News

Southern Queensland first for robotic-assisted shoulder surgery at John Flynn Private Hospital

Mar 31, 2026

John Flynn Private Hospital has delivered a first for Southern Queensland and Northern NSW, performing a total shoulder replacement using the MAKO robotic system.

The breakthrough of Robotics into Shoulder Replacement Surgery and has the potential to deliver enhanced accuracy and improved patient outcomes. 

Gold Coast orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew McBride performed the surgery, introducing a new level of precision and accuracy in shoulder replacement surgery. 

“The MAKO system builds on traditional planning, exposure and surgical techniques allowing greater surgical accuracy of implant placement. This provides the potential for a less invasive approach that preserves bone and tissue, and overall improved execution of the treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s anatomy,” Dr McBride said. 

“These advancements have the potential to deliver outcomes similar to robotic hip and knee procedures, helping patients recover faster, experience less pain, and regain better shoulder function.” 

Dr McBride described the procedure as a landmark moment in orthopaedic surgery for Southern Queensland and the Northern NSW region. 

“It allows implants to be placed within .08 mm, and orientated within 1-2 degrees of the CT-based surgical plan, improving on the accuracy of conventional methods.” 

“Although it seems minor, this level of precision has the potential to significantly improve shoulder function, help speed up recovery and decrease the need for follow-up (revision) surgery.” 

Using a three-stage process, the surgeon remains responsible for planning the surgery preoperatively using 3D CT scan planning software. The MAKO system then guides the surgeon in real time to precisely prepare the bone, including drilling the implant sites, to ensure accurate and safe placement of shoulder replacement implants that matches the surgical plan.  

Dr McBride emphasised that the robot works alongside the surgeon, enhancing precision without replacing human expertise. 

“Through research, improved surgical expertise and advancements in technology such as robotics, we hope to see outcomes in shoulder replacement surgery continue to improve and advance the quality of life of our patients,” he said. 

“The entire orthopaedic team at John Flynn Private Hospital are fortunate to have access to such advanced technology that has the potential for such wide-ranging benefits.” 

With the need for shoulder replacements in Australia forecast to increase three-fold by 2035, John Flynn Private Hospital has prioritised acquiring new technology in this field. The arrival of the new robotic systems at John Flynn Private Hospital is part of Ramsay Health Care’s recent national rollout of 12 new Stryker robots across its Australian network.   

John Flynn Private Hospital is recognised for its world-class orthopaedic services, advanced technology, and comprehensive patient care for the Gold Coast, Tweed and Northern NSW regions.