WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A new surgery technique at Good Samaritan Medical Center uses technology to speed recovery and lessen pain after knee surgery.The technology, called Makoplasty, uses a robot to help surgeons navigate the intricate process of knee surgery.”We can make a small incision in the front of the knee (and) kind of sneak inside the knee cap and cap the knee with metal and plastic parts,” said Dr. Gary Wexler, an orthopedic surgeon at Good Samaritan.During one of the procedures, a robot helps Wexler buff out osteoarthritis and custom fit a piece of plastic.”Using GPS technology, computers and the robot we’re able to let the robot guide my hand where we need to burr out where the implants are going to be placed,” said Wexler. “So it is kind of like painting between the numbers.”The incision is smaller than total knee replacement and the precise fit of metal and plastic keeps it all from wearing out quickly.”We’re able to mobilize patients pretty quickly and avoid complications,” said Wexler. “We’re able to rehab them pretty quickly and get them back to a natural lifestyle.”Patrick Higgins went through the procedure and got clearance for a full round of golf just six weeks after the procedure.”Even the nurses through Medicare that came to visit me, they couldn’t believe I had no pain,” said Higgins. they couldn’t believe the flexibility I had. they all wanted to know who my surgeon was.”Higgins said that even though he was prescribed pain pills, he only took one after the procedure.Wexler said having the robot assist is like playing a video game.”Oh it’s so much fun,” said Wexler. “It’s like I’m a kid playing Xbox or Playstation.”The technology won’t only benefit knee patients, Wexler said it’s currently being looked at for use on hips. More Information: Images: Surgery Demonstration Good Samaritan Medical Center makosurgical.com Gary Wexler