Columbus Community Hospital Introduces Next-Generation Mako 4 Technology for Joint Replacement

Columbus Community Hospital’s new, fourth-generation Mako robotic-assisted surgical system is helping orthopedic surgeons perform joint replacement procedures better than ever before.

Dr. Anthony White, orthopedic surgeon at Columbus Community Hospital, said the newest Mako system reflects an ongoing commitment to improving patient care through proven technology.

“Continuous improvement should be part of every field — particularly in surgery, where even small changes can make a meaningful difference,” White said. “The Mako system has been in clinical use for nearly a decade, and this newest version builds on that experience with improved workflow and efficiency that benefits both surgeons and patients.”

An even better system

The hospital first started using Mako technology in 2019. Since then, continued advancements have helped surgical processes, resulting in shorter time under anesthesia and smaller, less invasive incisions for many patients.

The fourth-generation system’s most significant improvement is that it enables surgeons to use robotic assistance when planning and performing knee and hip revision surgeries.

“Revision surgeries have traditionally been more complex and intimidating for both surgeons and patients,” White said. “This technology makes those procedures more predictable and aims to decrease the need for further surgery.”

Different for each patient

From a patient perspective, robotic-assisted surgery allows for a highly personalized approach. Using a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan, surgeons create a three-dimensional model of each patient’s anatomy before entering the operating room.

“We can plan the surgery in detail ahead of time,” White said. “That includes precise implant sizing and the ability to adjust alignment and position in each degree of freedom. With this technology, we know that the implants are placed exactly as we intended before the patient ever leaves the room.”

Columbus Community Hospital is the first hospital in Nebraska to offer this latest generation of Mako technology, though White emphasized the focus is on patient care rather than being first.

“It’s about offering the most up-to-date, proven option available,” he said.

Cutting-edge technology

Looking ahead, White believes robotic assistance will continue shaping the future of orthopedics. The arrival of Mako 4 helps to ensure patients in Columbus and surrounding rural communities have access to the latest advancements in joint replacement.

“There is no single right way to do a hip or knee replacement,” he said. “But the precision robotics offers allows us to mitigate many of the factors that can lead to failure. We can balance the joint and match leg length to the millimeter, which can significantly reduce post-operative complications.”

That level of accuracy may help joint replacements last longer — especially for younger people.

“It provides another great option for patients,” White said. “And for many, it may be the option that best supports a faster recovery and lasting results.”

For more information about joint replacement services at Columbus Community Hospital, visit columbushosp.org.