News

Southern Highlands Private Hospital debuts new MAKO robot

Mar 17, 2022

The Southern Highlands region is now home to state-of-the-art robotic technology with a new Stryker MAKO robot being unveiled at Southern Highlands Private Hospital.

The MAKO system is an advanced, surgeon-controlled, robotic arm designed to increase the accuracy of knee and hip replacements. 

Bowral-based Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Nick Hartnell is the first local surgeon to be trained to use the MAKO robot, which he says allows for more precise planning of surgeries and is designed to produce better outcomes. 

“The robot constructs a 3D model using a pre-operative CT scan which enables more accurate planning of a surgery,” Dr Hartnell said. 

“This should mean less interruption as we can plan for variations in a patient’s anatomy. 

“During surgery the robotic arm is designed to ensure precise placement, better knee alignment and less disruption to surrounding tissue.” 

Southern Highlands Private Hospital Acting CEO, Malcolm Passmore said he was excited the hospital was able to provide this exciting technology. 

“Southern Highlands based patients now have access to a highly advanced MAKO robot without having to travel to Sydney,” Mr Passmore said. 

“We’re proud to invest in robotic technology which is designed to offer improved surgical outcomes for patients.”