Robot-Assisted Surgeries Hit Milestone At Elyria Medical Center

ELYRIA, OH — Robotic arm-assisted surgeries have become a staple of the orthopedic unit at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center.

Since August 2016, more than 750 Mako-assisted joint replacement procedures have been conducted at the hospital. Currently, the Elyria Medical Center is the only hospital in Lorain County to utilize Stryker's Mako System in joint replacement surgeries.

Carol Wright, 68, from Elyria, underwent a joint replacement at the hospital. She had been suffering pain in her right knee, causing her to become increasingly sedentary.

“I had bone spurs, and the cartilage in my knee had eroded, so it was bone-on-bone,” Wright said. “I knew it was time to have a knee replacement, so I did my research online and found Dr. Stanfield. I liked that he was one of the surgeons who offered robotic technology.”

Dr. William Stanfield credited the machine-assistance for some of his success in the operating room, noting that Mako helped him by creating a 3D model prior to surgery.

Wright underwent a successful knee replacement in May. It was so successful she's already scheduled an appointment to replace her left knee.

“I was in the hospital for less than 24 hours, and within a week, I was walking without a cane or walker,” Wright said. “Now, my husband and I are back to walking up to two miles together through our local parks.”