Total knee replacement is evolving, and with it, so is patient care. Dr. Nathan Cafferky and his team at The Steadman Clinic are proud to offer Persona IQ, the world’s first and only smart knee implant to receive De Novo status from the FDA for total knee replacement surgery. This state-of-the-art technology allows Dr. Cafferky to monitor your recovery progress remotely, ensuring you stay connected to your healthcare team every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know about how Persona IQ can enhance your recovery experience.

Travel after knee or hip replacement is achievable with thoughtful planning and by following your body’s needs. Dr. Cafferky’s approach emphasizes preparation, movement, and comfort, helping patients enjoy safe, fulfilling travel experiences. By following these guidelines, patients can confidently explore the world with their new joint, embracing the freedom of pain-free movement.

Preparing for ski season after a knee replacement is not only possible—it can be incredibly rewarding with the right approach! By following Dr. Cafferky’s recommended exercises and staying mindful of your knee’s limitations, you can build strength, improve balance, and get back to enjoying the slopes.

Understanding the life expectancy of knee replacements and hip replacement life expectancy helps patients set realistic expectations and plan for the future. Dr. Cafferky encourages patients to be proactive about their joint health and stay active within their limitations. "With the right surgical treatment and post-operative plan, most patients can enjoy 20 years or more of pain-free mobility after joint replacement surgery," he says.

"OrthoGrid Hip AI offers an unparalleled level of accuracy, which directly translates into better patient outcomes,” notes Dr. Cafferky. "Precision in implant placement and alignment is critical for the longevity and success of a hip replacement.” 

The choice of materials in knee replacements is a critical factor that can influence the success of the surgery and the longevity of the implant. By selecting the best material for knee replacement, patients can enjoy improved mobility, reduced pain, and a better quality of life.

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

The question of the minimum age for knee replacement is a topic Dr. Cafferky encounters in his practice. Knee replacement surgery is a transformative procedure that can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic knee pain and debilitating conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, determining the right age for this procedure is a nuanced decision that requires careful consideration.

As an experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with a clinical emphasis on joint replacement surgery, I am keenly aware of the pivotal role joint health plays in maintaining overall well-being. As we usher in 2024, I am sharing my top practical tips to help you safeguard and enhance the health of your joints in the new year.

Embark on a transformative journey toward improved joint health through total joint surgery at The Steadman Clinic with Dr. Nathan Cafferky, a board-certified specialist in shoulder and knee joint replacement serving patients in Vail and Frisco, Colorado.

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.

If you are considering having hip or knee replacement surgery — or have one scheduled — you may be feeling a mix of emotions: excited at the prospect of improved mobility and reduced pain, but also anxious or overwhelmed. However, with the right support and preparation, you can minimize some of the associated stress and set yourself up for a successful surgery and recovery process.

“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.”

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.

If you're considering a total knee replacement, learn more about three new technologies Dr. Cafferky offers to help you get back to doing the activities you love.

Dr. Cafferky and his team are proud to offer Persona IQ, the world’s first and only smart knee implant granted De Novo status by the FDA for total knee replacement surgery.

Here are some signs it’s time to speak with your orthopaedic joint replacement expert about getting a total knee replacement.