Robotic Knee Replacement Adelaide (MAKO)
Robotic Knee Replacement (MAKO)
Your knee, planned to the millimetre.
Dr Mooney uses the Stryker MAKO robotic system for total and partial knee replacement, creating a 3D plan built around your individual anatomy, then executing it with precision in theatre.
Book a ConsultationKey points
- Robotic knee replacement uses the Stryker Mako system and a pre-operative CT scan to plan implant size and position around your own anatomy.
- Dr Mooney performs both total and partial knee replacement with robotic assistance.
- The robot does not perform the surgery. Dr Mooney does, with the robotic arm keeping the bone preparation within the plan.
- Dr Mooney uses a curved lateral incision, which is associated with less tightness, less numbness and better kneeling comfort.
- He was one of the first surgeons in Australia to complete a dedicated fellowship in robotic-assisted joint replacement, and teaches the technique to other orthopaedic surgeons at national instructional courses.
- Consultations in Adelaide, Tea Tree Gully, Woodville, Naracoorte and Mount Gambier. Surgery at Eastwood Private Hospital, which has a new-generation Mako system on site, and Calvary Adelaide Hospital.
What is robotic knee replacement?
The knee joint has three compartments, the inner (medial), outer (lateral), and the area behind the kneecap (patellofemoral). In total knee replacement, the worn cartilage surfaces of all three compartments are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. The bone is preserved; only the damaged surface is replaced.
The result is a smooth, stable joint that can move without the grinding, stiffness and pain caused by worn cartilage. For most patients with advanced knee arthritis, total knee replacement reliably reduces pain and restores function.
Knee replacement involves resurfacing the worn surfaces of the knee joint with metal and plastic implants. How well it achieves that depends, in large part, on how accurately the implants are positioned. Robotic-assisted knee replacement uses a pre-operative CT scan to build a 3D model of your knee and a surgeon-controlled robotic arm to carry out the plan in theatre. The result is implants placed to match your anatomy, not an average knee, but yours specifically.
Total knee replacement is typically considered when knee arthritis is affecting daily life and non-surgical treatments (such as physiotherapy, weight management, bracing and injections) are no longer providing adequate relief. For some younger, active patients with arthritis in one part of the knee, an operation that keeps their own knee, such as a high tibial osteotomy, is worth considering first. These options are explained under knee preservation surgery.
You may also see this described as computer-assisted knee replacement, computer-navigated surgery, or knee replacement with navigation. Those terms describe the same underlying idea: the operation is planned and guided by a computer rather than by alignment guides alone. The Stryker MAKO system Dr Mooney uses is one of the robotic-assisted platforms in that family, and it is available at both hospitals where he operates.
“Every knee is slightly different. The way your joint is loaded, the alignment of your leg, the shape of your bones: these all affect where the implants need to go. The MAKO system lets me plan for your knee before I enter theatre, and then execute that plan with a level of precision I can’t achieve freehand.”
Dr Luke MooneyDr Luke Mooney was one of the first surgeons in Australia to complete a dedicated fellowship in robotic-assisted joint replacement, in Perth in 2016, and teaches robotic knee and hip replacement to other orthopaedic surgeons at national instructional courses. His research and teaching record sets out the detail.
How it works
Pre-operative planning
A CT scan of your knee and leg creates a 3D model of your specific anatomy. Dr Mooney uses the model to plan the size and position of each implant component, the alignment of the leg, and the balance of the soft tissues, all before the operation.
In theatre
On the day of surgery, Dr Mooney uses a curved lateral incision. As he prepares the bone surfaces and positions the implants, the MAKO system provides live feedback and keeps bone preparation within the planned safe zone.
Confirmation before closure
Before the incision is closed, final implant position is confirmed against the plan. Any fine adjustments are made before you leave theatre.
The curved lateral incision
Dr Mooney uses a curved lateral incision, running to the outer side of the kneecap rather than directly across the front of the knee. This differs from the standard midline approach and has three practical advantages:
- Reduced recovery tightness: avoids the tension that a front-of-knee scar creates during healing
- Less noticeable numbness: any sensory change is to the outer side of the scar, not across the front of the knee
- Better chance of kneeling: patients report a higher rate of comfortable kneeling after recovery
What to expect after surgery
Frequently asked questions
They are closely related, and the words are often used interchangeably. Computer navigation tracks the position of your bones during the operation and shows the surgeon where the cuts and the implant will sit. Robotic-assisted surgery adds a surgeon-controlled robotic arm that helps carry that plan out precisely. Dr Mooney uses the Stryker MAKO system, a robotic-assisted platform built on CT-based planning, and it is available at both hospitals where he operates.
There are no additional costs to the patient when Dr Mooney uses the MAKO system. His surgical fee is the same as for non-robotic knee replacement. Call the rooms for a full fee estimate.
No. Dr Mooney performs every step. The MAKO robotic arm is a precision instrument under his direct control, it enforces the pre-operative plan within agreed boundaries, but every decision and movement is made by the surgeon.
Yes. A CT scan of the knee and leg is required to build the 3D surgical plan. It is arranged once before surgery and is covered by Medicare with an appropriate referral.
Dr Mooney uses a curved incision to the outer side of the kneecap rather than a straight incision across the front of the knee. This preserves more of the skin’s nerve supply, limits numbness to the outer edge of the scar, and reduces recovery tightness over the front of the knee, improving the chance of comfortable kneeling afterwards.
Robotic knee replacement is suitable for most patients with significant knee arthritis who have not responded adequately to non-surgical treatment. Dr Mooney will review your X-rays and symptoms at your consultation and give you an honest assessment of whether surgery is the right option and which approach is most appropriate.
Robotic total knee replacement typically takes around 90 minutes. The pre-operative planning is completed before you arrive, so there is no additional theatre time for the robotic setup.
The main indicator is that knee arthritis is significantly affecting your daily life and non-surgical treatments are no longer working. Dr Mooney will review your X-rays and symptoms at your consultation and give you an honest assessment of your options.
Most patients are walking with a frame the day after surgery and are discharged within 2–4 days. By 6 weeks most are walking without aids at home. Return to walking outdoors and low-impact exercise takes 3 months, and full recovery can take 9–12 months as the new knee settles in and strength rebuilds. Driving returns once you are comfortable, confident of an emergency stop, and clear of opioid pain relief.
Yes. Most patients use a frame for the first 1–2 weeks, then transition to a walking stick. By 6 weeks most patients are walking independently at home. A physiotherapy programme is a key part of recovery and will guide your progress with mobility aids.
A knee replacement does not feel identical to a natural knee. Most patients describe significant pain relief and a major improvement in function. Some patients are aware of the implant, particularly when kneeling. Expectations are worth discussing carefully at your consultation.
If only one compartment of the knee is affected, a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement may be an option. Dr Mooney will advise on this based on your X-rays and examination.
Total knee replacement is a safe and well-established procedure with high patient satisfaction. Risks include infection (less than 1%), blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), stiffness, and in rare cases implant-related issues. Dr Mooney takes thorough precautions including antibiotics, blood clot prevention, and careful surgical technique to minimise these risks.
Modern knee replacements are expected to last 20–25 years for most patients. Australian joint registry data shows that over 90% of total knee replacements are still in place at 15 years. Accurate implant positioning, maintained weight, and appropriate activity levels all affect longevity.
Fees are based on AMA recommended rates. Private health insurance covers the majority of costs for insured patients. Call the rooms or see the Fees page for a detailed breakdown.
Yes. Dr Mooney teaches robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement to other orthopaedic surgeons at national instructional courses across Australia.
He was one of the first surgeons in Australia to complete a dedicated fellowship in robotic-assisted joint replacement, in Perth in 2016, and has used the Mako system for knee and hip replacement since. He also teaches the technique to other orthopaedic surgeons at national instructional courses.
From the blog
Dr Luke Mooney
Dr Luke Mooney is an Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon who has built his surgical practice around hip and knee surgery. He trained in robotic-assisted joint replacement in Perth, one of the first surgeons in Australia to complete a dedicated robotic fellowship, and has since performed hundreds of hip and knee procedures at Orthopaedics 360 in Eastwood.
Dr Mooney is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. He holds the qualifications MBBS, FRACS, and FAOrthA. When you see Dr Mooney, you see Dr Mooney: at every appointment, at surgery, and at every follow-up.
About Dr Mooney →- MBBS · FRACS · FAOrthA
- Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide
- Orthopaedics 360, Eastwood SA
Gap free hip and knee replacement for HCF members
Eastwood Private Hospital is the only South Australian hospital in HCF’s No-Gap Joints Program. Eligible members pay no out-of-pocket surgeon, anaesthetist or hospital costs.
Ready to take the next step?
Call the rooms or submit an online enquiry. A GP referral is required for Medicare rebate purposes. Dr Mooney’s team will be in touch to confirm your appointment.