Special to The Enterprise

Mid-Valley patients are benefitting from an innovative new type of robotic-assisted knee surgery at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. 

The new method enables physicians to conduct precision surgical planning before the surgery — utilizing pre-procedure CT scans.   

Dr. Michael Sander, Orthopedic Surgeon with UT Health RGV in Weslaco, recently performed the Mid-Valley’s first “Mako” knee replacements at Knapp Medical Center.  

During the surgery, Dr. Sander holds a robotic instrument — and the physician directs where it goes and what it does; the small device does not move at all without his guidance. 

In many cases, the latest state-of-the-art Mako robotic system can help in facilitating greater accuracy and precision.  This can enable physicians to more accurately fit and position a prosthesis (an artificial device that replaces a damaged body part in the knee), in some cases.

The Stryker Mako SmartRobotics™ technology utilizes a 3D CT-based planning software which helps the surgeon to create a surgical plan personalized for each patient’s individual needs.  

“With Mako SmartRobotics™, I can utilize a CT scan to create a personalized surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy – before I enter the operating room and before I make a single cut,” Dr. Sander said. 

People with pain in their knee often have trouble with walking, going up stairs, jogging and other activities.  Some experience these problems for years, and are treated with medication and exercise – until the pain becomes so great and their mobility so impaired that they seek orthopedic surgery.  

Dr. Sander is an Assistant Professor for Orthopedic Surgery for the UTRGV School of Medicine, and has served as a full-time faculty member since 2019.  He is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.  

For more information, please call 956-447-9797 or visit www.KnappMed.org.

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