UI Health Care becomes first in Iowa to offer robotic-assisted shoulder arthroplasty surgery
The latest in robotic technology offers shoulder replacement patients a unique level of surgical precision.
University of Iowa Health Care orthopedic surgeon Brendan M. Patterson, MD, MPH, is the first surgeon in Iowa to perform a robotic-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty, bringing a new level of precision to shoulder replacement surgery and expanding treatment options for patients with severe shoulder pain and limited mobility.
Shoulder arthroplasty, commonly known as shoulder replacement surgery, is used to relieve pain and restore function in patients with shoulder conditions such as advanced arthritis, significant joint damage, or complex rotator cuff tears. During the procedure, damaged portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with prosthetic components. In a reverse shoulder arthroplasty, the anatomy of the joint is reversed: a prosthetic ball is attached to the shoulder blade (the glenoid), while a socket is placed at the top of the arm bone. In many cases, this design allows other muscles to compensate for a damaged rotator cuff, helping patients regain strength, stability, and range of motion.
The robotic-assisted system enhances surgical planning and allows for another level of surgical precision. Before surgery, patients undergo a CT scan that creates a detailed three-dimensional model of their shoulder anatomy. Surgeons use this model to develop a personalized surgical plan, and during the procedure, robotic technology provides real-time guidance to support implant placement and alignment.
"Combined with preoperative imaging, the robot helps us position implants with an exceptional level of accuracy," Patterson says. "We are hopeful that this next level of precision may help to improve postoperative shoulder function, the overall longevity of the implant, and support better long-term patient outcomes."
UI Health Care is the first health system in Iowa to perform robotic-assisted shoulder arthroplasty. While robotic technology is becoming increasingly common in joint replacement surgery, it is currently approved for shoulder replacement only in reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedures.
"This technology is still relatively new in shoulder replacement, but we expect its applications to continue expanding in the years ahead," Patterson says. "The success we've seen with robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements suggests that this type of technology may become more commonplace in shoulder arthroplasty surgery.”
As robotic surgery continues to evolve, advances in planning and implant placement could further expand treatment options for patients requiring shoulder replacement. The addition of robotic-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty reflects UI Health Care's ongoing investment in advanced orthopedic technologies designed to improve patient care.
"We're fortunate to have access to this kind of cutting-edge technology," Patterson says. "It gives us another tool to improve surgical precision and to continue delivering high-quality care for our patients."
