"There is evidence suggesting a faster onset of arthritis in the knee after ACL surgery," says Dr. Cafferky.

Recognizing that knee replacement surgery may not always be the initial option, Dr. Cafferky often recommends various knee replacement alternatives. He has extensive expertise in total joint replacement of the knee, knee joint revision, and is fellowship-trained in joint reconstruction, which has positioned him to provide patients with appropriate knee replacement alternative treatments.

When it comes to choosing the best knee replacement option, it's crucial to seek the guidance of a highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon. In Eagle and Summit counties of Colorado, Dr. Nathan Cafferky of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurology has established himself as a trusted board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in knee treatments. With clinical expertise in both full and partial knee replacements, Dr. Cafferky offers personalized care to patients in Vail, Frisco, Buena Vista, and Denver.

Nathan Cafferky, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic doctor with a strong clinical focus on joint replacement procedures, including knee replacement surgery for active patients. Dr. Cafferky’s explicit goal is to return patients to the lifestyle they enjoy — this includes a growing number of pickleball players. Patients want to know, “Can I play pickleball after knee replacement surgery?” Dr. Cafferky helps patients know how, and when they can return to pickleball following a knee replacement.

If pain, stiffness, or limited mobility is impacting your ability to do the activities you love most, it may be time to consider a total knee replacement. It's normal to have concerns about getting an artificial joint or feel anxiety about the surgery itself. Yet, for many people, a knee replacement can be transformative, allowing them to resume an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

"Can I still ski?" is a common question among winter enthusiasts with knee osteoarthritis.

The good news is that for many people, the answer is yes! With a little bit of planning and a few extra precautions, you can still chase untouched corduroy and fresh powder.

“For me, the choice for surgery boiled down to one question: do I want to live well now or wait around for some undetermined amount of time? I chose to live NOW.”

Experiencing mild discomfort after a run or workout is common, but if your knee pain becomes persistent, it could be a sign of something more serious.

No two patients are alike, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to joint replacement surgery. However, several factors will help you and your orthopaedic joint specialist determine whether a partial or total knee replacement is right for you.

Is arthritis the cause of your morning knee pain and stiffness? Here are some of the common symptoms and treatments for knee arthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can severely impact your quality of life. Here’s when to discuss your knee grinding symptoms with a joint expert.

Here’s how to tell if your knee pain is from arthritis, and what you can do to treat your painful symptoms.