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.

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.

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.

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.

Last month, Dr. Cafferky at his team performed one of the very first ROSA-assisted medial unicompartmental knee replacements in the United States at Vail Health!

Whether you’re a candidate for a total or partial knee replacement depends on several different factors. Here’s how to know if a partial knee replacement is right for you.