedic technology have introduced more precise, less invasive options that focus only on the damaged portion of the knee.

At Steven Struhl, MD – Shoulders & Knees, robotic-assisted knee replacement using MAKOplasty® and the RIO® software system has transformed how partial knee resurfacing is performed, offering improved accuracy, better outcomes, and fewer risks compared to traditional techniques.

A Targeted Approach to Knee Arthritis

MAKOplasty is designed for patients with osteoarthritis limited to one compartment of the knee. Instead of removing and replacing the entire joint, this procedure focuses only on the diseased area. Preserving healthy bone and tissue reduces surgical trauma and can lead to a more natural-feeling knee after recovery.

Traditional knee replacement surgery often treats the entire joint, even when damage is localized. This broader approach can increase risks and recovery time. MAKOplasty allows surgeons to treat precisely what needs attention, and nothing more.

Why Precision Matters in Knee Replacement

One of the biggest challenges in knee replacement surgery is implant positioning. Studies show that even a millimeter of misalignment can affect how an implant wears over time, potentially shortening its lifespan and leading to earlier revision surgery.

MAKOplasty uses the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System to help ensure consistently accurate implant placement. Precision is critical not only for immediate function but also for maximizing how long the implant lasts. Poor alignment is one of the most common reasons knee implants fail prematurely when performed using conventional methods.

Advanced Pre-Surgical Planning with CT Imaging

Before surgery, a full CT scan of the patient’s knee is performed. This scan is used to create a highly detailed, three-dimensional model of the individual knee anatomy. No two knees are exactly alike, and this personalized model allows for a customized surgical plan.

Using the RIO software system, the surgeon develops a precise plan that maps out:

  • The exact location and extent of arthritis
  • Optimal implant size and positioning
  • Areas of bone that should and should not be removed

This individualized planning ensures attention is focused exactly where it is needed for each patient.

Built-In Safety and Surgeon Control

One of the most important things patients should understand about MAKOplasty is that the surgeon remains fully in control of the procedure at all times. The robotic arm does not operate independently. Instead, it responds to the surgeon’s movements.

The RIO system creates predefined “safety zones” based on the surgical plan. As bone is being prepared, the system provides continuous visual and auditory feedback, helping ensure bone removal stays within these boundaries. This added layer of control enhances precision while protecting healthy tissue.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted MAKOplasty

Patients who undergo robotic-assisted partial knee resurfacing often experience:

  • Greater implant accuracy
  • Reduced damage to surrounding tissue
  • Potentially faster recovery
  • More natural knee motion
  • Lower risk of implant wear or early failure

National orthopedic data suggests that partial knee replacement patients often experience shorter hospital stays and quicker return to activity compared to total knee replacement patients.

Expertise That Makes a Difference

Steven Struhl, MD, is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine/Arthroscopic Surgery and has been in private practice for over 22 years. He is recognized as a leader in robotic orthopedic surgery and brings extensive experience to every procedure.

Advanced technology is only as effective as the surgeon using it. Dr. Struhl’s expertise ensures that robotic tools are applied with skill, judgment, and personalized care.

A Smarter Option for the Right Patient

Robotic-assisted MAKOplasty has changed the field of knee replacement by improving precision and reducing risks. For patients with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis, this targeted, technology-driven approach offers an effective alternative to traditional knee replacement.

By combining advanced imaging, robotic accuracy, and experienced surgical leadership, MAKOplasty with the RIO system helps patients return to movement with confidence and long-term joint health in mind. To learn more about this procedure, contact our clinic in NYC or Westchester to schedule a knee replacement consultation with Dr. Steven Struhl.