Stryker's New Handheld Robot Makes Knee Surgery Simpler

Knee replacement just got a major upgrade that could help millions of patients get better outcomes with less hassle for their surgical teams.

Stryker, a leader in medical robotics, announced the rollout of its Mako RPS system, a handheld robotic tool that assists surgeons during total knee replacements. Unlike bulky surgical robots that require extensive training and workflow changes, this device feels familiar in a surgeon's hands while providing advanced robotic guidance.

The technology works like power steering for surgery. As the surgeon moves the robotic saw, patented sensors respond to their hand movements and gently guide the blade to stay aligned with the surgical plan. This means more precise cuts without the cutting blocks traditionally used in knee surgery.

Stryker has been perfecting robotic surgery for nearly 20 years, with over two million procedures performed across 46 countries. The company's Mako robotic platform has already established robotics as a standard of care in orthopedics, but this new handheld version opens doors for more hospitals and surgeons to adopt the technology.

CEO Kevin Lobo explained the game-changing difference on a recent earnings call. Traditional robotic systems require significant changes for both surgeons and staff, creating barriers to adoption. The handheld system is simple and easy to use, eliminating that difficult transition period.

The device integrates smoothly into existing surgical workflows and works with Stryker's popular Triathlon Total Knee System. This compatibility means hospitals already using Stryker products can add robotic precision without replacing their entire setup.

The Ripple Effect

This innovation reaches beyond operating rooms. Simpler robotic tools mean more surgeons can offer precision surgery, which translates to better outcomes for patients in smaller hospitals and underserved areas. When advanced technology becomes accessible, everyone benefits.

The platform features intraoperative planning capabilities, allowing surgeons to make real-time adjustments during procedures. This flexibility combined with robotic precision gives patients the best of both worlds: human expertise guided by technological accuracy.

Stryker plans to showcase the Mako RPS at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting in New Orleans this March, where thousands of orthopedic specialists will see the technology firsthand.

Mike Carlin, president of Stryker's Ortho Tech division, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing patient outcomes through robotics leadership. The addition of Mako RPS to the Mako family represents a new chapter in making precision surgery more accessible.

For the 800,000 Americans who undergo knee replacement each year, this technology means better alignment, improved outcomes, and potentially faster recovery times.