Orthopedic surgeon David Abrutyn, MD, third from left, with members of RWJUH Somerset’s surgical nursing team and the hospital’s new robotic surgical technology for joint replacement surgery.
Somerville, NJ, Nov. 10, 2025 —Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital, has elevated its nationally recognized orthopedic services with the addition of robotic surgery for total hip and total knee replacement surgery, helping to enhance surgical precision, personalize treatment and accelerate patient recovery.
The hospital recently installed Mako 4 SmartRobotics™ Technology, which uses detailed 3D CT-based imaging to map each patient’s unique anatomy before surgery. During the procedure, the robotic arm provides real-time feedback, guiding the surgeon to remove only diseased bone and preserving healthy tissue, ensuring optimal implant placement and alignment.
“Our investment in this advanced robotic-assisted technology reflects RWJUH Somerset’s unwavering commitment to clinical excellence,” said Deirdre A. Blaus, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. “Robotic surgery enables our surgical team to deliver more personalized, minimally invasive procedures that improve patient outcomes, shorten recovery times and help people return to their daily lives with confidence.”
It is RWJUH Somerset’s fourth surgical “robot.” The hospital recently added a third daVinci Robotic Surgical System, which is used for urological, gynecological, colorectal and general surgeries.
The addition of robotic surgery for joint replacement surgery complements RWJUH Somerset’s nationally recognized Joint Surgery Program, which has received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total hip and total knee replacement. In the U.S. News & World Report annual hospital rankings and ratings announced in July, RWJUH Somerset achieved a High Performing Specialty rating for Orthopedics. High Performing Specialty ratings are given to hospital programs whose overall U.S. News score is in the top 10 percent in the nation for outcomes, patient experience, advanced capabilities and expert opinion scores. The hospital has also earned the Healthgrades’ 2025 Surgical Care Excellence Award, placing it among the top 10 percent in the nation for surgical care. In addition, RWJBarnabas Health was recently recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the nation’s 100 hospitals and health systems with great orthopedic programs.
RWJUH Somerset’s comprehensive joint care includes experienced orthopedic surgeons with expertise in robotic and anterior hip replacement procedures, a dedicated Joint Care Coordinator, pre-surgical education, a specialized OR and inpatient nursing team and physical and occupational therapy that begins on the day of surgery. After surgery, patients are cared for in the hospital’s new 3 Pavilion Surgical Unit, which features all-private patient rooms and a rehabilitation gym.
Learn more about orthopedic services at RWJUH Somerset.
About Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Located in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a nationally accredited, 343-bed regional hospital providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical, behavioral health and rehabilitative services to central New Jersey residents. As a designated teaching hospital of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the hospital maintains a family medicine residency program with 21 residents.
RWJUH Somerset has earned significant national recognition for clinical quality and patient safety including the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence.
The Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJUH Somerset is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. RWJBarnabas Health and RWJUH Somerset together with Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – provide access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials, cellular therapies and precision medicine, close to home. For more information, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.
Contact:
Kathleen Roberts
(908) 595-2319