NEW at Highpoint Health - Sumner: CORI™ Knee Replacement for Smoother Recovery and Expanded Access

May 21, 2026 - Patients who need knee replacement surgery now have access to a new option designed to support a more precise, individualized approach and smoother recovery, thanks to the addition of the CORI™ surgical system at Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas.

The surgeon-guided CORI™ system is used by orthopedic surgeons to help plan and perform joint replacement procedures based on each patient’s personal anatomy. During surgery, the system works like a roadmap, providing real-time images and guidance allowing the surgeon to make informed adjustments. This approach supports more precise placement, better joint balance, and improved overall function.

Because CORI™ does not require additional preoperative imaging, it may also help reduce financial barriers for some patients preparing for surgery - making advanced joint replacement options more accessible to all patients in the community.

Dr. William Beauchamp, DO, orthopedic surgeon at Highpoint Health - Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas who specializes in robotic-assisted joint replacement and sports medicine, performed the hospital’s first procedure using the system this week.

“One of the biggest advantages of this technology is that it gives us the information we need during the procedure itself, without requiring additional scans beforehand,” Dr. William Beauchamp said. “That helps remove barriers for some patients and allows us to move forward with surgery more efficiently, while still delivering a high level of precision and care.”

For patients, this approach may offer:

• A surgical experience tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy
• Improved alignment and fit of joint implants
• Better support for restoring natural movement in the joint
• Additional precision for more complex procedures, such as revision surgeries
• Potential for less pain after surgery
• A smoother recovery and faster return to daily activities

Joint replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, helping people with chronic joint pain regain mobility and improve quality of life. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 700,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States and demand for knee replacement surgeries is expected to grow 180 percent by 2030.

“The real-time guidance allows us to see and adjust as we go, which helps us achieve better alignment and balance in the knee,” said Dr. Beauchamp. “For patients, that can mean more natural movement, less discomfort after surgery, and a smoother, quicker recovery.”

The addition of the CORI™ system reflects Highpoint Health Sumner’s continued investment in advanced orthopedic technology and expanding access to quality care close to home for patients across Middle Tennessee.