Latest Mako Tech Fleshes Out Stryker's Robotic Joint Replacement Line But Cost Critics Still There

 
• By Marion Webb
  
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Stryker launched the Mako robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty system at last week's AAOS annual meeting, making the company the first to offer a surgical robotic technology that covers the total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements. Critics, however, say the clinical outcomes do not necessarily justify the costs. Meanwhile, Stryker's orthopedic rivals, Zimmer Biomet and Smith & Nephew, also sought to highlight their own robotic offerings.

xray left knee and show pre-post operation total knee replacement

Uptake of Stryker Corp.'s recently launched Mako system for performing total knee replacements – the third approved application of the robotic arm – is expected to be quick due to the need for technology that can improve clinical outcomes in this procedure. However, the company would have to spend resources generating more clinical data to convince skeptics that the cost of a robotic-assisted system justifies the advantages such a technology could offer.

Stryker officially introduced the Mako total knee system to much fanfare on Mar. 16, at the Annual Meeting of the...

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