FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Saint Agnes Medical Center says it has become the first hospital in the Central Valley to perform spine surgery using the Mako 4, an advanced orthopedic robotic surgical system.<\/p>\n
Hospital leaders say the milestone builds on Saint Agnes’ history of adopting robotic technology for orthopedic procedures.<\/p>\n
“Back in 2021, we were the first in the Valley to bring the Mako 3 platform here to perform knee surgeries, and now we’re excited to announce that we’re the first in the Valley to perform spine surgeries on the Mako 4,” said Skye Applebee, Saint Agnes director of surgical services.<\/p>\n
Saint Agnes says the Mako 4 system can be used for spine, shoulder, hip and knee surgeries.<\/p>\n
“So four platforms into one machine, whereas the Mako 3 was only able to do knees and hips,” Applebee said.<\/p>\n
Hospital officials said having both Mako systems available allows two orthopedic surgeons to expand access to robotic-assisted care and provide services that were not previously available.<\/p>\n
The system is designed to create individualized surgical plans tailored to each patient.<\/p>\n
The system also includes planning screens that display the patient’s anatomy and a camera that provides real-time feedback.<\/p>\n
Applebee said robotic technology offers several advantages during surgery.<\/p>\n
“Time, precision, accuracy, visualization and overall, it’s minimally invasive,” Applebee said.<\/p>\n
Saint Agnes officials said the addition of the technology reflects the hospital’s commitment to expanding its robotic surgery program while allowing patients to receive advanced care closer to home.<\/p>\n
“We have two Makos, three Da Vinci robots and one Ion robot, so we are committed to serving our patients right here in the Central Valley,” Applebee said.<\/p>\n
The hospital said the expanded robotic capabilities are intended to help local patients receive specialized care in the Central Valley rather than traveling elsewhere for treatment.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Danyelle Burke North on Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n