Allina Health Buffalo Hospital marks 500th surgery with Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm

“We continue to see incredible results with this technology and are proud to offer it to our patients in Buffalo and the surrounding areas,” said Dana Harms, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Buffalo Hospital. “This technology allows us to make subtle adjustments and manipulate the implant with less irritation to the patient’s soft tissue. The result is less pain, fewer narcotics, better range of motion and a post-op recovery that is typically cut in half from three months to 4-6 weeks.”  

Kris Fischer, RN, has been a registered nurse for 30 years and part of her work involves admitting patients undergoing knee replacements at Buffalo Hospital. When she talks with them, she has firsthand experience of the process. Fischer has had traditional knee replacement surgery and then had a knee replacement surgery with Dr. Harms and the Stryker Mako Robotic Assisted-Arm™.  

“I had my surgery with the Stryker Mako at 7 a.m., and I was back home, walking down my driveway by noon the same day,” said Fischer. “Being able to compare both surgeries, there was a noticeable improvement in recovery with the Mako procedure. Since the Mako is so precise, I noticed less swelling and with less swelling, less pain which allowed me to work through my physical therapy more quickly.”  

“The Mako robot allows us to bring world class care close to home and gives our team the creativity and space to innovate. Allina Health understands the importance of bringing these care options into communities outside the metro,” said Josh Shepherd, president, Buffalo Hospital. “While we are fortunate to offer this technology in Buffalo, the machine doesn’t do it alone, and I’m incredibly thankful for the expertise and compassion of our dedicated care teams who allow us to achieve a milestone like this.”