If you’ve ever lived with knee or hip pain, you know how much it can change your life. Maybe you’ve stopped doing the things you love — hiking, gardening, playing with your grandkids, or even walking to the mailbox. At Memorial Hospital in Carthage, we understand how frustrating that can be. That’s why our orthopedic team is proud to offer robotic orthopedic surgery using Mako SmartRobotics™, an innovative system that helps patients move with confidence and comfort again.
Understanding Joint Pain
Our joints are what keep us moving, but over time, arthritis, injury, or simple wear and tear can take their toll — especially on the hips and knees. Pain, stiffness, and swelling can make everyday activities feel like a struggle.
When physical therapy, medications, and other non-surgical options no longer provide relief, a total joint replacement may be the next step. At Memorial Hospital Carthage, our orthopedic surgeons use the latest robotic-assisted tools — including the Mako system — to perform total knee and total hip replacements with an incredible level of precision and care.
What Makes Robotic Surgery Different?
Robotic-assisted surgery doesn’t replace your surgeon — it enhances their skill. Think of it as giving your surgeon a smart, steady hand that allows for the most precise joint replacement possible.
Before surgery, a 3D model of your joint is created using a CT scan. This model gives your surgeon a detailed view of your anatomy and allows for a personalized surgical plan tailored just for you. During the operation, the Mako SmartRobotics™ system provides real-time feedback, helping guide each movement and ensuring your new joint is positioned exactly where it should be.
It’s important to know that your surgeon is always in control. The robotic system doesn’t make decisions or move on its own — it simply provides an added layer of accuracy that helps create smoother motion and a faster recovery.
Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement
Knee pain affects everything — how you walk, how you sleep, even how you feel about getting up in the morning. That’s why a precise and well-balanced knee replacement can make such a difference.
With robotic assistance, your surgeon can plan your procedure down to the millimeter, ensuring your new knee joint is properly aligned and feels natural when you move. This precision can mean less pain, smaller incisions, and a quicker return to your daily life.
Patients often tell us they’re amazed at how quickly they start to feel stronger and more mobile after surgery. The combination of expert care and advanced technology can help make that possible.
Robotic-Assisted Total Hip Replacement
When hip pain makes it hard to sit, stand, or take a walk without discomfort, it can start to feel like you’ve lost your freedom. Robotic-assisted hip replacement can help you reclaim it.
With robotic surgery, your surgeon can plan your hip replacement with a level of precision that wasn’t possible before. The system helps guide the exact placement of the implant to match your body’s natural motion, allowing for smoother movement and improved comfort after surgery.
Whether your hip pain stems from arthritis, an old injury, or another condition, robotic technology allows your surgeon to restore alignment and balance — helping you get back to the moments that matter most.
“My favorite part of this work is seeing patients come back after surgery and tell me they’re doing the things they thought they’d lost forever — walking the dog, dancing at a wedding, going on vacation,” says Drake B. White, MD, MS, orthopedic surgeon at Memorial Hospital Carthage. “That’s what it’s all about — helping people get back to living the life they want to live.”
Why Robotic Orthopedic Surgery Matters
Here’s what makes robotic surgery stand out:
- Personalized Precision: Your surgery is tailored to your unique anatomy and needs.
- Improved Accuracy: Proper alignment can lead to more natural motion and longer-lasting results.
- Faster Recovery: Many patients return to daily activities sooner and with less discomfort.
- Confidence and Comfort: Advanced technology ensures your new joint fits your body — not the other way around.
What to Expect on Your Journey
Your experience begins with a personal consultation with our orthopedic team. We’ll take time to understand your pain, goals, and lifestyle before recommending any procedure. If robotic surgery is right for you, we’ll walk you through every step of the process — from imaging and planning to recovery and rehabilitation.
After surgery, our dedicated care team will support you through every phase of healing. Physical therapy helps rebuild strength and mobility, while regular check-ins make sure your recovery is on track. Many patients find themselves walking more comfortably — and feeling more like themselves — sooner than they ever expected.
Take the Next Step Toward Living Without Pain
If knee or hip pain is holding you back, you don’t have to live that way. Robotic orthopedic surgery at Memorial Hospital Carthage can help you move with confidence and comfort again.
Visit Memorial Hospital Carthage Orthopedics Specialty Health Services to learn more or call today to schedule a consultation with our orthopedic team at 309-776-3301.
Together, we’ll find the best path to help you return to the active, joyful life you deserve.
