Mako Robotic Shoulder Replacement in West Palm Beach, Jupiter & Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Severe shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff damage, and previous shoulder surgery can make everyday movements painful and difficult. Mako SmartRobotics™ offers advanced technology for selected patients undergoing reverse shoulder replacement, combining CT-based 3D planning with robotic-assisted surgical guidance. Dr. Brian W. Hill, MD, FAAOS, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow specialist providing advanced shoulder replacement care in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He evaluates each patient's anatomy, condition, and goals to determine whether Mako robotic shoulder replacement is appropriate.
Shoulder pain can severely limit your ability to reach, lift, and enjoy daily activities. For patients needing shoulder replacement, precision and accuracy during surgery are critical to restoring natural movement and improving long-term outcomes. At Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, Dr. Brian Hill is proud to offer the latest advancement in shoulder surgery – Mako SmartRobotics™ Shoulder Replacement.
What Is Mako Robotic Shoulder Replacement?
Mako SmartRobotics™ combines 3D imaging, robotic arm assistance, and advanced surgical planning to help your surgeon perform shoulder replacement with greater accuracy than traditional methods. Before surgery, a CT scan creates a personalized 3D model of your shoulder. This allows Dr. Hill to design a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy.
During surgery, the Mako system provides real-time guidance and haptic technology to help ensure implant components are placed exactly as planned, preserving bone and protecting surrounding tissue.
The Mako Shoulder Application has received FDA clearance for use in reverse shoulder replacement, specifically for robotic glenoid preparation and baseplate placement. Stryker has also announced plans to expand this technology to anatomic shoulder replacement in the future.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement with Mako SmartRobotics™
Many patients with severe arthritis, complex rotator cuff tears, or failed prior shoulder surgery may require a reverse shoulder replacement. In this procedure, the normal ball-and-socket structure of the shoulder is "reversed," allowing other muscles — particularly the deltoid — to take over lifting and arm movement.
Because reverse shoulder replacement requires precise alignment for stability and range of motion, Mako robotic guidance is especially valuable. By creating a personalized 3D surgical plan, Dr. Hill can position the implant components with high accuracy, which helps improve outcomes, reduce complications, and restore function more reliably.
Benefits of Mako SmartRobotics™ for Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Patients may experience:
- Personalized surgical planning based on their unique anatomy
- Improved implant positioning and alignment for long-term stability
- FDA-cleared robotic technology for reverse shoulder arthroplasty
- Reduced risk of complications such as implant loosening or instability
- Less pain and faster recovery compared to traditional techniques
- Restored range of motion to return to the activities you love
Dr. Brian Hill is dedicated to offering his patients the most innovative treatment options available. By combining his surgical expertise with the precision of the Mako robotic system, Dr. Hill provides a safer, more predictable, and highly customized shoulder replacement experience.
Is Mako Shoulder Replacement Right for You?
If shoulder arthritis, injury, or degeneration is limiting your daily life, you may be a candidate for robotic-assisted shoulder replacement. Dr. Hill will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss whether Mako SmartRobotics™ for reverse shoulder replacement is the right choice for you.
Why Choose Dr. Hill for Mako Robotic Shoulder Replacement?
Experience With Advanced Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement can involve complex decisions regarding implant selection, bone anatomy, rotator cuff function, and surgical technique. Dr. Hill evaluates these factors to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
Advanced Mako SmartRobotics™ Technology
For appropriate patients undergoing reverse shoulder replacement, Mako SmartRobotics™ combines CT-based 3D imaging, personalized surgical planning, and robotic-assisted guidance. The technology is designed to help the surgeon execute the planned procedure with precision.
Personalized 3D Surgical Planning
Before surgery, a CT scan can be used to create a three-dimensional model of the patient's shoulder. This allows Dr. Hill to assess individual anatomy and develop a patient-specific surgical plan.
Expertise in Complex Shoulder Conditions
Patients may require reverse shoulder replacement because of conditions such as advanced shoulder arthritis, certain rotator cuff-related problems, complex deformities, or previous failed shoulder surgery. Dr. Hill provides specialized evaluation for both primary and complex shoulder replacement cases.
Comprehensive Shoulder Care
Not every patient with shoulder pain requires replacement surgery. Dr. Hill evaluates nonsurgical and surgical treatment options and recommends an approach based on the underlying condition, imaging findings, symptoms, and functional goals.
Mako Robotic Shoulder Replacement FAQs
What is Mako robotic shoulder replacement? +
Mako SmartRobotics™ is a technology platform that uses CT-based 3D planning and robotic-assisted guidance during certain shoulder replacement procedures. The surgeon remains responsible for performing the procedure and uses the technology to assist with the planned implant positioning.
Is Mako approved for shoulder replacement? +
The Mako Shoulder application has received FDA clearance for use in reverse shoulder replacement, including robotic-assisted glenoid preparation and baseplate placement. Your surgeon can explain whether the specific Mako application is appropriate for your procedure.
Is Mako shoulder replacement better than traditional shoulder replacement? +
Mako technology is designed to assist with planning and surgical execution, but it does not mean that robotic surgery is automatically better for every patient. The appropriate technique depends on your anatomy, diagnosis, implant needs, and surgeon's assessment.
Who may be a candidate for Mako robotic shoulder replacement? +
Mako may be considered for appropriately selected patients undergoing reverse shoulder replacement. Candidates may have advanced shoulder arthritis, certain rotator cuff-related conditions, complex shoulder problems, or other conditions for which reverse replacement is recommended.
What is the difference between anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement? +
Anatomic shoulder replacement maintains the shoulder's normal ball-and-socket orientation and generally relies on a functioning rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder replacement switches the position of the ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to contribute more significantly to arm elevation when the rotator cuff is severely compromised.
Does robotic shoulder replacement mean less pain or a faster recovery? +
Robotic assistance is intended primarily to support surgical planning and implant positioning. Recovery varies from patient to patient and depends on factors such as the procedure performed, overall health, shoulder condition, and rehabilitation. Robotic assistance should not be presented as a guarantee of less pain or faster recovery.
How do I know if Mako shoulder replacement is right for me? +
A consultation with a shoulder and elbow specialist can help determine whether shoulder replacement is appropriate and whether Mako-assisted reverse shoulder replacement is an option. Dr. Hill can review your symptoms, imaging, shoulder function, and treatment history before recommending an individualized approach.
Schedule a Mako Robotic Shoulder Replacement Consultation in West Palm Beach, Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens, FL
If shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff dysfunction, or a complex shoulder condition is affecting your quality of life, Dr. Brian W. Hill, MD, can evaluate your condition and discuss available treatment options. For appropriately selected patients, Mako SmartRobotics™ may provide advanced planning and robotic-assisted guidance during reverse shoulder replacement. Dr. Hill serves patients throughout West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and surrounding Palm Beach County communities. Contact the office to schedule a comprehensive shoulder evaluation and learn whether Mako robotic shoulder replacement is right for you.
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