Robotic Shoulder Replacement Madison WI | OrthoTeam Clinic

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Shoulder Replacement

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Shoulder Replacement in Madison & Stoughton, WI

At the OrthoTeam Clinic, Dr. Ashish Rawal is the first orthopedic surgeon in Wisconsin to perform Mako SmartRobotics™ shoulder replacement — bringing CT-based 3D planning and robotic-arm precision to one of the most technically demanding joint replacement procedures.

If shoulder pain is keeping you from sleeping, working, or doing the activities you enjoy, and if medications, injections, or physical therapy have not provided lasting relief, robotic shoulder replacement may be an option.

What Makes Mako Shoulder Replacement Different?

Traditional shoulder replacement relies on the surgeon's experience and standard instruments to position the implant. Mako adds two things to that process:

A personalized 3D plan built from a CT scan of your shoulder before surgery.
Robotic-arm guidance during surgery that helps the surgeon execute that plan with submillimeter precision.

This is especially valuable in reverse shoulder arthroplasty, where small differences in how the baseplate is positioned can affect range of motion, stability, and how long the implant lasts.

How Mako Shoulder Replacement Works

Step 1 — Scan

Before surgery, Dr. Rawal orders a CT scan of your shoulder. The scan provides a detailed picture of your bone anatomy, including the shape of the glenoid (socket), the condition of the humeral head (ball), and the location of any bone loss or deformity.

Step 2 — Plan

The CT data is converted into a 3D model of your shoulder. Dr. Rawal uses this model to plan exactly how the implant will fit your anatomy — component size, position, version, and inclination — before you ever enter the operating room.

Step 3 — Procedure

In the operating room, Dr. Rawal follows the personalized plan while Mako's robotic arm provides real-time guidance. The system's AccuStop™ technology helps keep the procedure within the boundaries set during planning. Dr. Rawal can also make intraoperative adjustments as needed. The robotic arm does not perform surgery on its own — it is a precision tool guided by the surgeon at all times.

Who Is a Candidate for Robotic Shoulder Replacement?

Mako robotic-arm assisted shoulder replacement may be an option for patients with shoulder pain caused by:

Osteoarthritis — the most common cause of shoulder arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis — an inflammatory form of arthritis.
Post-traumatic arthritis — arthritis that develops after a prior shoulder injury or fracture.
Avascular necrosis — loss of blood supply to the bone of the humeral head.
Rotator cuff arthropathy — a combination of massive rotator cuff tear and arthritis, typically treated with reverse shoulder replacement.

A consultation with Dr. Rawal is the best way to determine whether Mako shoulder replacement is right for you.

Wisconsin's First Robotic Shoulder Surgeon

Dr. Ashish Rawal is fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery and sports medicine and is the first orthopedic surgeon in Wisconsin to offer Mako robotic-arm assisted shoulder replacement. He performs both anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty using the Mako platform at Stoughton Hospital, with consultations available at OrthoTeam Clinic offices in Madison and Stoughton.

Meet Dr. Rawal →

Risks and Considerations

Like any surgery, shoulder replacement carries risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, nerve injury, implant loosening or wear, dislocation, and complications related to anesthesia. Robotic assistance does not eliminate these risks — it is a tool that helps the surgeon plan and execute the procedure. Your candidacy, individual risks, and expected outcomes are reviewed with Dr. Rawal during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Mako shoulder replacement different from traditional shoulder replacement?

Both procedures replace the damaged joint surfaces with an implant. The difference is that Mako adds a CT-based 3D plan and robotic-arm guidance, helping the surgeon position the implant with greater precision than traditional instruments allow.

Is the robot performing my surgery?

No. Your surgeon performs the surgery. The robotic arm is a precision tool that helps the surgeon stay within the boundaries of the preoperative plan. The surgeon controls the arm at all times and can adjust the plan during surgery as needed.

Do I need a CT scan before surgery?

Yes. The Mako system uses a preoperative CT scan to build the 3D model of your shoulder. The scan is typically obtained several weeks before surgery.

What is recovery like after robotic shoulder replacement?

Most patients begin gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first one to two weeks after surgery, followed by progressive physical therapy over three to six months. Specific timelines depend on whether you have an anatomic or reverse replacement and on your individual health.

Where is the surgery performed?

Dr. Rawal performs Mako shoulder replacement at Stoughton Hospital. Consultations are available at the OrthoTeam Clinic offices in Madison and Stoughton.