Virginia Mason Franciscan Health First to Offer Advanced Robotic-Assisted Total Shoulder Replacement in Pacific Northwest

Feb. 26, 2026

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) today announced it is the first and only health system in the greater Pacific Northwest – including Washington, Oregon, and Montana – to offer advanced robotic-assisted technology for total shoulder replacement surgeries. This cutting-edge option is now available to patients at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, Wash., where the region's inaugural procedure was successfully performed by Jacob Gorbaty, MD, a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder surgery.

“There is nowhere else in Washington where you can have a robotic-assisted shoulder replacement surgery other than at St. Clare,” stated Dr. Gorbaty. “We are building an elite program here, centered around the patient. Ultimately, this technology is about precision, enhancing patient safety, and achieving superior outcomes.”

VMFH – particularly at St. Clare Hospital – has long been established for advancing orthopedic surgery options for patients, including robotic-assisted total knee and hip replacement surgeries. The addition of robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement surgery is another step forward for both patients and surgeons, utilizing the advanced technology and state-of-the-art robotics.

“Being the first in our region to offer robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement is really about offering the best care we can to our patients,” said Matthew Metsker, President of St. Clare Hospital. “As surgical technology and technique continue to evolve, we're dedicated to investing in and supporting our surgeons and surgical teams to bring cutting-edge care to patients.”

This advanced technology offers surgeons enhanced precision and provides a minimally-invasive option for complex procedures like shoulder replacement. This can lead to improved recovery times and better long-term outcomes for patients.

"St. Clare Hospital has a well-earned reputation for excellence in orthopedic care, performing several hundred joint replacements every year,” Metsker added.

Currently, most surgeons performing shoulder replacement surgery rely on manual techniques or 3D printed guides to improve accuracy. The new robotic surgical option significantly minimizes variance during this intricate procedure.

The shoulder joint, a crucial ball-and-socket mechanism, allows for a wide range of arm motion. When cartilage wears away, bone-on-bone friction causes severe pain, discomfort, and mobility issues. In total shoulder replacement surgery, both the ball and socket components are entirely replaced, requiring extreme precision and expert care.

“With a guide, you typically have about a 10-degree variance,” Dr. Gorbaty explained. “With a robot, that variance is reduced to approximately half a degree.”

Chris Anderson, the first patient in Washington state to undergo this robotic-assisted surgery, shared his journey, having felt he had exhausted all options before consulting with Dr. Gorbaty. Over time, his shoulder pain became unbearable, making everyday tasks like doing dishes, turning a wrench, or putting on a shirt impossible without assistance.

“It was embarrassing having to ask people to help with things that are commonplace,” Anderson recounted.

He sought help after someone recommended Dr. Gorbaty as one of the best shoulder surgeons in Washington state. Dr. Gorbaty, a Tacoma native who joined VMFH in 2025, emphasizes a patient-centered approach.

“Our conversations always start with alleviating pain, then restoring function, and finally rebuilding strength,” Dr. Gorbaty said. “We explore all other avenues before considering surgery, and then we ask: ‘What are the best tools we have to help?’”

The robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement surgery stands out as a powerful new tool to achieve optimal results and significantly improve patients' quality of life. While rapidly emerging, this advanced procedure is currently available in only a limited number of hospitals and medical centers across the U.S.

Today, Anderson hopes the surgery will get him back to doing the things he loves, like wrestling with his three grandkids and working on cars. His wife joked that she’s excited for him to help around the house again.

About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, including 10 hospitals and 300 care sites. Founded in 1891, VMFH embraces its long history of caring for the most vulnerable, especially the poor and underserved, and meeting the evolving health care needs of the vibrant, diverse communities it serves. VMFH is a proud home to the Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and the Benaroya Research Institute, an internationally recognized institution for autoimmune disease research. VMFH is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest health systems, dedicated to advancing health for all people.