Patients Benefit from Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery at DeTar Healthcare System

11/19/2025

Patients at DeTar Healthcare System have access to advanced, robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery — often bringing greater precision, faster recovery and personalized results to orthopedic care close to home.

Dr. Douglas A. Matey, III, an orthopedic surgeon with Victoria Orthopedic Center, recently performed six successful robotic-assisted knee replacement surgeries at DeTar in October and four surgeries in November to date. The technology, which has been in place at DeTar since November 2023, allows surgeons to use 3D digital modeling to get a surgical plan customized to the patients’ unique bone anatomy, thus creating an individualized procedure plan.

“This technology allows us to perform joint replacement surgery with a higher level of accuracy and customization than ever before,” said Dr. Matey. “It helps ensure a natural fit and better alignment, which can mean less pain, improved mobility, and a quicker recovery for our patients. Given the successful outcomes we have had since implementation in late 2023, I am pleased to see the increase in procedures as patients learn this technique is available close to home.”

The system gives surgeons real-time data and enhanced precision during surgery, helping orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Matey to make exact adjustments in an effort to achieve the best possible results. It also helps to ensure the surgeon only removes bone within the surgeon-defined plan.

“It is concerning for many orthopedic surgeons like myself that there are patients unaware of robotic-assisted procedures and recent advancements that have been made in the field of orthopedics,” said Dr. Matey. “I hope to continue to expand awareness on recent advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries in the Crossroads.”

Brett Maxfield, chief executive officer of DeTar Healthcare System, said the addition of this advanced technology demonstrates DeTar’s commitment to investing in innovation that benefits local patients. “Our goal is to continuously elevate the care we provide,” said Maxfield. “By offering robotic-assisted joint replacement right here in Victoria, our patients receive modern treatment close to home. It’s another example of how we’re putting advanced medicine to work for the people in our community.”

The DeTar Center for Joint Replacement offers care for patients needing hip or knee replacement surgery — from education and preparation through recovery and rehabilitation.

The robotic-assisted technology can be used for:

• Total knee replacement (TKR) – to relieve pain and restore mobility caused by osteoarthritis
• Partial knee replacement (PKR) – a less invasive option for early- to mid-stage arthritis in one area of the knee

“Robotic-assisted joint replacement is transforming what we can offer our patients at DeTar,” said Stephanie Schuckenbrock, director of orthopedics at DeTar Healthcare System. “This technology gives our orthopedic team an unprecedented level of accuracy and control, allowing us to tailor each procedure to the patient’s unique needs. We’re proud to bring this level of innovation to our community, because it means our patients don’t have to travel far to receive the advanced, high-quality care they deserve.”

Knee replacement surgeries are on the rise nationwide — projected to increase by 180% by 2030 — and last year, DeTar Hospital Navarro performed more than 350 joint replacement procedures. With this new technology, DeTar continues to expand advanced care options for patients in the Crossroads region.

Stephanie Schukenbrock, director of orthopedics and bariatric surgery, in DeTar’s OR with Dr. Matey. Schuckenbrock’s role at DeTar assists navigating patients to area orthopedic surgeons, providing local surgical solutions.

The DeTar OR team assisting Dr. Matey on robotic assisted surgeries: from left to right: Stacy Broome, R.N., BSN, Barbara Lawrence, P.A.-C, Raquel Garcia, R.N., BSN, Dr. Douglas A. Matey,III, Deandra Pena, CST, and Jennifer Lambert R.N., BSN.

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