Cambridge Medical Center marks 500th surgery with Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm

CAMBRIDGE, Minn. (May 6, 2024) — Care teams at Cambridge Medical Center celebrated a milestone. They’ve completed 500 (and counting) knee and hip replacement surgeries with the Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm™. The first surgery was performed in 2022.  

Care teams have seen incredible results with this technology, which allows them to make subtle adjustments with less irritation to the patient’s soft tissue. The result is less pain, fewer narcotics, better range of motion and a shorter recovery time so patients can get back moving and doing the things they love.   

“We’re pleased to offer this technology in the Cambridge community, so people can access world-class orthopedic care close to home instead of having to travel somewhere else,” said Josh Shepherd, president, Cambridge Medical Center. “Drs. Richard Birdwell and Robert Doohen, along with our surgical care teams, have performed 554 knee and hip surgeries to date and have successfully used this Mako robot technology so patients can go home the same day with less pain.” 

Pictured far right: Dr. Richard Birdwell, an orthopedic surgeon, performs a hip replacement at Cambridge Medical Center using the Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm™. Assisting with the surgery are Danny Cupp, physician assistant (left) and Matt Klutz, Stryker Mako specialist. 
500th Mako procedure at CMC

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.  
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