A game-changing advance in precision, comfort and recovery

A new era of shoulder surgery has arrived—right here at Summit Health. In a major medical milestone, Eric Black, MD, became the first surgeon in the nation to perform a complete robotic-assisted shoulder replacement procedure at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center. Using the ROSA® Robotics Platform by Zimmer Biomet, Dr. Black performed a complete anatomic as well as reverse shoulder replacement using robotic assistance. The groundbreaking procedure, which took place at Summit Atlantic Surgery Center (SASC) in Florham Park, offers patients a more precise, personalized and targeted path to recovery than traditional shoulder replacement surgery.

Shoulder replacement surgery can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life by helping them move easier, reach and lift their arm comfortably, enjoy pain-free sleep and return to sports and other activities they enjoy.

“Robotic technology further transforms what is possible for patients undergoing a shoulder replacement because it allows us to personalize and plan the surgery with incredible accuracy,” explains Dr. Black. “It’s a huge step forward in enabling the surgeon to accurately execute a customized plan that is unique to each patient. This will likely increase consistency as well as longevity for each patient.”

Summit Health orthopedic surgeons have been successfully using robotic technology for patients having outpatient hip and knee replacements for many years. Recently, over the past year, the FDA also approved the new state-of-the-art technology for shoulder surgery.

What is ROSA robotic technology?

ROSA® (Robotic Surgical Assistant) is a state-of-the-art robotic system developed by Zimmer Biomet and recently approved by the FDA for use in shoulder replacement surgery. In the past, surgeons relied on manual techniques to translate pre-surgical plans into precise placement during surgery.

Here’s how the robotic system works:

• Before surgery, patients receive a CT scan that helps the surgical team create a personalized 3D plan for the implant.
• During the procedure, the technology’s advanced sensors and robotic arm help Dr. Black execute that plan with less than one millimeter of variance—an unprecedented level of accuracy in shoulder replacement.
• The result is a precisely fitted implant that is customized to the patient’s unique anatomy.

“Until now, we didn’t have a way to perfectly reproduce our pre-operative plans in real time on the humerus and glenoid,” Dr. Black explains. “Robotic technology brings that vision to life inside the operating room.”

Benefits for patients

With outpatient robotic shoulder replacement surgery, patients can expect:

• Greater accuracy: Implant placement within <1mm of the surgical plan.
• Better implant fit and function: Maximizing range of motion and long-term comfort.
• More predictable results: Every surgery is precisely reproducible, even in complex cases.
• Longer implant lifespan.
• Faster recovery and less pain: Thanks to smaller incisions, outpatient efficiencies and the most modern surgical techniques.
• Outpatient convenience: Patients return home the same day, avoiding a hospital stay.

“The goal of robotic joint replacement surgery is to ensure that every patient — no matter how complex their anatomy — receives the same level of precision and care,” says Dr. Black. “We can help patients move better, live stronger and get back to the activities that make life meaningful.”

Summit Health Orthopedics team can help

If you are having ongoing shoulder pain and stiffness, our orthopedic surgeons can help. Make an appointment today and learn more about the treatment options that are available.