Knee Replacement Surgeries Specialist in Nashville

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery restores function to a knee damaged by an injury or disease like arthritis. This safe and effective procedure can relieve knee pain and help you return to normal activities.

Also called total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty, this procedure involves removing worn-out or injured parts of your knee joint and replacing them with artificial components made of metal and plastic.

What Type of Doctor Performs Knee Replacement Surgery?

An orthopedic knee replacement specialist can perform this surgery. Elite has one orthopedic knee replacement specialist - Dr. Raab - that practices in Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee.

Who Is a Candidate for a Knee Replacement?

Elite knee replacement specialists typically explore non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, before recommending a knee replacement. 

However, knee replacement surgery may be right for you if conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief from your pain and symptoms.

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is the most common reason people get knee replacement surgery. Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis may also require knee replacement surgery.

When is it Time to See a Knee Replacement Specialist? 

Knee replacement is a big surgery that requires a lot of patience and dedication in recovery. So how do you know when it's time for knee replacement? If you say "yes" to the following questions, it may be time for a knee replacement:

1. Have you tried all conservative treatment options for knee pain?

If you've already tried injections, physical therapy, activity modification, losing weight, and nothing seems to be helping, it may be time to consider surgery.

2. Are you unable to do things you enjoy?

If knee pain is limiting your mobility and making it difficult to do things you enjoy like walking, biking, or playing with your grandkids, knee replacement surgery may be the answer to getting you back to doing what you love.

3. Have You Had Enough?

You may be able to live with knee pain for a while, but eventually having issues walking, difficulty sleeping, and always getting injections and taking medications get to be too much. If you are feeling burdened by your knee pain, seek help from a knee replacement specialist. 

How Does a Knee Replacement Doctor Perform Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery happens while you’re asleep under general anesthesia. Your Elite knee replacement doctor makes an incision along your knee to expose the joint.

Your surgeon removes damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone from the ends of your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia), then replaces the removed cartilage with metal implants. They may also resurface the kneecap (patella) with a plastic implant.

Your surgeon inserts a spacer made of medical-grade plastic between the metal implants. Then, they move your knee through its full range of motion to make sure it glides smoothly and close the incision with stitches.

What Is the Recovery Like After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Most people stay in the hospital for 1-3 days after a knee replacement surgery. Your Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics provider creates a recovery plan that includes pain management, wound care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. Typically, physical therapy begins a few hours after surgery and may continue for approximately 6-8 weeks.

The amount of time it takes to recover from knee replacement surgery varies, but most people resume normal daily activities 12 weeks after surgery. Full recovery may take up to one year. After your recovery period, you may engage in most activities you enjoyed prior to surgery.

Why Choose Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics for Knee Replacement Surgery in Nashville?

Knee problems can limit the way your body functions, making it difficult to live the lifestyle you want. If you're dealing with severe, persistent knee pain, Elite Sports Medicineand+ Orthopedics can help. 

We provide knee replacement surgery to help you regain your quality of life. Knee replacement surgery can significantly reduce your pain and correct severe, long-term damage. At Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, our board-certified knee replacement surgeon uses advanced technologies and techniques to minimize your discomfort and help you recover more quickly. 

You can expect personalized, patient-driven care from all our staff. Every patient receives VIP treatment, and you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere that's unique from the traditional waiting room experience.

Schedule an Appointment With Knee Replacement Surgeons in Nashville

For expert care in knee replacement surgery, call Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics, or book an appointment online today. You'll benefit from our years of experience and exceptional patient care.

We make it easy for Nashville-area patients to receive the treatment they need. We have five convenient locations in Tennessee — four in Nashville and one in Franklin. We can schedule your knee replacement surgery at the Nashville or Franklin location nearest you.

Our Knee Replacement Surgery Specialist