Joint Replacement Gets Smarter: Inside Robotic Surgery
Booming Brilliantly 2025—A Pink Special Section
December 2025
Booming Brilliantly—A Fresh Take on Thriving at Any Age
A Pink Special Section
By EJ Goodwin
Photo by Charlotte Berkeley
When Beaufort Memorial became the first in the region to offer robotic-assisted hysterectomy surgery 17 years ago, few could have predicted the sweeping changes ahead. Chief among them: robotic joint replacements that can take patients from the operating room to their living room in a single day.
More than 2 million total joint replacements are performed annually in the United States. By 2030, that number is expected to reach 3.5 million, making it one of the most common elective procedures in the country.
Not long ago, patients undergoing knee or hip replacement typically stayed in the hospital three to four days. Today, thanks to continuous innovation, most go home after one day—some even the same day. “The evolution of joint replacement surgery has been tremendous,” said Dr. Vandit Sardana, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie. “Advancements allow surgeons like me to operate with greater accuracy, and the results for patients are significantly better.”
Enter Technology: Beaufort Memorial introduced the Mako SmartRobotics™ Arm-Assisted Surgery System for knee replacements in 2020 and added hip replacement capabilities less than two years later. Today, the health system’s orthopedic surgeons use both the Mako system and the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution to perform joint replacements with pinpoint precision—resulting in improved accuracy, comfort, and longevity.
“Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery has exceeded expectations,” said Dr. Sardana, who has performed more than 500 knee replacements using the Mako robot. “Patients are recovering faster, and outcomes have been amazing.”
Personalized Planning and Precision: “Robotic surgery” doesn’t mean that robots are taking over; the surgeon remains in control of the technology throughout the procedure. “The robot doesn’t perform the surgery or make decisions,” explained Dr. Cory Messerschmidt, a Beaufort Memorial board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. “I tell patients, ‘It’s still joint replacement surgery, and I’ll still be your surgeon.’ The technology simply combines robotic precision with human knowledge, experience, and touch.”
One of the greatest benefits of robotic technology is the ability to create a customized surgical plan. “With the software,” Dr. Messerschmidt said, “we can plan the procedure in advance and implant components with exceptional precision, aiming for better function and more natural movement.” Before surgery, a CT scan generates a 3D virtual model of the patient’s joint. Surgeons use this model to assess bone structure, disease severity, alignment, and surrounding tissue, determining the optimal size and placement of the implant. During the operation, the surgeon follows the preoperative plan, guiding the robotic arm to remove only diseased bone. A virtual boundary prevents cutting into healthy tissue, preserving bone and ligaments.
“There’s less irritation of the surrounding tissue,” noted Dr. Messerschmidt. “That usually translates to less pain.” Best of all, clinical studies confirm that robotic systems improve outcomes. Patients typically experience shorter recovery times, getting back on their feet—and back to activities they love—much sooner. That’s welcome news for Lowcountry baby boomers with advanced osteoarthritis seeking to restore mobility and quality of life.
“I feel extremely confident in the technology, tools, and recovery support available to surgeons and patients today,” Dr. Messerschmidt said. “Patient outcomes have never been better.”
Beyond Robotics: Beaufort Memorial Hospital continues to lead the way in orthopedic innovation—as one of only four hospitals in South Carolina to earn the Joint Commission’s advanced certification for total hip and knee replacement. In addition to robotic surgery, several of its orthopedic surgeons use muscle-sparing techniques, such as the Direct Anterior Approach for hip replacement. This method, performed from the front of the hip, allows surgeons to replace the joint without cutting nearby muscles or tendons. “With less muscle damage, patients typically experience less pain and recover more quickly,” said Dr. Sardana, who uses the technique for most hip replacements. “It’s a huge benefit to local patients that we can offer advanced robotic technology alongside procedures like anterior hip replacement.”
His advice for those living with joint pain? “Don’t wait until pain severely impacts your quality of life,” he said. “There are non-surgical options that may help. And if surgery is needed, today’s less invasive techniques mean less pain and faster recovery. I have patients who are back to golf or pickleball within weeks.”
Drs. Vandit Sardana and Cory Messerschmidt are board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists, serving patients in Okatie and Port Royal. As part of Beaufort Memorial’s Advanced Orthopedic & Spine team, they provide comprehensive care for a wide range of bone and joint conditions. Their expertise includes minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, as well as treatment for trauma, hand injuries, and sports-related issues. For more information, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Ortho
or call (843) 524-3015 to schedule an appointment.