When debilitating shoulder pain prevented Sharon Koontz from living the active life she once enjoyed, she feared her treatment options were limited. Her condition required more than a traditional shoulder replacement could provide. That search for an advanced solution led her to Damion Walker, D.O., a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists.

Dr. Walker made history by performing the first-ever Mako SmartRobotics assisted shoulder replacement in Kansas and the entire Midwest, marking a major milestone in orthopedic care for the region. Performed at Kansas Spine and Specialty Hospital, the procedure established Dr. Walker as the first surgeon in the Midwest to use this advanced robotic technology for shoulder replacement, introducing a level of precision and personalized planning previously unavailable to Kansas patients.

Innovation has long defined Dr. Walker’s career. More than a decade ago, he introduced Mako robotic technology to Wichita, fundamentally changing how hip and knee replacements were performed. Today, he continues to lead the region in robotic-assisted joint replacement and remains the only surgeon in Kansas and the Midwest offering Mako SmartRobotics shoulder replacement, once again elevating the standard of orthopedic care.

Mako SmartRobotics technology allows Dr. Walker to:

• Create a fully personalized surgical plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy
• Achieve exceptional implant positioning and accuracy
• Minimize disruption to surrounding soft tissue
• Support a more efficient and controlled recovery process

Benefits for patients may include:

• Improved joint function and stability
• Reduced postoperative pain
• A more predictable return to daily activities

By being the first to bring Mako SmartRobotics shoulder replacement to Kansas and the Midwest, Dr. Walker continues to shape the future of orthopedic surgery in the region. His commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with patient-focused care is helping patients like Sharon regain comfort, confidence, and long-term mobility.