Norwich — Orthopedic surgeons Dr. William Cambridge of New London County Orthopedic Surgery and Dr. Scott Stanat of Norwich Orthopedic Group will lead a free community education event on MAKOplasty technology for knee and hip procedures from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 in the hospital's main lobby conference rooms at 326 Washington St.

Backus is the first hospital in Eastern Connecticut to offer the MAKOplasty robotic procedure for partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement procedures using the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, the hospital said in a news release. RIO is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that enables accurate alignment and placement of implants.

Registration is required. To register, call (855) 442-4373.