Mako Posterior Hip Replacement in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
If hip arthritis is limiting how you walk, sleep, or work, hip replacement may help. Dr. Nick Johnson, a fellowship-trained hip and knee reconstruction specialist in Oklahoma City, offers Mako robotic-arm assisted hip replacement performed through the posterior approach. This pairs a CT-based, personalized surgical plan with a traditional, widely used approach to the hip joint.
What Is Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Hip Replacement?
Mako robotic-arm assisted hip replacement is a total hip replacement in which your surgeon uses Stryker's Mako system to plan and carry out the procedure. A CT scan creates a 3D model of your hip, and your surgeon guides a robotic arm to prepare the bone and position the implant according to that plan.
Mako is a surgeon-controlled tool, not an autonomous robot. Dr. Johnson performs your surgery, while Mako's AccuStop™ haptic technology provides tactile resistance to help keep bone preparation within your planned boundaries. Learn more about robotic-assisted hip replacement.
How Does the Posterior Approach Work?
The posterior approach is one of the most widely used ways to reach the hip joint. Your surgeon makes an incision along the back or side of your hip. A small group of muscles called the short external rotators, along with part of the joint capsule, is typically detached to reach the joint and is often repaired at the end of surgery.
During posterior hip replacement, you lie on your side. The approach provides excellent exposure of the hip socket and thighbone, which can be useful for complex primary hip replacement cases, such as significant deformity or prior hip surgery.
Why Combine Mako With the Posterior Approach?
Mako adds a personalized, CT-based implant plan to the broad joint access of the posterior approach. During surgery, Mako's real-time data helps Dr. Johnson compare your implant position with that plan.
Dislocation is a known risk after hip replacement, and implant position is one of several factors that may influence hip stability and leg length. Mako planning is designed to support implant positioning, though results vary.
Who Is a Candidate for Mako Posterior Hip Replacement?
You may be a candidate if you have hip pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the hip, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or another joint condition, and non-surgical treatments such as medication, injections, or physical therapy no longer provide enough relief. Dr. Johnson will review your imaging, health, and goals to recommend the right procedure for you.
The posterior approach may be considered for some patients with complex anatomy, such as hip dysplasia. If a previous hip replacement is failing, revision hip replacement may be discussed instead.
What Happens Before, During, and After Surgery?
Before surgery, a CT scan of your hip is used to build your 3D model and personalized plan. After surgery, your care team helps you stand and walk as soon as it is safe.
Before surgery: Expect an exam, routine tests, and a medication review. Improving factors such as blood sugar, nutrition, and smoking may help lower your risk of complications.
During surgery: Under general or regional anesthesia, you lie on your side while Dr. Johnson makes an incision at the back or side of your hip and guides the robotic arm to prepare the socket and position your implant.
After surgery: Depending on your health and support at home, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital briefly.
What Is Recovery Like After Mako Posterior Hip Replacement?
Recovery after Mako posterior hip replacement varies from person to person. Many people walk with a walker or cane soon after surgery and progress to walking on their own over the following weeks. Physical therapy and a home exercise program play an important role in your recovery.
Depending on your surgeon's instructions, you may follow hip precautions for a period of time, such as limiting how far you bend your hip or avoiding crossing your legs.
What Are the Risks of Mako Robotic Hip Replacement?
Like any joint replacement, Mako posterior hip replacement carries risks. These include infection, blood clots, bleeding, fracture, nerve injury, dislocation, leg length differences, and implant loosening or wear over time. Dr. Johnson will review your personal risks before surgery.
Soft tissue repair, implant planning, and following your recovery instructions are intended to help lower the risk of dislocation, but robotic technology does not remove surgical risk, and no technique can guarantee a specific outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Nick Johnson for Mako Posterior Hip Replacement?
Dr. Nick Johnson is a native Oklahoman and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee reconstruction. He completed his adult reconstruction fellowship at OrthoCarolina, with focused training in complex primary and revision hip replacement and the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma, completed an orthopedic research fellowship at Mayo Clinic, and trained in residency at Carolinas Medical Center. Read more about Dr. Johnson or explore his hip treatments.
FAQs About Mako Posterior Hip Replacement
Does the robot perform my hip replacement?
No. Dr. Johnson performs your surgery. The Mako robotic arm is a tool he guides by hand. It follows your personalized plan and provides tactile resistance to help keep bone preparation within planned boundaries.
Is Mako hip replacement the same as posterior hip replacement?
Not exactly. Mako is the robotic-arm technology used to plan and guide the procedure. The posterior approach is the surgical path to your hip joint. Dr. Johnson uses Mako with the posterior approach.
Why do I need a CT scan before Mako hip surgery?
The CT scan creates a 3D model of your hip. Dr. Johnson uses this model to plan the size, position, and angle of your implant before surgery.
Will I need hip precautions after posterior hip replacement?
You may. Hip precautions after posterior hip replacement vary by surgeon and patient. Dr. Johnson will give you specific instructions based on your surgery and healing.
How long does it take to recover from Mako posterior hip replacement?
Many people walk with support soon after surgery and return to light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery often takes a few months. Your timeline depends on your health, age, and commitment to physical therapy.
Can I travel to Oklahoma City for Mako hip replacement?
Yes. If you live outside the Oklahoma City area, out-of-town patient services can help you plan your consultation, surgery, and follow-up care.
Schedule a Mako Posterior Hip Replacement Consultation in Oklahoma City
A consultation with Dr. Nick Johnson can help you find out whether Mako robotic hip replacement with the posterior approach is right for you. Dr. Johnson sees patients in Oklahoma City and Ardmore, Oklahoma. Request an appointment online or contact the office to schedule your visit.