"The vast majority of knee replacements function extremely well for many years," says Dr. Nathan Cafferky. "When symptoms change or become persistent, it's important to determine why."

Recognizing a failing knee replacement early allows your orthopedic surgeon to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

For many runners, slowing down is harder than dealing with pain.

It's common for athletes to adjust mileage, skip hills, or rely on braces and injections long before they ever consider knee replacement. But when arthritis starts affecting everyday activities — not just running — it may be time to explore your options.

According to Dr. Nathan Cafferky, joint replacement specialist at The Steadman Clinic, the decision to proceed with surgery isn't based solely on imaging.

"We treat patients, not X-rays," says Dr. Cafferky. "The most important question is how much the knee is limiting your life."

When patients first learn they may need hip surgery, one of the most common questions they ask is whether they need a partial hip replacement or a total hip replacement.

While both procedures can relieve pain and restore mobility, they are designed to address different conditions. Many patients assume the surgeries are nearly identical, but there are important differences that can affect recovery, long-term outcomes, and overall function.

Quick Takeaways

• Cycling is low impact and joint friendly after hip and knee replacement.

• Many patients begin stationary biking early during recovery.

• Cycling helps improve mobility, strength, and endurance.

• Both knee replacement cycling and hip replacement cycling support active lifestyles after surgery.

• Patients often return to biking before higher impact sports like skiing or tennis.

Quick Takeaways

• Asking the right questions helps patients feel more confident before surgery.

• Modern knee replacement techniques help many patients return to active lifestyles.

• Recovery often begins with walking and therapy shortly after surgery.

• Choosing the best knee replacement doctor can impact long term outcomes.

• Patients searching for a knee replacement surgeon near me should look for experience and communication.

Quick Takeaways

• A failed hip replacement can develop gradually or present with new, noticeable symptoms.

• Persistent pain, instability, or decreased function may signal a problem with the implant.

• Early evaluation can help determine whether a revision hip replacement is needed.

• A second hip replacement is often successful when issues are identified and addressed early.

• Not all discomfort means failure, but changes in how your hip feels or functions should be evaluated.

Quick Takeaways

• ROSA knee replacement uses advanced imaging and real-time data to assist surgeons with precision during surgery.

• Knee replacement technology continues to evolve, giving surgeons more tools to personalize each procedure.

• Robotic knee replacement surgery does not replace the surgeon. It enhances their ability to align and balance the joint.

• The best approach depends on your anatomy, lifestyle goals, and overall health.

For many patients living with advanced arthritis, hip replacement becomes a life changing solution. But before moving forward, it is important to understand the procedure, recovery, and long term expectations.

Dr. Nathan Cafferky, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement at The Steadman Clinic, encourages patients to come to their consultation prepared with questions. Understanding when to get hip replacement surgery, what recovery involves, and what life with a new hip will look like can help patients feel confident in their decision.

Bilateral knee arthritis presents a unique challenge. When only one knee is affected, the treatment path is usually straightforward. But when both joints are significantly worn down, patients face a more complex decision about timing and strategy for double knee replacement.

Should both knees be replaced at once, or should each joint be addressed separately?

Over the last ten years knee replacement technology has changed dramatically. What was once a mechanical procedure focused primarily on pain relief is now a highly personalized, technology driven solution designed to restore mobility, alignment, and long term performance.

Below Dr. Nathan Cafferky, board certified orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist at The Steadman Clinic, explains how modern systems including Zimmer Biomet innovations are reshaping knee replacement for active patients in Eagle County and Summit County.

Joint pain from arthritis often starts gradually. For many patients the first step is non surgical treatment. Injections are one of the most common tools used to reduce inflammation and maintain function.

But how long should you continue injections before considering surgery?

Below, Dr. Nathan Cafferky, board certified orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist at The Steadman Clinic, explains how to think about timing and when knee replacement after cortisone injections, or hip replacement after cortisone injections becomes the right next step.

Hip osteoarthritis is a progressive disease. What starts as mild pain or stiffness in the morning may eventually lead to more severe symptoms that can affect your mobility and quality of life. But how do you know if your hip pain is the beginning of osteoarthritis?

There are many potential causes of pain in the front of the hip, also called anterior hip pain. Sometimes it’s the result of an overuse injury like hip flexor strains or bursitis, but it can also be caused by a joint disease like osteoarthritis.

If you're experiencing hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, you may be facing the prospect of hip replacement surgery. It's a big decision and one that you may be tempted to put off for as long as possible. Let's take a look at some factors you should consider before deciding to postpone hip surgery.

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

How do you know when your hip pain is caused by arthritis?