Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi has completed its inaugural robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, a development the hospital said represents a milestone in regional orthopedic care. The procedures employed the Mako SmartRobotics system, which combines three-dimensional imaging with a robotic arm to assist surgeons in preoperative planning and intraoperative execution. According to the hospital’s statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency, two patients underwent the operations successfully, with the technology allowing for personalized implant positioning based on each individual’s anatomy.
The hospital’s deployment of the robotic platform follows years of preparation and staff training, a hospital assessment found. Surgeons at the facility noted that the system provides real-time feedback during bone preparation, reducing the risk of misalignment that can occur in conventional techniques. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, managed under the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company known as SEHA, operates as one of the capital’s largest tertiary care centers with specialized orthopedic units.
Emirates News Agency figures show that orthopedic demand across the UAE has grown steadily, driven by an aging population and rising incidence of joint-related conditions. A 2023 report from the Ministry of Health and Prevention placed annual joint replacement volumes in the country above 5,000 cases, a total that has expanded at an average rate of 12 percent over the preceding five years. The introduction of robotic assistance at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City aligns with national efforts to integrate advanced technologies into public healthcare delivery.
Hospital officials stated that patients who received the robotic procedures experienced reduced postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays compared with traditional methods. The first knee replacement patient, a 63-year-old woman, was discharged within three days, the hospital’s update indicated. Similar outcomes were reported for the initial hip replacement case, where the robotic guidance helped preserve healthy bone and soft tissue.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City maintains partnerships with international medical technology providers, including Stryker, the manufacturer of the Mako system. The hospital’s orthopedic department has conducted more than 1,200 joint replacements since its opening in 2019, according to SEHA data. Integration of the robotic platform is expected to increase the facility’s annual capacity while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
Health authorities in Abu Dhabi have prioritized investment in surgical innovation as part of the emirate’s broader healthcare strategy. Government statistics from the Department of Health place Abu Dhabi’s hospital network among the region’s most advanced in adopting robotic and minimally invasive techniques. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City said it plans to expand robotic applications to additional specialties following the successful orthopedic debut.
