ABOVE: From left: Raina Juba, Sofia Kramer, Courtney Paczkowski, Tammy Miller, Dr. Scott Perkinson and Jacob Hahn stand with the new Mako Surgical Robot implemented at UHD in Blue Earth. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT – A new robot is assisting those needing hip and knee replacements in the Fairmont area.

United Hospital District (UHD) Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Scott Perkinson stated that the Mako Robot enables more precise implant placement, reduces the risk of complications, minimizes soft tissue damage, facilitates a faster return to normal activity, promotes better implant longevity and yields overall improved function.

“It’s a state-of-the-art surgical system that allows for planning and personalization of joint replacement surgery,” he said. “It uses a combination of advanced imaging and robotic technology to assist in the planning and execution of these joint replacement surgeries.”

The robot was first released 15 years ago, with four upgraded versions coming out since then. UHD did not use any grant funding to purchase the machine, but saved up the money to do so after having had their eye on it for years.

“The robot is human manned,” Perkinson said. “It’s a fancy tool that helps us do everything more perfectly.”

Before the robot, everything regarding measurement and surgery had to be done manually.

“When you’re thinking of putting these metal pieces in a knee or hip, you’re lining that up with little jigs and eyeballing a lot of the cuts and measurements,” he said. “The robot can dial in every cut and measurement to a half a millimeter.”

Consultations and surgeries using the robot began in May. Perkinson had worked with the Mako robot since 2021 and already had the required certification to use it. Overall, he has heard positive feedback on the tool.

“In previous practice, for the last four or five years, I’ve had great success with it,” Perkinson said. “Patients love it. So far here, it’s been the same response. A lot of excitement around it.”

Hip and knee replacements make up two-thirds of Perkinson’s Orthopedic practice. He said the Mako robot is used every day, especially with a recent rise in cases due to the Mayo Clinic pulling its surgical services.

Sprinkling a little fun into the new addition, a naming contest is currently being held. People can go to the UHD Clinic in Fairmont at 1950 Center Creek Drive or the hospital in Blue Earth at 515 S Moore Street and fill out a card for the chance their name is used for the robot.

For more information or questions, call United Hospital District at 507-526-7388.