STERLING –  History was made at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL, on May 30, 2024, when Dr. Shawn Hanlon and Josh Wade, PA-C, MS (Orthopaedic Surgery), performed the first CGH robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement with the Stryker Mako Robotic Arm!CGH Medical Center is the only Sauk Valley area hospital to offer Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Knee Replacement.

This advancement in joint surgery transforms the way total knee replacements are performed. Dr. Jeffrey Thormeyer, FAAOS, will also be performing this procedure.

Total knee replacements in the United States are expected to increase 189% by 2030, yet studies have shown that approximately 20% of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery. Mako Total Knee combines Stryker’s advanced robotic technology with its clinically successful Triathlon Total Knee System, which enables surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased precision and accuracy.

 “With Mako SmartRobotics™ for Total Knee Replacement, I know more about my patients than ever before, and I’m able to cut less. For some patients, this can mean less soft tissue damage; for others, greater bone preservation,” said CGH’s Dr. Hanlon. “Mako’s 3D CT allows me to create a personalized plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy all before entering the operating room. During surgery, I can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic arm to execute that plan.” 

 Mako SmartRobotics™ consists of three unique components – 3D CT-based planning, AccuStop™ haptic technology and insightful data analytics. In clinical studies, Mako Total Knee demonstrated the potential for patients to experience less pain, less need for opiate analgesics, less need for inpatient physical therapy, reduction in length of hospital stay, improved knee flexion and soft tissue protection in comparison to manual techniques.

 If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from pain caused by arthritis or an injury to the knee, and you haven’t experienced adequate relief with conservative treatment options, Mako SmartRobotics™ might be right for you. Mako Total Knee Replacement is for:

people with severe knee pain or stiffness resulting from non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (including osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis and avascular necrosis), rheumatoid arthritis, or post traumatic arthritis.

those who haven’t experienced adequate relief with conservative treatment options like bracing, medication, or joint fluid supplements.

 “We are proud to be the only hospital to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in the Sauk Valley area,” said Dr. Paul Steinke, CGH President and CEO. “This addition to our orthopaedic service line further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide the community with outstanding healthcare.”