Warwick, RI - February 2, 2026 - Ortho Rhode Island is the first in Rhode Island to offer Mako SmartRobotics™ for reverse shoulder replacements, utilizing the technology at the Ortho RI Surgery Center, one of only 20 sites nationwide with this capability. Dr. Nathan Howlett, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon at Ortho RI and, will perform the state’s first robotic assisted shoulder replacement.
Designed to increase precision for improved patient outcomes, Mako Shoulder allows Ortho RI surgeons to create personalized surgical plans based on 3D CT-based scans of each patient’s unique anatomy. During surgery, they use robotic-assisted cutting tools while receiving real-time feedback as they guide the reverse shoulder glenoid implant.
Additionally, the Ortho RI Surgery Center is now the first ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Rhode Island to utilize Mako 4, the latest advancement in SmartRobotics™, for total hip, total knee, and partial knee replacement. This is the latest in a long history of innovations for Ortho Rhode Island. December 2025 marked the 15th anniversary of Ortho Rhode Island joint replacement surgeon Dr. Bob Marchand performing the first ever Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement in New England at South County Hospital.
“Ortho Rhode Island believes in innovating to offer patients the best outcomes and experiences, which is why we’ve been at the forefront of robotic-assisted surgery,” said Dr. Michael Bradley, President and CMO of Ortho Rhode Island. “We’re excited to offer these transformative technologies for our joint replacement patients here at the Ortho RI Surgery Center.”
About Ortho Rhode Island
Ortho Rhode Island is an orthopedic practice serving communities in Rhode Island and Southern New England. Their world-class physicians provide an unconditional commitment to patient satisfaction, evidence-based quality, cost-effective services, education, and innovative technology to support patients’ needs. Learn more about Ortho Rhode Island at OrthoRI.com.
