Smart joint replacement

Olivia Bloom • March 9, 2026

University Hospitals brings advanced orthopedic innovation to the UH St. John Medical Center.

Digital wireframe illustration of human legs on a dark background, highlighting glowing red pain points at the knees.

As the demand for joint replacements rises due to sports injuries, overuse and natural wear and tear, University Hospitals’ Mako technology provides a level of customization that traditional methods cannot match.


For many, the hesitation to undergo a hip or knee replacement stems from concerns about recovery time and surgical precision. At UH St. John Medical Center, those barriers are being removed, courtesy of the Mako Robotic-Arm, an advanced innovation that is redefining the joint replacement experience for patients of all ages.


As the demand for joint replacements rises due to sports injuries, overuse and natural wear and tear, Mako technology provides a level of customization that traditional methods cannot match.


“The beauty of this technology is that it’s entirely personalized to the patient’s unique anatomy,” says Rikesh Patel, DO, Director of Robotic Surgery for Total Joint Replacement at University Hospitals. “By using a 3D model of the joint before we even begin, we can plan and execute the surgery with a degree of accuracy that restores natural movement and alignment more effectively than ever before.”


Prioritizing Precision and Faster Recovery

The process begins before the patient enters the operating room. Using 3D modeling, surgeons create a detailed digital map of the existing joint to develop a customized surgical plan.


During the procedure, the surgeon guides the Mako Robotic-Arm based on this plan. The system provides real-time visual, tactile and auditory feedback, ensuring the implant is placed with optimal precision. This “robotic assisted” approach allows the surgeon to spare more healthy bone and tissue, which is key to a successful, long-term outcome.


Patients choosing Mako technology benefit from:

  • Increased Accuracy: Precise implant placement leads to better biomechanical alignment and a more “natural” feeling joint.
  • Faster Recovery: With smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, the majority of patients are up and walking the same day and return home the very next day.
  • Less Post-Operative Pain: More conservative surgical techniques often mean a reduced need for heavy pain medication during the healing process.
  • Minimized Scarring: Smaller entry points lead to less scarring and a smoother physical recovery.


By combining the expertise of top-rated orthopedic surgeons with the most advanced robotic technology, UH St. John Medical Center is ensuring patients can get back to the activities they love faster and with more confidence.


To find out if Mako Robotic- Arm Assisted Technology is right for you, call 216-844-7200.


UH St. John Medical Center

29000 Center Ridge Road, Westlake

216-844-7200

UHhospitals.org/StJohn

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