MAKOplasty Is Making News In Oklahoma

Jamie McGriff, News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There is a new medical procedure that's getting a lot of attention in Oklahoma and across the country.

One Oklahoma doctor says 30 to 40 percent of patients in our state who needed a knee replacement, only needed a partial knee replacement. And that's where this special procedure comes to play.

Not long ago, MAKOplasty came in the national spotlight. We've even gotten calls about it.

One of the big reasons why people are excited about the procedure is the recovery time. Some folks can get back on their feet in two weeks.

Technology is giving patients more options when it comes to partial knee replacement surgery. The latest is through MAKOplasty.

Where with the help of a robotic arm doctors can do more during an operation. Putting in an artificial implant that's secured in the joint allowing the knee to move smoothly.

"We're able to be very, very precise in the positioning of our implants," said Dr. Corey Eugene Ponder.

Dr. Ponder specializes in orthopedic surgery and joint replacement. He says MAKOplasty uses smaller incisions and spares the muscle tissue.

"We're able to do it in a way that allows them to recover much more quickly," said Dr. Corey Eugene Ponder.

And when he says more quickly, he means quickly.

"It basically cuts the recovery time in half. And because we don't have to replace parts of the knee that aren't arthritic or aren't diseased your knee feels like your own knee," said Dr. Ponder.

And since there's less muscle tissue affected from the surgery.

"The immediate recovery time is much faster at two weeks patients are able to walk without a walker or crutches versus a total knee usually you have to use some kind of supportive device," said Dr. Corey Eugene Ponder.

Dr. Ponder says this comes in handy for younger active patients, who may hold off on a knee replacement because of the typically lengthy recovery time.

If you'd like more information about the MAKOplasty procedure, call St. Anthony's Bone and Joint Hospital in Oklahoma City at 405-979-7700. When you call the number you'll have to give your name and address. Then you'll get a brochure and a DVD regarding the procedure in the mail.

If you are looking for a physician that does the procedure in your area you can call 877-314-KNEE (5633).