Robotic Partial & Total Knee Replacement
Robotic Knee Replacement in Glendale, AZ
Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses a CT-based plan and the Mako robotic arm to help the surgeon prepare the bone and position the implant with a high degree of precision. Dr. James MacKenzie performs robotic partial and total knee replacement in Glendale, Arizona at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, serving Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, and the Phoenix West Valley. He has experience in both manual and robotic knee arthroplasty, so the technology is used because it helps, not because it is new.
Why patients choose Dr. MacKenzie
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
- Johns Hopkins residency, sports medicine fellowship
- Former assistant team physician, Miami Dolphins & Miami Heat
- Nonsurgical options first, surgery only when needed
- Se habla español
Who Knee Replacement Helps
Knee replacement is designed for knees where the cartilage has worn away and bone rubs on bone, most often from osteoarthritis, and where pain and stiffness continue despite therapy, medication, injections, and activity changes. Typical signs that the joint surface is the problem include pain that wakes you at night, difficulty with stairs and getting up from a chair, a knee that swells and stiffens after activity, and a visible change in alignment (bow-legged or knock-kneed).
Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
The knee has three compartments: inner, outer, and behind the kneecap. When arthritis is confined to one compartment and the ligaments are healthy, a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged area, preserving the rest of the knee. Many patients find a partial replacement feels more natural and recovers faster. When more than one compartment is worn, a total knee replacement resurfaces the whole joint. Dr. MacKenzie performs both robotically and will recommend the option that fits your knee.
What “Robotic” Means
The robot does not perform the surgery. Dr. MacKenzie uses the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery system. Before your operation, you will have a CT scan of your knee, which Mako turns into a 3D model. He uses that model to plan implant size, position, and alignment and to balance the ligaments around the knee. During surgery, the robotic arm guides his bone preparation to that plan within defined boundaries, which is intended to support accurate implant placement and protect surrounding soft tissue.
Nonsurgical Care Comes First
Dr. MacKenzie is known for finding the least invasive solution, and that applies to knees. Physical therapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, and corticosteroid injections keep many patients comfortable for years. Replacement may be recommended when those measures no longer control pain and imaging shows advanced joint damage.
What to Expect
Knee replacement typically takes one to two hours under spinal or general anesthesia with a nerve block for comfort. Many patients stand and walk with a walker the same day, and many go home the same day or after one night. Physical therapy begins immediately and continues for several weeks. Many patients are walking without a walker within a few weeks, driving at about four to six weeks, and back to low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, golf, and pickleball by about three months, with improvement continuing through the first year. Individual results vary.
Risks
Like any surgery, knee replacement carries risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness, implant loosening or wear over time, nerve or blood vessel injury, persistent pain, and the possibility of revision surgery. Dr. MacKenzie reviews your individual risk profile and the steps taken to reduce it, including antibiotic and blood clot prevention protocols. Individual results vary.
Why Patients Choose Dr. MacKenzie
Dr. MacKenzie is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who trained at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and completed a sports medicine fellowship in Miami, with training in both knee arthroscopy and robotic and manual knee arthroplasty. Because his practice spans the full range of knee care, from ACL and meniscus surgery to partial and total replacement, the recommendation you get is based on what your knee needs. Meet Dr. MacKenzie.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see your question here? Our team is happy to help.
Is robotic knee replacement better than traditional?
Robotic assistance is a tool for planning and executing the surgery precisely. It is intended to support accurate implant alignment and soft tissue balance. Surgeon experience remains one of the most important factors, and Dr. MacKenzie performs both robotic and manual knee replacement.
Will I need a CT scan before robotic knee replacement?
Yes. Mako robotic knee replacement is planned from a CT scan of your knee taken before surgery. Our team schedules the scan as part of your surgical preparation, and the results are used to build the 3D model Dr. MacKenzie plans from.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern knee implants have a strong long-term track record, and many patients enjoy their new knees for well over 15 years. Longevity depends on implant position, activity level, weight, and bone quality.
Am I a candidate for a partial knee replacement?
You may be if your arthritis is confined to one compartment of the knee, your ligaments are intact, and your knee is not severely stiff or deformed. An exam and X-rays, sometimes with an MRI, help answer the question.
Can I have knee replacement as an outpatient?
Many healthy patients with good support at home go home the same day. Dr. MacKenzie will recommend the setting that is safest for you.
Does insurance cover robotic knee replacement?
Knee replacement for arthritis is generally covered by insurance, including Medicare, when medically necessary. Robotic assistance does not typically change your coverage. Our office verifies your benefits before scheduling.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. MacKenzie
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.