A Fiji-born orthopaedic surgeon of Indian origin has made medical history in New Zealand’s Manawatū region by performing its first robotic-assisted knee replacement surgeries, marking a significant advancement in local healthcare.
Dr Murali Reddy carried out the landmark procedures at Crest Hospital using the Mako Smart Robotics system developed by Stryker Corporation. The technology is designed to enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes through advanced robotic assistance.
The two surgeries, performed on Thursday, were the first robotic-assisted knee replacement procedures in the Manawatū region. The Mako system uses CT scan data to create a detailed three-dimensional model of a patient’s anatomy, enabling surgeons to plan operations with greater accuracy and receive real-time guidance during the procedure.
Patients who underwent the pioneering surgeries expressed enthusiasm about being among the first in the region to benefit from the technology and are reported to be recovering well.
Born in Fiji, Dr Reddy moved to Auckland with his family at the age of nine. He attended Auckland Grammar School before graduating from University of Auckland Medical School in 2001. He later earned his orthopaedic fellowship through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association in 2011.
His specialist training included placements across Australia and Canada, with advanced fellowships in shoulder, elbow and sports surgery in Sydney and Ontario. He has been based in Palmerston North since 2014.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr Reddy supervises orthopaedic trainees at MidCentral Health and collaborates on research projects with Massey University.
Crest Hospital Chief Executive Lyn Horgan described the introduction of the robotic system as a major milestone for regional healthcare, giving local patients access to cutting-edge surgical technology previously unavailable in Manawatū.
The achievement follows extensive training undertaken by surgeons and theatre staff and positions the hospital at the forefront of modern joint replacement surgery in regional New Zealand.