Dr. Nathan Cafferky, a highly regarded board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist at The Steadman Clinic serving the Vail, Frisco, and Denver, CO area. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for degenerative knee conditions. 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.
Knee Replacement Alternatives
Dr. Cafferky recommends the following top knee replacement alternatives:
Nutrition and Fitness - Maintaining a recommended body mass index (BMI) alleviates load to the knee joint, reducing symptoms. Following a regular routine of low impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling, resistance training, and assisted walking, utilizing walking sticks or similar devices, reduces the load to the knee during activity, limiting post-activity pain, and swelling. Use of RICE (ie., rest, ice therapy, compression and elevation) of the limb can help facilitate a reduction in exercise generated inflammation. Dr. Cafferky may recommend knee bracing for some patients.
Knee physical therapy - A valuable alternative to knee replacement surgery. Dr. Cafferky emphasizes the importance of knee physical therapy in his treatment approach. This non-invasive treatment option focuses on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall knee function. Physical therapy may include exercises, manual therapy techniques, and other modalities aimed at reducing pain, improving range of motion and enhancing stability.
Knee Injection Therapies - As an alternative to knee replacement surgery, knee injection therapies can be effective in managing pain and improving knee function. Dr. Cafferky and his patient discuss and select from three types of knee injections:
Corticosteroid Injections: These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medications directly into the knee joint, reducing pain and swelling.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the joint fluid. Injections of hyaluronic acid can help lubricate the knee joint, alleviate pain, and improve mobility.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient's own platelets into the knee joint, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
When to Have Knee Replacement Surgery
While knee replacement alternatives can provide relief for many individuals, there may come a point where non-surgical treatments are no longer effective. Dr. Cafferky recommends knee replacement surgery when:
Severe Pain and Disability Persist - When knee pain becomes severe, limiting daily activities, and impacting overall quality of life, surgery may be necessary to provide lasting relief.
Conservative Treatments Have Been Exhausted- If non-surgical approaches, including knee injections and physical therapy, have been tried without significant improvement, knee replacement surgery may be the next step.
Structural Damage and Joint Degeneration - When X-rays or other imaging tests reveal significant joint damage, such as bone-on-bone contact or advanced arthritis, knee replacement surgery may be the most suitable option.
Dr. Cafferky’s patient-centered approach to knee pain, and the breadth of his training and experience provide the assurance patients appreciate when considering knee replacement alternatives. With his experience with total joint replacement of the knee, knee joint revision, and fellowship-training in joint reconstruction, patients trust Dr. Cafferky to provide appropriate and effective non-surgical alternative treatments for knee pain.
If you would like to accelerate your knee pain management, request a consultation. Dr. Cafferky will evaluate you for knee replacement alternative treatments.