Knee Replacement in Mt. Washington, KY
Knee replacement resurfaces the worn ends of the thigh and shin bones with metal and plastic components so the joint moves without bone grinding on bone. For Mt. Washington patients, Aptiva Health's J. Steve Smith, MD performs the operation at our Louisville-area surgical facilities, and every visit before and after happens at our Mt. Washington clinic.
Is knee replacement right for you?
Candidates have arthritis pain that limits walking, stairs or sleep and has not improved with weight management, physical therapy, bracing and injections. X-rays show the joint space is gone. Age alone is not the deciding factor; function and pain are.
What we try first in Mt. Washington
Kayla Troutman, PA-C and Michael Gilbert, PA-C manage non-surgical care at the clinic: activity changes, physical therapy, bracing, and ultrasound-guided injections. Many patients put surgery off for years this way.
The procedure
Total or partial knee replacement, chosen by how much of the knee is worn. Surgery takes about one to two hours. Most patients walk with assistance the same day.
Recovery
Physical therapy begins right away and continues at the Mt. Washington clinic with Akilah Flaherty, PTA, or at any Aptiva Health Louisville clinic. Most patients drive within a few weeks and return to walking, golf, cycling and swimming over three to six months. Dr. Smith's follow-up visits are at Mt. Washington.
Risks
Infection, blood clots, stiffness, implant loosening or wear over time, and ongoing pain in a small number of patients. We review your personal risk and how we reduce it before surgery.
Imaging and insurance
X-ray is on site; MRI, if needed, is at our Newburg Road imaging center in Louisville, including a high-field open MRI (physician referral required). We accept most major insurance plans, workers' compensation and auto-injury claims. We offer self-pay where there is no insurance, it is a non-covered service, and on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently asked questions
Who performs knee replacement for Mt. Washington patients?
J. Steve Smith, MD, Director of Orthopedics at Aptiva Health, who also sees patients at the Mt. Washington clinic.
Where is the surgery performed?
At our Louisville-area surgical facilities, about 20 minutes from Mt. Washington. Pre-operative, post-operative and physical therapy visits are at the Mt. Washington clinic.
How long is recovery after knee replacement?
Most patients walk the day of surgery, drive within a few weeks and reach most of their recovery by three months, with continued improvement to a year.
Can I avoid surgery?
Often, for years. Injections, bracing and physical therapy at the Mt. Washington clinic are the first steps.
Call 502-909-0772, walk in 8 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday, or schedule online.