Case Study: MAKO Surgical Corp. expands access to partial knee resurfacing with SolidWorks design and simulation

Expanding the availability of partial knee resurfacing with SolidWorks technology

MAKO Surgical Corp. set out to make partial knee resurfacing (MAKOplasty®) more widely available by developing a computer-controlled, robotics-assisted guidance system that could deliver reproducible, surgeon-grade precision. To design and visualize the complex robotic arm, implants and instruments required for that goal, MAKO relied on SolidWorks design and simulation software (including motion simulation and PhotoWorks rendering).

Using SolidWorks, MAKO shortened development cycles, reduced prototyping costs, validated kinematics and biomechanics, and produced photorealistic renderings to communicate with surgeons. The SolidWorks-based workflow helped MAKO develop the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System—the first robotic arm orthopedic system cleared by the FDA—and expand access to MAKOplasty®, now performed by more than 50 surgeons in the United States.

MAKO Surgical Corp.

Rony Abovitz

Senior VP and Chief Visionary Officer