Robotic Knee Replacement Adelaide | MAKO

Name: Robotic Knee Replacement Adelaide (MAKO) — Dr Luke Mooney
Creator: Dr Luke Mooney

Robotic Knee Replacement Adelaide (MAKO) — Dr Luke Mooney

Robotic Knee Replacement

Robotic Knee Replacement (MAKO)

Your knee, planned to the millimetre.

Dr Mooney uses the Stryker MAKO robotic system for knee replacement — creating a 3D plan built around your individual anatomy, then executing it with precision in theatre.

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MBBS · FRACS · FAOrthA · Hip & Knee Specialist · Orthopaedics 360, Adelaide

Key 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.
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.
Surgery at Eastwood Private Hospital, Adelaide, which has a new-generation Mako system on site.

What is robotic knee replacement?

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.

“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 Mooney

Dr 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.

What to expect after surgery

Day 1–2Physiotherapy begins. Walking with a frame. Discharge typically 2–3 days.

Week 2–4Walking with a stick. Swelling reducing. Physiotherapy at home or outpatient.

Week 4–6Most daily tasks independently. Driving when leg control has returned.

3 monthsSwimming and stationary cycling. Most daily activities comfortable.

6–12 monthsFull recovery for most patients.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Modern knee implants are designed to last 15–20 years or more in appropriately selected patients. Longevity depends on activity levels, weight and implant position. Accurate positioning, which robotic surgery is designed to optimise, is one of the factors that influences how long an implant lasts.

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.

Your Surgeon

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 →

Credentials

MBBS · FRACS · FAOrthA
Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Adelaide
Orthopaedics 360, Eastwood SA

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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.

Book a Consultation (08) 7077 0157