A new orthopedic robot at Ajax Hospital has been used to complete what Lakeridge Health describes as Canada’s first joint-replacement procedure performed with Stryker’s fourth-generation robotic platform.
Lakeridge Health officially launched the Stryker 4.0 Orthopedic Robotics Platform at Ajax Pickering Hospital on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kaj Ravichandiran performed the first Canadian joint replacement using the system, marking the beginning of Lakeridge Health’s new Orthopedic Robotics Program.
The technology was purchased with support from a $2-million donation made by the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation.
Orthopedic Robot at Ajax Hospital Expands Surgical Care
The new platform is designed to assist surgical teams with planning and performing joint-replacement procedures.
It uses patient-specific imaging and robotic guidance to help surgeons position implants and make planned bone cuts with greater precision.
The surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure, with the robotic system serving as an advanced surgical tool rather than operating independently.
Lakeridge Health says the technology can be used for primary joint replacements as well as more complicated revision procedures involving a previous implant.
Dr. Ravichandiran said combining the expertise of surgical teams with the new technology can support more personalized planning and greater surgical accuracy.
The hospital said patients may also benefit from an improved recovery experience, although individual results will depend on the patient, procedure and other medical factors.
$2-Million Donation Supports New Program
The Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation provided $2 million to help the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation purchase Lakeridge Health’s first orthopedic robot.
The launch occurred shortly before what would have been Durham Region philanthropist Jerry Coughlan’s 90th birthday.
His widow, Lyn Dunlop-Coughlan, said Coughlan believed strongly in supporting the community and helping future generations remain healthy.
The family foundation’s contribution continues a history of supporting health-care projects in Ajax and Pickering.
Steven Cook, chief executive officer of the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, said the donation will help patients access advanced surgical care closer to home.
More Than 1,055 Robotic Procedures Completed
Lakeridge Health’s broader Surgical Robotics Program began in 2022 with the introduction of the da Vinci Surgical System at Oshawa Hospital.
By the end of June 2026, Lakeridge Health reported completing more than 1,055 robotic-assisted procedures in several surgical specialties.
Those specialties include:
- Urology
- Thoracic surgery
- Gynecology
- Colorectal surgery
- General surgery
The new orthopedic platform expands the program into hip and knee joint-replacement care.
Lakeridge Health says it is the first health-care organization in Canada to offer the new Stryker 4.0 platform.
Technology Uses Patient-Specific Planning
Stryker’s fourth-generation Mako platform combines three-dimensional, CT-based planning with haptic guidance technology.
Before surgery, the system allows the medical team to prepare a plan based on the patient’s anatomy.
During the operation, the robotic platform helps the surgeon work within the boundaries of that plan while assessing implant positioning and surrounding tissue.
The system supports total-knee, partial-knee and total-hip replacement applications.
Lakeridge Health President and CEO Cynthia Davis said launching the Orthopedic Robotics Program supports the organization’s goal of using innovation and technology to improve patient care.
The orthopedic robot at Ajax Hospital is expected to serve patients from Ajax, Pickering and communities throughout Durham Region.
