Piedmont Macon North Hospital Adds New Robot for Joint Surgeries
Tuesday, October 27th, 2026
Piedmont Macon North Hospital has added the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics System to its surgical offerings, bringing advanced robotic-arm-assisted technology to patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.
The Mako system combines CT-based 3D planning with surgeon-guided robotic-arm technology. Before surgery, a CT scan is used to create a 3D model of the patient’s anatomy. That model allows the surgeon to develop a personalized surgical plan, including the size, alignment and positioning of the implant.
During the procedure, Mako’s haptic technology provides tactile and visual boundaries designed to help the surgeon execute the surgical plan while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. The robotic arm does not perform the surgery independently, and the surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.
Bruce Byrd, M.D., of Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta Macon, recently performed a robot-assisted total knee replacement, which was Piedmont Macon North’s first surgical case using the new technology.
“For our patients, the addition of Mako means we have access to technology that allows us to tailor joint replacement surgery to each person’s unique anatomy,” Byrd said. “It enhances the planning and precision available to the surgeon while keeping the surgeon in control every step of the way. I’m excited that we can now offer this advanced option to patients here in Middle Georgia.”
For total knee replacement, the technology allows the surgeon to use the patient’s 3D model to evaluate the knee and plan implant placement before beginning the procedure. During surgery, the robotic arm then helps the surgeon stay within the boundaries established in the surgical plan.
Amanda DiPaolo, director of Surgical Services at Piedmont Macon, said the goal is to make sure patients in Middle Georgia have access to advanced care close to home.
“Adding the Mako system is another step forward for Piedmont Macon North and demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in the technology and services our patients need,” she said.
