For patients living with persistent shoulder pain, arthritis, or loss of mobility, advanced surgical options continue to evolve, and one of the most exciting breakthroughs is now available in the Triangle. In collaboration with North Carolina Specialty Hospital (NCSH), EmergeOrtho–Triangle Region is offering access to Mako SmartRobotics™ technology for reverse shoulder replacement, bringing a new level of accuracy and personalized planning to shoulder surgery in North Carolina.
NCSH is the first facility in the state chosen to participate in the Limited Market Release (LMR) of this innovative robotic shoulder platform. Through this partnership, EmergeOrtho shoulder specialists can provide patients with a highly individualized surgical experience supported by robotic-arm precision.
How Robotic Technology Enhances Shoulder Replacement
Traditional shoulder replacement relies on manual instrumentation, which can make precise implant placement more challenging—especially in patients with complex anatomy or significant joint degeneration.
The Mako SmartRobotics™ system adds computer-guided, CT-based planning and robotic assistance, allowing surgeons to perform shoulder replacement with a degree of accuracy not previously possible.
Key advantages include:
- Personalized 3D planning: A CT scan is used to map the patient’s shoulder and create a custom surgical plan.
- AccuStop™ haptic guidance: The robotic arm helps the surgeon stay within the predefined plan, supporting consistent and accurate component placement.
- Potential long-term benefits: Improved alignment may reduce complications, enhance implant longevity, and support a more predictable recovery.
This platform blends the surgeon’s clinical expertise with advanced digital tools, enhancing precision without replacing the surgeon’s skill or judgment.
Expert Perspective: Dr. Lucas Romine on the Mako Difference
EmergeOrtho orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lucas Romine became the first surgeon in North Carolina to perform a procedure using the Mako robotic shoulder system. He notes that the enhanced accuracy of the technology allows surgeons to execute the pre-operative plan exactly as designed:
“The ability to create a detailed 3D plan and know that it can be reproduced during surgery increases both accuracy and precision. It helps ensure components are placed exactly where we intend them to be.”
This added reliability is particularly important in reverse shoulder replacement, where implant placement directly influences shoulder mechanics, stability, and overall function.
Advancing Orthopedic Care in the Triangle Region
North Carolina Specialty Hospital has long been recognized for its excellence in orthopedic surgery, including national CareChex® ratings for joint replacement outcomes and patient safety. Through its partnership with EmergeOrtho, the hospital continues to bring advanced technology, such as Mako SmartRobotics™, to patients seeking the highest level of orthopedic care.
With this new robotic capability, patients across the Triangle can access one of the most advanced treatment options for severe shoulder pain, degenerative joint disease, and other conditions requiring shoulder replacement.
Is Robotic Shoulder Replacement Right for You?
Robotic technology is not required for every shoulder condition, but for many patients it may offer meaningful benefits—including greater surgical precision and improved alignment of the implant. Your orthopedic surgeon can help determine whether a robotic approach is appropriate for your diagnosis, anatomy, and goals.
If you are exploring treatment options for shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff–related degeneration, or chronic shoulder dysfunction, our specialists are here to help. To visit one of our expert physicians, request an appointment, self-schedule, or call (919) 220-5255 so you can Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better.
