Floyd County Medical Center first in Iowa to use newest surgical robotics

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

Floyd County Medical Center has become the first hospital in Iowa to use the latest generation of Mako SmartRobotics technology, performing its first orthopedic surgery with the new system just days after it arrived earlier this month.

According to information from the Medical Center, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Clark led the surgical team April 9 using the Stryker Mako 4 robot, which incorporates advanced imaging and tools for joint replacement procedures.

The technology is designed to enhance surgical precision and may lead to shorter recovery times and reduced complication risks, particularly in total hip, total knee and partial knee replacements, according to the Medical Center.

“FCMC is proud to be one of the first hospitals in Iowa to introduce and use the Stryker Mako 4 robot,” said Dawnett Willis, FCMC’s chief executive officer. “FCMC is committed to providing exceptional health care close to home, and the growth of our orthopedics program demonstrates our dedication to our patients.”

According to the Medical Center, the Mako 4 robot arrived during the first week of April and was put to use almost immediately. The new system improves on the Mako 3, which Clark and nurse practitioner Brenda Cooper had been using at FCMC since their arrival last fall.

Clark remains the only surgeon in northeast Iowa using Mako SmartRobotics to perform direct anterior approach hip replacements, a technique gaining recognition for faster recovery and a lower risk of dislocation, according to the Medical Center.

Mako SmartRobotics combines three-dimmensional CT-based planning and AccuStop haptic technology into one system, FCMC said.

Surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the desired implant size, orientation and alignment all prior to surgery.

AccuStop haptics use virtual boundaries built based on the surgeon’s plan to help control Mako’s cutting tool. The system also enables the surgeon to modify the surgical plan as needed during the procedure, FCMA said.

Community members got a first look at the previous Stryker Mako 3 technology in December 2024, when FCMC hosted a public demonstration featuring Clark and Cooper.

At the time, FCMC Surgical Services Director Ashle Dittmer said it was unusual for a hospital the size of FCMC to have access to such advanced tools. Just four months later, the facility is using the newest version of the system in patient surgeries.

For more information about FCMC’s orthopedic surgery program, visit www.fcmc.us.com/services/orthopedics or call 641-257-4309.