JCHC Now Offering Highly Advanced Mako SmartRobotics™ for Hip and Knee Replacement

FAIRFIELD, Iowa, October 20, 2026 — Jefferson County Health Center now offers Mako SmartRobotics™ for total knee, partial knee, and total hip replacement. The newly added robotic-assisted technology helps orthopedic surgeons develop personalized surgical plans and brings advanced joint replacement care close to home.

Mako SmartRobotics™ combines three-dimensional CT-based planning with AccuStop™ haptic technology to assist surgeons during joint replacement surgery. Before the procedure, a CT scan is used to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s joint, allowing the surgeon to plan based on the patient’s unique anatomy.

“With Mako SmartRobotics™, we can create a personalized surgical plan before entering the operating room,” said Dr. Munjal, orthopedic surgeon at JCHC. “It’s exciting to bring this technology to JCHC and offer our patients another option for hip and knee replacement.”

“During surgery, we can assess the plan, make adjustments as needed, and use the robotic arm to help prepare the bone and position the implant,” said Dr. AJ Friessen, orthopedic surgeon at JCHC. “The technology supports our work, while we remain in control throughout the procedure.”

JCHC’s Mako SmartRobotics™ services include total and partial knee replacement, as well as total hip replacement, including the direct anterior approach. An orthopedic specialist can help determine which procedure and approach are appropriate for each patient.

“We are proud to invest in technology that expands the care available to our community,” said Bryan Hunger, CEO of JCHC. “Adding Mako SmartRobotics™ gives our orthopedic team another advanced tool to care for patients and reflects our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare close to home.”

Dr. AJ Friessen and Dr. Sandeep Munjal provide personalized orthopedic care close to home, helping patients explore treatment options and determine whether robotic-assisted joint replacement is right for them.

Community members can learn more at two free Your Care Explained seminars in November featuring Dr. Sandeep Munjal. He will discuss hip and knee replacement options, the role of robotic technology in joint replacement, who may benefit from robotic-assisted surgery and what to expect from surgery and recovery. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions.

The seminars will be held at the following locations:

• Tuesday, November 17: Bridge View Center, 102 Church Street, Ottumwa
• Thursday, November 19: Fairfield Public Library, 104 W Adams Avenue, Fairfield

Doors open at 5 p.m., and each presentation will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. To register, call 641-472-4111.

To learn more about Mako SmartRobotics™ at Jefferson County Health Center, visit https://www.jchc.org/services/surgical-care/orthopedic-surgery. To schedule an orthopedic appointment, call 641-469-4204.

About Jefferson County Health Center

Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC) is a non-profit, critical access hospital based in Fairfield, Iowa, with clinics in Richland and Ottumwa. As a trusted regional healthcare partner, JCHC is dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of the communities it serves through compassionate, patient-centered, and high-quality care. With a focus on patient experience, JCHC offers a wide range of services including primary care, general and orthopedic surgery, inpatient and emergency care, imaging and diagnostic testing, therapy services, oncology, and more. Care you can count on—it’s what we do.