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Zeeland Today
By the People, for the People
Holland Hospital Surgeon Reaches 2,000 Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacements
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Derick Johnson hits major milestone, highlighting the growing trend of robotic technology in joint replacement surgery.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Holland Hospital recently celebrated a significant achievement as orthopedic surgeon Dr. Derick Johnson completed his 2,000th robotic-assisted knee replacement in January. This milestone not only highlights Dr. Johnson's expertise but also signals a broader trend in orthopedic surgery - the increasing adoption of robotic technology for improved precision and patient outcomes.
Why it matters
The rise of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery offers patients like Patrick Clark, a lifelong athlete struggling with osteoarthritis, a path back to an active life. The precision offered by the Mako SmartRobotics™ system used by Dr. Johnson is a key factor in these positive outcomes, allowing for more accurate bone removal and potentially shorter recovery times.
The details
Dr. Johnson was the first orthopedic surgeon in West Michigan to be certified in Mako SmartRobotics for both partial and total knee replacements. This technology allows for a more personalized approach, milling the bone with accuracy within fractions of a degree and millimeter - a level of precision hard to achieve manually. This minimizes soft-tissue damage and optimizes implant alignment, leading to less pain, shorter hospital stays, and greater patient satisfaction compared to conventional surgery.
- In January 2026, Dr. Derick Johnson completed his 2,000th robotic-assisted knee replacement.
The players
Dr. Derick Johnson
An orthopedic surgeon at Holland Hospital who was the first in West Michigan to be certified in Mako SmartRobotics for both partial and total knee replacements.
Patrick Clark
A lifelong athlete who struggled with osteoarthritis and found relief through a robotic-assisted knee replacement procedure performed by Dr. Johnson.
Holland Hospital
A hospital in Holland, Michigan that is committed to providing advanced surgical options and positioning itself as a leader in the region for joint replacement procedures.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
Future trends in joint replacement surgery are likely to include the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance surgical planning and execution, improved imaging technologies for more precise pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance, the development of personalized implants through advancements in materials science and 3D printing, and the potential expansion of remote surgical capabilities.
The takeaway
The milestone achieved by Dr. Derick Johnson at Holland Hospital highlights the growing importance of robotic-assisted technology in orthopedic surgery, offering patients improved precision, shorter recovery times, and better outcomes. As the demand for joint replacements continues to rise, innovations like the Mako SmartRobotics™ system will be crucial for meeting this need while maintaining high standards of care.
