Geisinger surpasses 1,000 joint replacement surgeries using Mako robotic-arm-assisted technology

LEWISTOWN, Pa. – Geisinger has surpassed its 1,000th Mako robotic-assisted surgery since the introduction of this technology to Geisinger hospitals in northeast and central Pennsylvania less than three years ago. The technology was also launched at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in June 2020, making it the first provider in Mifflin, Centre, Juniata and Huntingdon counties to offer Mako surgery. 

Consultations for Mako robotic joint replacement are available at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger Gray’s Woods with surgeries taking place at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.

“We are delighted that many of our patients are taking advantage of this advanced robotic technology,” said Kirk Thomas, chief administrative officer of Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. “Adding Mako to our already robust orthopaedic services demonstrates our continued commitment to provide high-quality, convenient care right here in the heart of central Pennsylvania.”

The minimally invasive Mako system transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed. Mako technology allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan before entering the operating room using a virtual 3D model and enables even greater accuracy during surgery. In most patients, this translates into a better and longer-performing joint, less discomfort and a quicker recovery.

“Mako enables us to provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Michael Suk, M.D., chair of the Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute. “This is a huge milestone for the Mako team at Geisinger. Their skills and experience enable us to improve the quality of patients’ lives in a facility close to home. All Geisinger Mako surgeons are certified and trained in Mako technology, bringing a new level of precision to treating patients with hip and knee injuries.”

Orthopaedic surgeons Michael Sobolewski, D.O., and Suresh Patil, M.D., are both certified to perform Mako total hip, total knee and partial knee replacement surgeries at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.

For more information about Mako, call 717-297-6393 or visit geisinger.org/Meet-Mako. 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.  Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.