Father Muller Introduces Region’s First STRYKER–USA MAKO SmartRobotics™ System for Advanced Joint Replacement Surgery
Mangaluru, July 10: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) has ushered in a new era in precision orthopaedics with the commissioning of the STRYKER–USA MAKO SmartRobotics™ System, becoming the first medical college hospital and the first healthcare institution in the region to introduce this state-of-the-art robotic joint replacement platform offering all three MAKO robotic applications on a single system.
The Blessing and Commissioning Ceremony was held on Friday morning and was led by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions. The acquisition of the world-class robotic surgical platform was made possible under his visionary leadership, marking another milestone in the institution’s commitment to advanced, patient-centred healthcare.
Invoking God’s blessings upon the new robotic system and the Department of Orthopaedics, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo prayed that the technology would become an instrument of healing, enabling the orthopaedic team to relieve pain, restore mobility, and provide the highest standards of patient care. He emphasised that while technology continues to evolve, it must always remain rooted in compassionate service, ethical medical practice, and the healing ministry of Christ.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Mrinal Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics, expressed gratitude to the management of Father Muller Charitable Institutions for approving the acquisition of one of the world’s most advanced robotic orthopaedic surgical systems. He said the MAKO SmartRobotics™ System represents a transformative advancement in joint replacement surgery, enabling surgeons to achieve greater precision, enhanced safety, and improved clinical outcomes. He also noted that the system, valued at approximately ₹6 crore, is another significant addition to the hospital’s high-end medical infrastructure.
A Landmark in Robotic Orthopaedic Surgery
Manufactured by Stryker, USA, the MAKO SmartRobotics™ System is among the world’s most advanced robotic-arm-assisted orthopaedic surgery platforms. It combines robotic technology with patient-specific CT-based three-dimensional surgical planning, allowing surgeons to perform joint replacement procedures with exceptional precision and consistency.
For the first time in the region, a single robotic platform provides assistance for:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
- Total Hip Replacement (THR)
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR/UKR)
This achievement places Father Muller Medical College Hospital at the forefront of robotic orthopaedic care and strengthens its position as a centre of excellence in advanced surgical innovation.
Enhancing Precision and Patient Care
The MAKO SmartRobotics™ System enables surgeons to develop personalised surgical plans based on each patient’s anatomy using detailed CT imaging. During surgery, the robotic arm provides real-time guidance, while advanced haptic technology ensures bone preparation remains precisely within the planned boundaries, preserving healthy bone and surrounding soft tissue.
The technology offers several advantages, including:
- Patient-specific CT-based 3D surgical planning
- Highly accurate implant positioning and alignment
- Real-time robotic-arm assistance during surgery
- Preservation of healthy bone and soft tissue
- Enhanced surgical precision and consistency
- Greater surgeon confidence through advanced haptic technology
Improved Outcomes for Patients
Compared with conventional joint replacement techniques, the MAKO SmartRobotics™ System offers several patient benefits, including:
- More accurate implant positioning
- Better restoration of natural joint function
- Reduced soft tissue trauma and bone loss
- Smaller incisions, where clinically appropriate
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Faster recovery and earlier return to daily activities
- Improved mobility and long-term functional outcomes
- Lower risk of implant malalignment
- Potential reduction in revision surgeries through highly precise implant placement
By delivering personalised and highly accurate joint replacement procedures, the system enhances both surgical precision and patient satisfaction, setting a new benchmark in orthopaedic care.
The commissioning of the STRYKER–USA MAKO SmartRobotics™ System reflects Father Muller Medical College Hospital’s continued commitment to investing in advanced medical technology while remaining steadfast in its mission of compassionate, affordable, and ethical healthcare.
As the first medical college hospital in the region to introduce this comprehensive robotic orthopaedic platform, FMMCH continues to lead in innovation by combining advanced technology, clinical expertise, academic excellence, and faith-driven service to provide world-class healthcare.
The ceremony was attended by Orthopaedic Unit Heads Dr Ronald Joseph, Dr Prashanth Acharya, and Dr Vivian D’Almeida, along with Dr Kotedadi Ramprasad Rai, Dr Ashwin Kamath, and Dr Wilbur Cutinho of the Department of Orthopaedics.
The blessing service was coordinated by Fr Ronald Lobo, Chaplain of FMMCH. Also present were Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, FMMCH; Fr William D’Souza, Assistant Administrator, FMMCH; Sr Nancy, Chief Nursing Officer; Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC; Dr Venkatesh B.M., Vice Dean, FMMC; Dr Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent, FMMCH; along with faculty members, staff, and students.
