Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital has achieved a major milestone in advanced orthopaedic care by becoming the first medical college hospital and the first healthcare institution in the region to commission the STRYKER–USA MAKO SmartRobotics™ System. The state-of-the-art robotic platform offers all three MAKO robotic applications—Total Knee Replacement (TKR), Total Hip Replacement (THR), and Partial Knee Replacement (PKR/UKR)—on a single system, ushering in a new era of precision joint replacement surgery.
The Blessing and Commissioning Ceremony was held on July 10 and was led by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions. The acquisition of the advanced robotic system was made possible under his leadership, further strengthening the institution’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare through innovation and compassionate service.
Advanced technology for precision orthopaedic care
During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo invoked God’s blessings on the new robotic system and the Department of Orthopaedics. He said technological advancements should always complement the institution’s mission of compassionate, ethical, and patient-centred healthcare. He expressed hope that the system would help surgeons relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve the quality of life of patients through greater surgical precision.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Mrinal Shetty, Professor and Head, Department of Orthopaedics, thanked the management for approving the procurement of one of the world’s most advanced robotic orthopaedic surgical platforms. He described the introduction of the MAKO SmartRobotics™ System as a transformative step in joint replacement surgery that would significantly enhance surgical precision, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.
Dr. Shetty informed that the robotic system, acquired at a cost of approximately ₹6 crore, is another significant addition to the hospital’s high-end medical infrastructure for the benefit of patients.
First comprehensive robotic joint replacement platform in the region
Manufactured by Stryker, USA, the MAKO SmartRobotics™ System combines advanced robotic-arm technology with patient-specific CT-based three-dimensional surgical planning, enabling surgeons to perform complex joint replacement procedures with exceptional accuracy and consistency.
For the first time in the region, a single robotic platform provides comprehensive robotic assistance for:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
- Total Hip Replacement (THR)
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR/UKR)
This achievement positions Father Muller Medical College Hospital as a regional leader in robotic orthopaedic surgery and advanced joint replacement care.
Personalised surgery with enhanced precision
The MAKO SmartRobotics™ System allows surgeons to create a personalised surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy using detailed CT imaging. During surgery, the robotic arm provides real-time guidance while advanced haptic technology ensures bone preparation remains within the planned boundaries, preserving healthy bone and surrounding soft tissues.
Key features of the system include:
- Patient-specific CT-based 3D surgical planning
- Highly accurate implant positioning and alignment
- Robotic-arm assistance with real-time intraoperative guidance
- Preservation of healthy bone and soft tissue
- Enhanced surgical precision and consistency
- Advanced haptic technology for improved surgical control
Better outcomes and faster recovery
The robotic-assisted technology is expected to deliver significant benefits for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement procedures.
Compared to conventional joint replacement surgery, the MAKO system offers:
- Superior implant positioning for improved long-term function
- Better restoration of natural joint movement
- Reduced soft tissue damage and bone loss
- Smaller incisions where clinically appropriate
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Faster recovery and earlier return to daily activities
- Improved mobility and functional outcomes
- Lower risk of implant malalignment
- Reduced likelihood of revision surgeries due to highly accurate implant placement
By enabling personalised and highly precise joint replacement procedures, the system is expected to enhance patient satisfaction while improving long-term clinical outcomes.
Commitment to innovation and compassionate healthcare
The commissioning of the STRYKER–USA MAKO SmartRobotics™ System reflects Father Muller Medical College Hospital’s continued investment in advanced medical technology while remaining committed to affordable, ethical, and compassionate healthcare.
As the first medical college hospital in the region to introduce this comprehensive robotic orthopaedic platform, the institution continues to strengthen its reputation as a centre of excellence in advanced surgery, medical education, and patient care.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ronald Joseph, Dr. Prashanth Acharya, Dr. Vivian D’Almeida, Dr. Kotedadi Ramprasad Rai, Dr. Ashwin Kamath, Dr. Wilbur Cutinho, faculty members of the Department of Orthopaedics, along with 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; Dr. Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent, faculty, staff, and students. The prayer service was organised by Fr. Ronald Lobo, Chaplain, FMMCH.
The launch of the MAKO SmartRobotics™ System marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s journey towards delivering next-generation orthopaedic care, combining advanced technology with clinical expertise to restore mobility and improve patients’ quality of life.
