Dr. William Braaskma Gives Seminar on Mako SmartRobotics™

On May 9, local board-certified and dual-fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Braaksma of Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron spoke at a free community health seminar on Mako SmartRobotics. The seminar was held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Port Huron, located at 800 Harker St. During this seminar, Dr. Braaksma shares the ins and outs of Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement while also sharing his experience and expertise in this state-of-the-art procedure. Patients seeking innovative, specialized care for chronic joint pain are encouraged to call 810-985-4900 to schedule an appointment at the practice’s office, located at 940 River Centre Drive.

“At Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron, we strive to empower our patients through education,” said Dr. Braaksma. “We believe informed patients make the best decisions, so we offer leading-edge treatments like Mako SmartRobotics knee replacement, alongside easy-to-understand resources for our community.”

In the seminar, Dr. Braaksma covered a range of details on robotic joint replacement. Both traditional and Mako SmartRobotics knee replacements address worn-out knee joints. These procedures involve replacing the damaged parts with an artificial joint, aiming to significantly reduce pain and restore a patient’s ability to move freely. Compared to traditional knee replacement, Mako procedures offer the following benefits:

• Patient-specific surgical plan with preoperative CT scan to develop a 3D virtual model of the involved joint.
• Improved accuracy and precision of bone cuts and implant positioning compared to traditional total and partial knee replacements.
• More predictable limb alignment compared to traditional knee replacements. 
  Improved soft tissue balance.
• Haptic guidance and safety boundaries reduce the risk of inadvertent soft tissue and ligament damage.
• Lower pain scores and better patient satisfaction 6 months after surgery compared to traditional joint replacements.

Dr. Braaksma received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. He completed an internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partner – MSU in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later, he completed a foot and ankle fellowship at Harborview Medical Center – University of Washington as well as an adult hip and knee reconstruction surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in Miami.

For more information about Mako SmartRobotics or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Braaksma, please call Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron at 810-985-4900.