Emory Johns Creek Hospital has surpassed 1,000 robotic-assisted knee replacements using the Mako SmartRobotics system. This technology uses a 3D model of each patient’s knee, created from a CT scan before surgery, to help surgeons plan implant placement with high precision.
Oren Goltzer, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine, said, “Robotic-assisted surgery adds precision, accuracy, and consistency to the operating room. The robot sets boundaries that help guide the surgeon’s movements during surgery. It won’t allow cuts outside the planned area, which enhances accuracy and protects nearby soft tissues.”
Laura Reilly, a patient who received two knee replacements at Emory Johns Creek Hospital after years of instability in her knees, shared her experience: “I don’t plan to slow down anytime soon. My Emory Healthcare team was wonderful.” Reilly incorporated ballet into her physical therapy routine as part of her recovery process.
Dr. Goltzer noted that robotic-assisted knee surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients return home on the same day and resume their usual physical activities within three months after surgery.
In July 2024, Emory Johns Creek Hospital received Advanced Certification for Knee and Hip Replacements from The Joint Commission. This certification highlights the hospital’s focus on maintaining high standards in care quality and patient safety throughout joint replacement procedures.
Other facilities within the Emory Healthcare system—including Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital—also use similar robotic technology for joint replacement surgeries.
