CT MAKO Knee: Why It Is Done and How the Scan Is Performed?
What Is CT MAKO Knee?
CT MAKO Knee is a special pre-operative CT scan done for robot-assisted knee replacement surgery.
MAKO is an advanced robotic-arm assisted surgical system used mainly in:
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Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
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Partial Knee Replacement (PKR / UKA)
The CT scan helps create a 3D digital model of the patient’s knee joint, which allows the orthopedic surgeon to plan the surgery accurately before entering the operation theatre.
Why CT MAKO Knee Is Done
CT MAKO Knee is performed to help the surgeon:
✔ Understand exact bone anatomy of femur, tibia & knee joint
✔ Plan implant size, alignment, and positioning
✔ Correct bow-leg (varus) or knock-knee (valgus) deformity
✔ Maintain proper limb alignment from hip to ankle
✔ Reduce chances of implant loosening or early failure
✔ Improve post-operative knee movement and comfort
📌 In simple terms:
CT MAKO Knee allows the surgeon to practice the knee replacement surgery virtually before the actual operation.
Who Needs CT MAKO Knee Scan?
CT MAKO Knee is advised for patients planned for:
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Severe knee osteoarthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Knee joint deformity
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Failed conservative treatment
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Planned robotic knee replacement surgery
⚠️ This scan is not done for routine knee pain.
It is required only when MAKO robotic surgery is planned.
How CT MAKO Knee Scan Is Done (Procedure)
1️⃣ Patient Preparation
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No fasting required
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Remove metal objects
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Explain scan purpose clearly to patient
2️⃣ Patient Positioning
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Patient lies supine
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Both legs extended
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Knees in neutral position
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Feet pointing upward (avoid rotation)
Correct positioning is very important for accurate limb alignment.
3️⃣ Scan Coverage
CT MAKO Knee is a long-length CT scan covering:
📌 Hip joint (for mechanical axis)
📌 Knee joint (main focus)
📌 Ankle joint (for alignment reference)
This is also called Hip–Knee–Ankle (HKA) CT.
4️⃣ Scan Technique
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Non-contrast CT
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Helical scan
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Thin slice acquisition
CT MAKO Knee Technical Parameters (For Technologists)
📌 Slice Thickness
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0.5 mm – 1.25 mm
📌 Reconstruction
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Bone algorithm
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High-resolution kernel
📌 FOV
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Must include hip, knee & ankle
📌 Export
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DICOM format compatible with MAKO planning software
⚠️ Important:
Incorrect coverage or slice thickness may lead to repeat scan, increasing radiation dose.
Is CT MAKO Knee Safe?
Yes.
CT MAKO Knee uses a controlled and optimized radiation dose.
📌 The benefit of accurate robotic surgery planning is much greater than the minimal radiation risk.
Advantages of CT MAKO Knee
✔ Highly accurate implant placement
✔ Better knee alignment
✔ Reduced surgical errors
✔ Faster recovery
✔ Improved long-term outcome
Limitations of CT MAKO Knee
❌ Slight radiation exposure
❌ Higher cost compared to standard knee CT
❌ Not required for non-surgical knee pain
Conclusion
CT MAKO Knee is a critical investigation for robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery.
It allows surgeons to plan surgery with millimeter-level accuracy, resulting in better patient satisfaction and long-lasting implants.
For radiology professionals, proper scan protocol and positioning are essential to ensure successful surgical planning.
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