Problem: Living with arthritic pain
Treatment: MAKO Knee Replacement Surgery
Result: Ready to dance again, this time without pain.
Rita Hill was like so many other North Alabamians when it came to living with arthritic pain.
Although each patient is unique and can experience joint pain in different ways and for different reasons, in Rita’s case, her arthritic struggles were centered around her knee. Searching for any form of relief, she had a procedure to fix her meniscus. Although the surgery offered Rita some short-term comfort, she quickly came to the conclusion that the only clear path to full relief was a complete knee replacement.
Rita experienced a whole new side of knee replacement surgery, thanks to her experience with Dr. Allan Maples.
Her case was ideal to incorporate the Mako robot into her surgery. The benefit for Rita? The day she went in for her procedure was also the same day she went home. Dr. Maples’ incorporation of the Mako Robot offers patients a more precise procedure, with a speedier recovery. It is an innovative solution for many suffering from painful arthritis.
Mako uses 3D, CT-based planning software so that orthopaedic physicians can know more about your anatomy in order to create a more personalized joint replacement surgical plan. Dr. Maples used this 3D model to preplan and assist in Rita’s joint replacement procedure. Rita had never heard of the Mako robot but believes that by using the robot, Dr. Maples was able to help her regain her happiness and quality of life in such a short period of time.
For Rita, her recovery has been nothing less than a huge success.
During her recovery at the hospital, she mentioned that she was easily able to walk around the hall with the help of a walker. On the day of her surgery, not only was she able to get around well, but she explained that she felt so confident about her knee, she was ready to dance! Rita also expressed how much help the TOC therapists have been throughout her recovery journey.
When recalling her experience at TOC, Rita exclaims that she received great care from Dr. Maples and the rest of the staff. She feels that Dr. Maples did an amazing job, and because of how successful her experience has been, she is now going to have her other knee replaced….with the assistance of the Mako robot, of course.
Dr. Maples specializes in orthopaedic trauma and joint replacement surgery. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Maples grew up in Sulphur, Louisiana. He attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He earned his Medical Degree at Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Maples completed an internship and residency at the University Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Fellowships were completed at the Liverpool Health Science Center in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. He is the recipient of several awards and honors, has conducted numerous research projects, and has made extensive presentations since earning his medical degree.