A Sunshine Coast hospital has completed the highest number of robotic-assisted shoulder replacements of any hospital outside the United States, making it among the world’s first to use this futuristic technology.
Buderim Private Hospital was the second hospital in Australia – and one of the first 10 worldwide – to introduce the new Mako robotic shoulder application following the expansion of its orthopaedic robotics program in August 2025.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Joe Coory was the first to use the Mako shoulder application on the Coast.
“This technology allows us to plan every case before we step into the operating theatre,” Dr Coory said.
“The robot is then a tool that is surgeon-controlled that helps machine the bone to receive the implant.”
Prior to surgery, the Mako system uses a CT scan of the patient’s shoulder to create a detailed 3D model of their unique anatomy.
Using this model, the surgeon can assess bone structure and joint damage, determine optimal implant size and positioning, simulate different surgical approaches and develop a surgical plan tailored to the patient.
During surgery, the robotic arm assists the surgeon in executing the pre-planned approach. The system provides real-time feedback and visual data, ensuring implants are placed exactly according to the surgical plan.
The robotic arm includes safety boundaries, meaning it helps guide the surgeon’s instruments within predefined areas. This helps protect surrounding healthy bone and soft tissue. The surgeon, however, remains in full control at all times.
The hospital first introduced the Mako robotic system in 2023 for hip and knee replacements. The addition of the shoulder application in 2025 marked a significant expansion of its robotic orthopaedic capabilities.
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General manager Shane Mitchell said the milestone reflected the hospital’s commitment to innovation and regional healthcare excellence.
“Not only does this demonstrate our team’s growing depth of experience in robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery, but it places Buderim Private Hospital among leaders in this advancing field globally,” Mr Mitchell said.
“It’s a testament and well-deserved recognition for our specialists and teams who continually work hard to ensure our patients can access the latest treatments and care locally, close to their homes and support networks.
“This is great news for our community and aligns with our long-standing commitment to innovation and investing in the healthcare of our region.”
