Summerville, SC — HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital has reached a significant milestone in its robotic

surgery program with the successful completion of its first knee replacement surgery using a new

state-of-the-art robotic surgical system. This advancement brings unparalleled precision, personalization, and

consistency to partial and total knee replacement procedures, expanding access to cutting-edge technology for

patients across Dorchester County, Berkeley County, and surrounding communities.

Eric Stem, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery, performed the first

procedure in January. “Robotic assistance doesn’t make the surgery smaller or easier on the outside — but it

does make it more precise on the inside,” said Dr. Stem. “Our goal is always to help patients achieve the best

possible long‑term function and confidence in their joint health, and this technology enhances our ability to tailor

the surgery to each individual.”

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), total knee replacements in the United

States are projected to increase by 85% between 2020 and 2030, driven by an aging population and rising

rates of osteoarthritis. While every patient’s experience is different, robotic-assisted knee replacement benefits

include:

• A comprehensive evaluation to determine whether robotic knee replacement is the best option. This includes advanced imaging and personalized care planning to align with each patient’s goals.
• A personalized surgical approach based on each patient’s anatomy.
• CT-based 3D planning for detailed visualization of patient-specific anatomy.
  
• Enhanced accuracy in implant positioning and alignment.
  
• Intraoperative guidance for consistent execution of the surgical plan.
  
• Improved ability to accommodate individual bone structure and joint mechanics.
  
• Patients who may benefit from knee replacement include individuals with severe osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, or limited mobility that does not respond to conservative treatments.

HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital’s commitment to innovation ensures that patients have access to

advanced surgical care close to home and delivering high quality care that focuses on patient outcomes. Since

launching its robotic surgery program in 2012, the hospital has invested heavily in advanced technology, now

operating eight robotic surgical systems—six for general surgery, one for spinal procedures, and the newest

addition for knee replacement surgery. To date, the hospital has performed over 8.700 minimally invasive

robotic surgeries, benefiting patients across specialties such as colorectal, gynecological, urological,

orthopedic, and spine surgery.

Over the past decade, HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital has invested more than $250 million in expanding

facilities and elevating services to meet the growing needs of the Lowcountry community, including:

• Opening a Level III Neonatal ICU (NICU)
  
• $67 million inpatient tower expansion, increasing licensed beds by 40% to 174 private beds, including a post-surgical unit
  
• $10.5 million surgical expansion for nine operating rooms and enhanced post-anesthesia care
  
• $24 million emergency department expansion, including a dedicated pediatric ER
  
• $61 million women’s, neonatal, and surgical services expansion
  
• Opened HCA Healthcare Brighton Park ER, a freestanding ER near Nexton
  
• Opened HCA Healthcare Summerville Breast Center for comprehensive breast health services

HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital and HCA Healthcare Charleston continue to be recognized for

excellence, earning national distinctions from Healthgrades in 2025, including:

• Top 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery
• Top 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery
  
• Top 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery
  
• Top 100 Best Hospitals for Prostrate Surgery