Knee Surgery in Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Aptiva Health provides comprehensive knee care in Elizabehtown — from the first evaluation through imaging, conservative treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation — anchored by board-certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steve Smith and a team of orthopedic advanced practice providers. We treat the full range of knee conditions, prioritizing conservative care first — physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, and targeted injections — and offering minimally invasive surgical options including knee arthroscopy, meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and partial and total knee replacement when surgery becomes the right answer. With on-site MRI, on-site physical therapy, and an in-house orthopedic and sports medicine team, the entire knee care pathway happens under one roof.
Medically reviewed by J. Steve Smith, MD. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Why Patients Choose Aptiva Health for Knee Care in Elizabethtown
One Knee Team, One Care Pathway
Most knee patients in Elizabethtown end up coordinating care across multiple practices: a primary care office for the referral, a separate imaging center for the MRI, an orthopedic specialist booked weeks out, an injection appointment somewhere else, and a separate physical therapy practice for rehab. Each handoff is another week of delay, another insurance authorization, another appointment to drive to.
Aptiva Health is structured differently. From the initial evaluation through MRI, conservative care, injections, surgery, and post-operative rehab, the patient stays inside one organization. The surgeon, the orthopedic PA and APRN, the physical therapist, and the imaging center all share the same chart and the same plan.
Conservative Care First, Surgery When It's Right
Most knee problems do not require surgery. Our knee team starts every patient with the least-invasive treatment that is likely to work — physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, activity modification, and targeted knee injections. We measure progress, image when needed, and only recommend surgery when the patient's symptoms and imaging both indicate it is the right step.
When surgery is the right answer, we use minimally invasive techniques whenever the anatomy allows — smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, less pain, and a faster return to normal activity.
Same-Week Knee Evaluations
Aptiva Health Elizabethtown offers same-day and same-week orthopedic appointments. Patients do not wait months for a first visit. New patients with imaging in hand can often be evaluated within 7 days of calling, and acute knee injuries can be seen right away through our Immediate Injury Care walk-in clinic, including on-site X-ray.
On-Site Imaging and Therapy Across Louisville
Aptiva Health sees knee patients at multiple locations, with on-site MRI imaging and Aptiva orthopedic, sports medicine, interventional pain, and physical therapy services available close to home — including Elizabethtown, Mount Washington, Louisville East, Louisville Downtown, and Louisville Middletown. No separate trip to an outside imaging center, no long wait for the scan.
Schedule your appointment today!
Meet the Elizabethtown Knee Team
J. Steve Smith, MD - Director of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Dr. Steve Smith is the Director of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine at Aptiva Health and a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, trained at the University of Rochester, and completed a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, where he served on the medical staff for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Anaheim Ducks. He has performed thousands of orthopedic procedures on patients and athletes of all ages and treats the full range of knee conditions, from sports injuries and meniscus and ligament tears to knee arthritis and knee replacement. He has been nominated as the best orthopedic surgeon in Kentucky in 2026.
Specialty: Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgery
Title: Director of Orthopedics, Aptiva Health
Accepting New Patients: Yes
Michael Gilbert, PA-C Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Michael Gilbert has been an orthopedic physician assistant for 30 years, with experience across general orthopedics, sports orthopedics, and orthopedic spine. For knee patients, Michael provides same-week new-patient evaluations, conservative-care coordination, knee injections, and post-operative follow-up — making sure imaging, bracing, therapy, and pre-operative planning happen on schedule. Michael currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Kentucky Army National Guard as Chief Surgeon. He is the first physician assistant in the history of the Kentucky Army National Guard to hold this esteemed position.
In addition to his military service, Michael dons the hat of a soccer referee and showcases his culinary talents as a pastry chef. His diverse background includes being a former owner of an artisanal chocolate business and a proud graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Passionate about cooking, you can find Michael experimenting with various dishes on his Kamado Grill in his free time.
David Koonce — Doctor of Nursing Practice
David Koonce, ARNP, DNP, FNP-C is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of successful nursing experience in various clinical and leadership roles within dynamic health care settings. David works directly with Dr. Casnellie in the Spine department to evaluate, diagnose, and treat spine conditions, diseases, and injuries. David also has a strong background in wellness and has completed advanced training in hormone optimization, anti-aging, and injury prevention.
Knee Conditions We Treat in Elizabethtown
Our Elizabethtown knee team evaluates and treats the full range of knee injuries and degenerative conditions:
Meniscus tears — tears of the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee, from sports injuries or age-related wear.
ACL tears — anterior cruciate ligament injuries, common in pivoting and cutting sports.
PCL, MCL, and LCL injuries — sprains and tears of the other major knee ligaments.
Knee osteoarthritis — age-related cartilage wear that produces pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Cartilage injuries and chondromalacia — damage or softening of the cartilage on the joint surfaces, including the kneecap.
Patellofemoral pain and kneecap instability — pain at the front of the knee and recurrent kneecap dislocation or tracking problems.
Knee sprains and strains — acute ligament and muscle-tendon injuries.
Tendon injuries — patellar and quadriceps tendinitis and tendon tears.
Knee dislocations and loose bodies — joint dislocations and fragments of cartilage or bone within the joint.
Knee bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee.
Work-related and auto-accident knee injuries — evaluated and treated under workers' compensation and auto injury coverage.
Knee Surgeries Performed in Elizabethtown
When conservative care has not provided sufficient relief, our Elizabethtown knee surgeons perform the full range of minimally invasive and joint replacement procedures. Most are performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis at the appropriate surgical center.
Arthroscopic (minimally invasive) knee surgery
Knee arthroscopy — a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee.
Meniscus repair and meniscectomy — repairing a torn meniscus or trimming the damaged portion when repair is not possible.
ACL reconstruction — rebuilding a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft to restore knee stability.
PCL, MCL, and LCL reconstruction — ligament reconstruction or repair for instability involving the other major knee ligaments.
Cartilage restoration — procedures to repair or regrow damaged cartilage on the joint surfaces.
Loose body removal — removing fragments of cartilage or bone that cause locking or catching.
Knee replacement surgery
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement — resurfacing only the single damaged compartment of the knee while preserving the healthy ligaments and cartilage.
Total knee replacement — resurfacing all three compartments of an arthritic knee joint to relieve pain and restore function.
Kneecap (patellofemoral) surgery
Patellar realignment and stabilization — surgery to correct kneecap tracking and recurrent kneecap dislocation.
Non-surgical knee procedures
Many knee patients avoid surgery entirely with conservative treatment delivered by our orthopedic PA and APRN:
Knee injections — including corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid / gel injections) — for select patients with knee osteoarthritis.
PRP injections — platelet rich plasma injections and regenerative injections
Bracing and physical therapy — to stabilize the knee and rebuild strength and motion.
The Aptiva Stepped-Care Approach to Knee Conditions
Knee surgery is rarely a first-line treatment. Our Elizabethtown knee team follows a stepped-care approach that gives every patient the best chance of resolving symptoms without surgery.
Step 1 — Activity modification, medication, and self-care. NSAIDs, ice and heat, bracing or a knee sleeve, weight management when relevant, and avoiding the activities that aggravate symptoms.
Step 2 — Physical therapy and non-invasive treatment. Knee-specific strengthening and mobility protocols, manual therapy, and gait and movement retraining.
Step 3 — Knee injections. Corticosteroid injections and, for select arthritis patients, viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid) injections, administered by our orthopedic PA and APRN — many of which provide lasting relief and prevent the need for surgery.
Step 4 — Minimally invasive surgery or knee replacement when conservative care has not provided sufficient relief or when the diagnosis clearly requires surgical treatment.
Many patients reach Step 2 or Step 3 and stop there — their symptoms resolve and they do not need surgery. For the patients who do need surgery, the stepped-care evaluation makes sure the procedure is targeting the right problem.
When Should You See an Aptiva Knee Surgeon in Elizabethtown?
Most knee pain comes on gradually and resolves with conservative care. Certain patterns warrant prompt evaluation by an orthopedic specialist:
Knee pain that has not improved after 4–6 weeks of rest, activity modification, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and basic strengthening.
A knee that gives way, buckles, or feels unstable.
Locking or catching — the knee getting stuck or not fully straightening.
Significant swelling that develops quickly after an injury or recurs without a clear cause.
Knee pain that worsens at night or wakes you up.
Difficulty with stairs, kneeling, or walking distances because of knee pain.
A knee injury from sports, a fall, or a work or auto accident.
A prior knee surgery that did not provide the relief expected.
Get to an emergency room or urgent care immediately if you experience: an obvious knee deformity after an injury, inability to bear any weight on the leg, a knee that is hot, red, and severely swollen with fever, or numbness and loss of circulation in the foot. These can indicate a fracture, dislocation, joint infection, or vascular injury.
For non-emergency knee evaluation, Aptiva Health Elizabethtown offers same-day and same-week appointments — patients do not wait months to be seen.
Schedule your appointment today!
Schedule a Knee Consultation in Elizabethtown — Schedule Now
Aptiva Health – Elizabethtown: 529 Westport Road, Suite 2, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Drive times:
10 minutes from Fort Knox
12 minutes from Radcliff
15 minutes from Vine Grove
20 minutes from Cecilia and Hodgenville
25 minutes from Brandenburg and Sonora
30 minutes from Bardstown and Leitchfield
45 minutes from south Louisville via I-65
Communities we serve: Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Fort Knox, Vine Grove, Cecilia, Sonora, Hodgenville, Bardstown, Leitchfield, Brandenburg, Shepherdsville, and across Hardin, Meade, Nelson, LaRue, and Grayson counties.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Walk-in injury care availability may vary; call ahead to confirm.
Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Kentucky Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Surgery in Elizabethtown, KY
Who is the primary knee surgeon at Aptiva Health Elizabethtown?
Knee surgery care for Aptiva Health Elizabethtown patients is led by J. Steve Smith, MD, Director of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. Dr. Smith evaluates and treats a wide range of knee conditions, including sports injuries, ligament and meniscus injuries, arthritis, and conditions that may require knee replacement or other surgical treatment.
The broader Aptiva Health orthopedic team can also support conservative care, pre-operative planning, rehabilitation, and post-operative follow-up as part of a coordinated treatment plan.
Where can I see a knee surgeon in Elizabethtown?
Patients in Elizabethtown and surrounding Central Kentucky communities can turn to Aptiva Health for orthopedic evaluation and treatment of knee pain and injuries. Dr. J. Steve Smith serves as the primary orthopedic surgeon for knee surgery and sports medicine care for Aptiva Health Elizabethtown patients.
When diagnostic imaging is needed, the Aptiva Health team can help coordinate the appropriate studies as part of your evaluation and treatment plan.
Do I need knee surgery?
Many knee conditions can be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, symptoms, activity level, and goals, treatment may begin with options such as physical therapy, activity modification, medication, bracing, or targeted injections when appropriate.
At Aptiva Health Elizabethtown, Dr. Smith reviews your symptoms, physical examination, and available imaging before discussing whether conservative treatment or surgery should be considered.
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
A total knee replacement addresses multiple areas of the knee joint, while a partial knee replacement treats only the damaged portion of the knee in appropriately selected patients.
Partial knee replacement may be considered when arthritis is limited to a specific area of the knee and the remaining joint structures are healthy enough to preserve. Dr. J. Steve Smith can review your examination and imaging to explain which treatment options may be appropriate for your knee.
What knee conditions does Aptiva Health Elizabethtown treat?
Aptiva Health evaluates and treats a broad range of knee conditions, including meniscus injuries, ACL and other ligament injuries, knee osteoarthritis, cartilage problems, patellofemoral pain, sprains and strains, tendon injuries, and knee injuries related to sports, work, or motor vehicle accidents.
Dr. Smith leads orthopedic and sports medicine care for Elizabethtown patients who may require surgical evaluation.
How long is recovery after knee surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure, the extent of the injury or condition, and the patient's overall health and rehabilitation progress.
Less-invasive procedures such as knee arthroscopy may have a shorter recovery period than ligament reconstruction or knee replacement. Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction or joint replacement generally require a more structured rehabilitation program over several months.
Dr. Smith and the Aptiva Health team provide individualized guidance regarding activity, work, physical therapy, and return to sports or other activities.
Can I avoid knee surgery?
In many cases, yes. Knee pain and injuries may improve with non-surgical treatment such as physical therapy, activity modification, medication, bracing, and injections when appropriate.
Aptiva Health's orthopedic approach focuses on identifying treatment options that fit the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and goals. Surgery may be considered when conservative care has not provided sufficient improvement or when the nature of the injury makes surgical treatment appropriate.
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to evaluate and treat certain problems inside the knee.
It may be used for selected conditions involving the meniscus, cartilage, or other structures. Whether arthroscopy is appropriate depends on the specific injury or diagnosis. Dr. Smith can determine whether this procedure should be considered after evaluating your knee.
How quickly can I be seen for a knee evaluation at Aptiva Health Elizabethtown?
Appointment availability varies, but Aptiva Health works to provide timely orthopedic evaluations for patients experiencing knee pain or a new knee injury.
Patients with existing X-rays, MRI studies, or other medical records are encouraged to bring them to their appointment so J. Steve Smith, MD can review the information as part of the evaluation.
Does Aptiva Health Elizabethtown provide second-opinion knee consultations?
Yes. Patients who have already been evaluated elsewhere can schedule a second-opinion consultation with Aptiva Health.
Bringing previous imaging, test results, and physician notes can help Dr. Smith understand your previous evaluation and provide an independent review of your condition and available treatment options.
Does Aptiva Health Elizabethtown treat work-related and auto-accident knee injuries?
Aptiva Health evaluates knee injuries associated with workplace incidents and motor vehicle accidents. Depending on the situation, care may be coordinated through workers' compensation or applicable auto-injury coverage.
The Aptiva Health team can help patients understand the documentation and coordination involved in these types of cases.
What insurance does Aptiva Health Elizabethtown accept for knee care?
Insurance coverage varies by plan and service. Aptiva Health works with a range of insurance options and can help verify benefits before treatment.
Patients considering knee surgery or other orthopedic procedures should contact Aptiva Health to confirm current participation with their specific insurance plan and understand any applicable authorization or coverage requirements.
Who should I see for knee surgery in Elizabethtown?
For patients seeking orthopedic and sports medicine care in the Elizabethtown area, J. Steve Smith, MD, Director of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, serves as the primary provider for knee surgery evaluations through Aptiva Health Elizabethtown.
Dr. Smith can evaluate your knee, review imaging, discuss conservative and surgical options, and help develop an individualized treatment plan based on your condition and goals.