Knee Replacement Specialist

Pinnacle Orthopaedics
Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Specialists located in McMinnville, TN
If you suffer from crippling knee pain, you could be a candidate for a knee replacement. At Pinnacle Orthopaedics, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Jeffrey Peterson, DO, and the expert team can restore your knee’s function and relieve your pain. Call the nearest office in either McMinnville or Sparta, Tennessee, or book an appointment online today.
Knee Replacement Q & A
Am I a candidate for a knee replacement?
If you have exhausted all forms of conservative treatment, like physical therapy and medications, and you still suffer from severe pain and restricted movement, then a knee replacement might be right for you.
Reasons you might need a knee replacement include:
- Suffering from severe arthritic damage
- Knee pain that continues to get worse
- Having a complex fracture or injury
- Lack of improvement with conservative treatments
Dr. Peterson can determine if you need a partial or total knee replacement during your exam.
Do I need a partial or total knee replacement?
Modern technology gives Dr. Peterson the capability to repair your knee without having to replace the entire joint.
A partial knee replacement requires removing the degenerated tissue and replacing the damaged part of your knee with artificial parts.
A total knee replacement involves resurfacing your entire knee joint. You typically need a complete replacement if you suffer an injury or complex damage. Dr. Peterson removes all of your damaged cartilage from the ends of your femur and tibia and recreates your joint using metal implants. Using minimally invasive means and robotic-assisted technology, he reshapes the underside of your kneecap, inserts a plastic spacer, and replaces your knee joint with an artificial one.
Dr. Peterson also now uses the Zimmer/Biomet ROSA - Robotic Assisted Total Knee Replacement as well.
What is recovery from a knee replacement like?
After knee replacement surgery, your healing time will vary depending on the extent of your surgery and how much arthritis was in your joint. Most patients are back to light activity in 6-8 weeks and fully back to normal activities in 3-6 months.
Dr. Peterson recommends that you start moving around as soon as the day of your surgery. This movement includes light exercise and walking to encourage healing.
Do I need physical therapy after my knee replacement?
It’s crucial that you undergo physical therapy after your surgery to promote healing.
Physical therapy reduces inflammation and increases your range of motion almost immediately. Exercise increases blood flow to your knee and provides oxygen and nutrients to the tissues around the surgery area. If you keep your joint moving immediately after surgery and follow the routine Dr. Peterson gives you, you can experience a full recovery.
Call the Pinnacle Orthopaedics office nearest you or request an appointment online today.