9/23/2026
NEW CASTLE, Pa -- UPMC Jameson recently completed its first robotic-assisted MAKO total joint replacement procedure, expanding access to advanced orthopaedic surgery for people throughout Lawrence, Mercer and surrounding counties.
The addition of robotic orthopaedic technology at UPMC Jameson builds on the region's strong orthopaedics program and responds to growing demand for joint replacement surgery. UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley in Farrell has offered robotic-assisted orthopaedic procedures for several years, and bringing the technology to UPMC Jameson allows more people across the region to receive this specialized care.
“Our hospitals are designed to work together to meet the needs of the entire Lawrence-Mercer region,” said Dave Patton, president, UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon. “For years, people have received robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery at UPMC Horizon, and we've seen growing demand for that care. Expanding robotic surgical technology to UPMC Jameson allows us to serve more people while building on the orthopaedic expertise that already exists across our local hospitals. It's another example of how we continually invest to upgrade care in direct response to changing community health needs.”
Orthopaedic surgery is a longstanding strength at both UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon. With robotic orthopaedic surgery now available at both hospitals, more people can access robotic-assisted joint replacement without leaving the region. Both hospitals are designated UPMC Health Plan Centers of Excellence-Platinum for hip and knee replacement surgery, reflecting their commitment to delivering high-quality orthopaedic care.
Before surgery, the technology uses a CT scan to create a detailed 3D model of a person's joint, allowing surgeons to develop a customized surgical plan based on that person’s anatomy. During the procedure, the robotic system assists the surgeon in executing that plan with enhanced accuracy, including implant positioning and alignment.
“People living with chronic hip or knee pain often reach a point where everyday activities become difficult, whether it's walking comfortably, staying active, working or spending time with family,” said Robert McGann, D.O., orthopaedic surgeon, UPMC Jameson, who performed the first procedure. “This is one of the most innovative technologies I’ve seen throughout my 25-year career that allows us to tailor surgery to each person's anatomy and carry out that plan with a high level of precision. Our goal is to help people recover with confidence, regain mobility and return to the activities that matter most to them.”
For people undergoing joint replacement surgery, that precision can help preserve healthy bone and surrounding tissue while supporting better joint function. More accurate implant placement may help reduce pain, improve mobility, create a more natural-feeling joint and contribute to a smoother recovery.
Robotic-assisted joint replacement may be an option for people experiencing chronic hip or knee pain caused by arthritis or joint degeneration who have not found lasting relief through medications, injections, physical therapy or other nonsurgical treatments. A surgeon can determine whether joint replacement is appropriate based on a person's condition and goals.
For many people, joint replacement surgery is about more than replacing a joint. It's about returning to the activities that pain has made difficult and maintaining independence and quality of life.
Bringing more robot-assisted surgical technology to both UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon means more people throughout Lawrence and Mercer counties can receive specialized joint replacement care closer to home, recover near family and support systems, and benefit from the expertise of a regional orthopaedic program without leaving the area.
Photo (click for high-resolution image)
Caption: left to right: Valerie Tharp, PA; Robert McGann, DO; Jonathan Biery, PA; Annalynn Wharry, PA.
Credit: UPMC
