Channel 7 News Features Mako Robotic Shoulder Replacement in Adelaide

In October 2026, Channel 7 News filmed the first Mako robotic-assisted shoulder replacement at Eastwood Private Hospital, performed by Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell on 14 October, and interviewed him about how the technology works.

What happens in theatre

The Mako robotic arm sits beside the operating table under a sterile cover. The 3D plan for the patient’s shoulder is shown on screens above the team for the whole operation, so each step can be checked against it.

Why each shoulder is planned in 3D

Arthritis often wears the shoulder socket unevenly, and no two shoulders are the same. Before surgery, a CT scan is used to build a 3D model of the joint. Dr Brumby-Rendell plans the size, angle and position of the implant on that model. In theatre, the robotic arm guides preparation of the socket to the plan and stops the instrument moving outside the planned boundary.

What the robot does, and what it doesn’t

• Dr Brumby-Rendell performs the operation. The robotic arm guides one step: preparing the bone of the shoulder socket.
• It is currently used for reverse shoulder replacement, and is expected to expand to anatomic replacement and hemiarthroplasty.
• Using the robot does not change your private health cover or add to the cost of surgery. The usual out-of-pocket costs for private shoulder replacement still apply.
• Robotic shoulder replacement is new, and long-term outcome studies are still under way.

Read more about Mako robotic shoulder replacement in Adelaide, including how the planning works, the early research and your hospital stay.

A referral from your GP or specialist is needed for an appointment. Once you have one, you can book online or call (08) 7077 0101.