Knee Replacement Specialists in Nashville

Surgical knee replacement 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.

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.

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

However, surgical knee replacement 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 surgical knee replacement . Rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis may also require surgical knee replacement.

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. 

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.

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.

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.