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MAKO SMARTROBOTICS™

LESS PAIN. BETTER MOVEMENT. FASTER RECOVERY.

Advanced Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement at United Hospital District

United Hospital District is proud to offer Mako SmartRobotics™, advanced robotic-assisted technology from Stryker that helps our orthopedic surgeon perform total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacement procedures with greater precision.

Using a personalized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy, Mako assists your surgeon throughout the procedure with real-time guidance and advanced robotic technology. For eligible patients, this may mean a more personalized surgical experience and a faster return to the activities they enjoy—all while receiving exceptional orthopedic care close to home.

 

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Why Patients Choose Mako SmartRobotics™

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Faster Recovery

Smaller incisions mean shorter hospital stays and getting back to what youlove, sooner.

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More Precision

A personalized 3D plan guides every cut for accurate implant placement.

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Less Pain

Protecting healthy bone and tissue means less discomfort after surgery.

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Smaller Incisions

A minimally invasive approach reduces bleeding and scarring.

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Get Moving Sooner

 Many patients are up and walking the same day as their procedure.

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Personalized Plan

 Your surgery is tailored to your unique anatomy from a 3D model.

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Better Outcomes

Greater accuracy supports a more natural-feeling joint for the long term.

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Get Active Again

Return to the hikes, gardens, grandkids, and games that move you.

Experience Mako SmartRobotics™ at UHD

United Hospital District • Featured Article

Advanced Joint Replacement Close to Home: UHD's Mako SmartRobotics™ System Helps Patients Get Back to Life

For many people living with chronic knee or hip pain, everyday activities can become difficult and frustrating. Thanks to advanced technology available close to home at United Hospital District (UHD), patients now have access to robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery designed to provide a personalized surgical experience and help restore mobility.

Since June 2025, Dr. Scott Perkinson, Orthopedic Surgeon, has been performing partial knee, total knee, and total hip replacement procedures at UHD using the Mako SmartRobotics™ System. The first Mako-assisted procedure at UHD was a total hip replacement performed on June 4, 2025, marking an exciting milestone in bringing advanced orthopedic care to southern Minnesota.

Since then, Dr. Perkinson has completed 114 Mako-assisted knee and hip replacement procedures at UHD, helping patients return to the activities they enjoy with increased confidence and improved mobility.

What Is Mako SmartRobotics™?

Mako SmartRobotics™ is an advanced technology that helps surgeons create a personalized surgical plan based on each patient's unique anatomy. During surgery, the system provides real-time data and guidance, allowing the surgeon to execute the plan with greater precision.

While the surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure, the Mako system helps optimize implant placement and alignment, which may contribute to improved function and a more natural-feeling joint replacement.

Mako technology is used for:

  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Partial Knee Replacement
  • Total Hip Replacement

A Patient Success Story

One patient who experienced the benefits of Mako-assisted surgery firsthand is Tamy.

After struggling with knee pain, Tamy underwent her first knee replacement surgery with Dr. Perkinson in April of 2026. The results exceeded her expectations.

"I walked out of the hospital a lot better than I walked in." Tamy said. "It was immediate satisfaction from the procedure."

Encouraged by her recovery and increased mobility, Tamy didn't hesitate when it came time to address her other knee. She scheduled her second knee replacement for the following July.

Today, Tamy has successfully undergone replacement of both knees and is thriving. She has completed physical therapy for both procedures and is already back to moving confidently on her own, without needing a walker or cane. Activities that were once difficult have become significantly easier, allowing her to enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Her experience highlights what many patients hope to achieve through joint replacement surgery: less pain, improved movement, and the ability to return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Advanced Care Without Traveling Far

For patients considering joint replacement surgery, having access to robotic-assisted technology locally can make a significant difference. UHD's investment in Mako SmartRobotics™ allows patients to receive advanced orthopedic surgical care close to home while benefiting from the expertise of Dr. Perkinson and the UHD surgical team.

Whether patients are suffering from osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain, or reduced mobility that limits their daily activities, Mako-assisted joint replacement may provide an option to help them regain function and improve quality of life.

To learn more about Mako SmartRobotics™ joint replacement surgery at United Hospital District or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Perkinson, contact UHD.

Procedures Offered

United Hospital District currently offers Mako robotic-assisted technology for:

  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Partial Knee Replacement
  • Total Hip Replacement

Your orthopedic surgeon will determine whether robotic-assisted joint replacement is the right treatment option for your condition.

Conditions Treated with Mako

If medication, physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments have not relieved your hip or knee pain, you may be a candidate for robotic-assisted joint replacement.

Hip Conditions

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Hip impingement
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Labral tears

Knee Conditions

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Cartilage damage
  • Ligament injuries
  • Inflammatory arthritis

Meet Your Orthopedic Team

At United Hospital District, our orthopedic team combines advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centered care. From your first appointment through recovery, you'll work with experienced providers dedicated to helping you move with less pain and greater confidence.

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Dr. Scott Perkinson is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement using Mako SmartRobotics™. By combining years of surgical expertise with advanced robotic technology, he creates personalized treatment plans designed to help patients regain mobility and return to the activities they love.

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Chad Helmstetter, PA-C, is an integral member of UHD's orthopedic team, working closely with Dr. Perkinson to provide seamless care throughout every stage of treatment. From clinic visits and surgical assistance to post operative follow-up, Chad is committed to helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.

Your surgeon is always in control.

Mako SmartRobotics™ does not perform surgery or make decisions on its own. The robotic arm assists with precise bone preparation while your orthopedic surgeon remains in complete control throughout every step of the procedure.

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Mako SmartRobotics™ Frequently Asked Questions

If you're considering a hip or knee replacement, you probably have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Mako SmartRobotics™, the advanced robotic-assisted technology used by United Hospital District to help surgeons perform joint replacement procedures with greater precision.

Mako does not replace your surgeon—it serves as an advanced tool that helps your surgeon carry out the procedure according to your individualized surgical plan.

Does the robot perform the surgery?

Does the robot perform the surgery?

No. Your orthopedic surgeon performs every step of the procedure.

The Mako robotic arm does not make decisions or operate independently. Instead, it provides guidance and assistance while your surgeon remains in complete control throughout the surgery.

How Mako SmartRobotics™ Works

How Mako SmartRobotics™ Works

Mako SmartRobotics™ is an advanced robotic-assisted system designed to help your surgeon perform hip and knee replacement procedures with greater precision. It does not replace your surgeon—it serves as an advanced tool that assists in planning and guiding your procedure.

Personalized 3D Planning

Before surgery, a CT scan creates a detailed 3D model of your joint. Your surgeon uses this model to create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy.

AccuStop™ Haptic Technology

During surgery, Mako provides real-time tactile guidance that helps your surgeon stay within the planned surgical boundaries while preserving healthy bone and surrounding tissue whenever possible.

Real-Time Guidance

Throughout the procedure, Mako provides real-time information to support accurate implant positioning and execution of the surgical plan.

Who may be a candidate for Mako-assisted joint replacement?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another degenerative joint condition
  • Continue to experience joint pain despite medication, physical therapy, injections, or other conservative treatments
  • Are considering a total knee, partial knee, or total hip replacement

Your orthopedic surgeon will determine whether Mako-assisted surgery is the right treatment option for you.

How is Mako different from traditional joint replacement surgery?

Both traditional and Mako-assisted joint replacement are performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. The difference is that Mako provides advanced planning and real-time guidance throughout the procedure.

Traditional Joint Replacement
· Surgical planning based primarily on X-rays
· Implant placement based on the surgeon's expertise
· Manual surgical instruments

Mako-Assisted Joint Replacement
· Personalized planning using a 3D CT scan
· Surgeon-assisted robotic guidance based on the personalized plan
· Advanced robotic-assisted technology with haptic guidance
What is recovery like?

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the procedure performed, your overall health, and your rehabilitation plan.

Many patients are able to:

  • Return home the same day or after a short hospital stay, depending on their procedure
  • Begin walking soon after surgery
  • Return to daily activities over time with physical therapy and rehabilitation

Your orthopedic team will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your individual needs.

Are there risks?

As with any surgical procedure, joint replacement surgery carries potential risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Implant-related complications
  • Anesthesia-related risks

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and explain how every effort is made to help minimize them.

How do I schedule a consultation?

If you're experiencing hip or knee pain and would like to learn more about your treatment options, our orthopedic team is here to help.

Call United Hospital District at (507) 526-7388 to schedule a consultation or speak with a member of our team.

Orthopedic Care Close to Home

At United Hospital District, we're committed to bringing advanced orthopedic technology to the communities we serve. Mako SmartRobotics™ reflects our continued investment in providing high-quality joint replacement care close to home.

If chronic hip or knee pain is limiting your daily activities, our orthopedic team is here to help you explore your treatment options and determine whether robotic-assisted joint replacement is right for you.

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