Allina Health Buffalo Hospital teams perform 1,000th surgery with Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm

MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 12, 2024) — Care teams at Buffalo Hospital have marked another major milestone in the orthopedic care they provide to patients.  

In October 2024, they completed 1,000 knee replacement surgeries using the Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm™. The first surgery of this kind was performed at Buffalo Hospital in August 2021. They reached the 500-surgery mark in July 2023.  

“We continue to see tremendous outcomes when using this technology. The precision of this technology allows us to make subtle adjustments. In turn, the irritation to the patient’s soft tissue is limited which results in a quicker, less painful recovery and the need for fewer narcotics,” said Dana Harms, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Buffalo Hospital.  

The post-op recovery period for a patient is typically 4-6 weeks. Without the assistance of the robotic arm, knee surgery replacement patients often experience a three-month recovery time.  

“While it’s exciting to celebrate milestones, it’s most fulfilling to think about the people behind the number. We’re proud to provide innovative, expert care to those in Buffalo and surrounding communities, and we’re grateful to those who turn to us for their care needs. I’m constantly impressed by our care teams. Their dedication to this community is unwavering,” said Josh Shepherd, president, Buffalo Hospital.  

About Allina Health

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:  

  • Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.  
  • Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.  
  • Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.  

Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on FacebookXInstagram and LinkedIn.