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Buderim Private Hospital and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Joe Coory, made history this week as the first hospital on the Sunshine Coast, and only the second in Australia, to perform total shoulder replacement surgery assisted by the Mako robot.
Dr Coory is among a small group of surgeons across Australia given early access to the MAKO shoulder application, which has recently been released for use in shoulder surgery – placing Buderim Private Hospital among just 10 hospitals globally to offer the procedure.
Buderim Private is a not-for-profit run by UnitingCare Queensland Hospitals, a Catholic Health Australia member.
This comes only two years after Buderim Private Hospital commissioned the first Mako robot in the Sunshine Coast region for hip and knee replacement surgery in July 2023.
Led by orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Joe Coory, the procedure blends advanced robotics and surgical precision with the goal of delivering highly personalised and accurate shoulder replacements, and a range of benefits for patients.
Dr Coory said the addition of MAKO to shoulder procedures reflects a broader trend in orthopaedics toward personalised, technology-enabled surgery.
“It’s great to be able to introduce this technology for our patients and community,” Dr Coory said.
“The platform allows for detailed pre-operative planning and provides intraoperative guidance to assist in accurate implant placement.
“It also reconfirms that the Sunshine Coast is a growing area for both health development and technological advancement,” he said.
Buderim Private Hospital General Manager, Shane Mitchell, said this great news for the region.
“This is an exciting advancement for our orthopaedic surgeons and team, with tremendous benefits for our patients and community,” Shane said.
“From the beginning, Buderim Private Hospital has been dedicated to ensuring great care is available close to home for Sunshine Coast residents, and this is another example of how we are keeping that commitment,” he said.
The MAKO robotic system uses 3D CT-based planning and intraoperative haptic guidance, enabling surgeons to operate with real-time feedback. It is also being used at Cabrini in Melbourne.
While the application for shoulder replacements is in the early stages in Australia, Buderim Private Hospital will now have the platform permanently in place for eligible procedures.
