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 dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X and Instagram.