OrthoInfo

Knee Replacement Surgery: What Can I Expect?

In this episode of the OrthoInfo podcast, adult reconstruction surgeons Matthew Deren, MD, FAAOS, and Nicholas Scarcella, MD, FAAOS, help patients understand what to expect if you have knee replacement surgery — from what makes someone a good candidate for the procedure to surgical preparation to what happens when an implant fails. Drs. Deren and Scarcella offer an honest look at the recovery process, setting realistic expectations about the challenges of the first two months, the role of physical therapy, how the new knee may feel and function, and the long road back to the activities patients love. They also discuss robotic-assisted knee replacement, which has been gaining popularity in recent years but may not be right for every patient. And they emphasize the importance of trying to manage arthritis symptoms without surgery as long as the knee isn’t causing too many problems. As Dr. Deren put it: “If people can have a lot of knee arthritis and be functioning very well, I tell them, ‘keep your own parts as long as you can.’” Key Topics Covered in this Episode * What a knee replacement is — A breakdown of the implant components and how the procedure is different from what many patients imagine * Who is a good candidate — The medical, physical, and lifestyle factors that determine surgical readiness * Conservative treatment first — Why injections, anti-inflammatories, injections, and physical therapy can often delay or even eliminate the need for surgery * The role of robotic surgery — How robotic technology improves precision and reproducibility in the OR * What to expect during recovery — A week-by-week look at assistive devices, home PT, outpatient PT, and range-of-motion milestones * Inpatient vs. outpatient surgery — The benefits going home the same day as the procedure, and why you might have to stay in the hospital * Post-surgery pain management — The role of opioids after knee replacement, and why it’s important to stay ahead of pain once you go home * Red flags to watch for — Signs of infection, blood clots, and stiffness that require immediate attention * Activity and lifestyle after surgery — What patients can realistically return to, and which adjustments they may need to make, including whether it’s safe to kneel on the operated knee * Knee replacement longevity — How implant technology has evolved and why protecting your replacement matters Revision surgery — Why knee replacement revision is not as simple as the original procedure, and why it’s nothing like hip replacement

Why Does My Back Hurt?

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints — and as anyone who’s ever experienced it knows, it can have a profound effect on your daily life. In this episode of the OrthoInfo podcast, spine surgeons Catherine Olinger, MD, MS, FAAOS, and Melissa Erickson, MD, MBA, FAAOS, help listeners understand what causes back pain and how you can get relief (hint: often, without surgery).  Drs. Olinger and Erickson discuss when back pain warrants a trip to the doctor and which symptoms are true red flags requiring emergency care, as well as the important distinction between acute and chronic pain. They explain the "ladder of invasiveness" approach to treatment, why they typically recommend conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections before surgery is ever considered, and how to set realistic expectations if surgery does become necessary. They also emphasize that it’s essential to tailor surgical treatment to each patient’s unique needs: Not every procedure is right for every patient, and taking the wrong approach can do more harm than good.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is experiencing back pain and wondering whether they should try managing it at home or see a doctor. Oh — and if you should see a doctor, should it be an orthopaedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon? What’s the difference? Listen to find out. Host: Catherine R. Olinger, MD, MS, FAAOS, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; OrthoInfo Spine Section Editor Guest: Melissa M. Erickson, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Duke University Hospital Perioperative Services; Co-Director, Combined Complex Spine Fellowship

Does My Rotator Cuff Tear Require Surgery?

This episode of the OrthoInfo podcast is brought to you by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). In the episode, host Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, sits down with shoulder and elbow surgeon Daniel Acevedo, MD, FAAOS, to help listeners understand when a torn rotator cuff might – and might not – need surgery. From understanding the difference between partial- and full-thickness rotator cuff tears to navigating the full spectrum of nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and biologic implants, Drs. Bishai and Acevedo break down how surgeons evaluate each patient's unique situation and why shared decision-making is at the heart of choosing the right path forward when you have a rotator cuff injury. Key Topics Covered in this Episode: * Types of Rotator Cuff Tears: The differences between degenerative, overuse, and traumatic tears, as well as partial-thickness vs. full-thickness tears — and why understanding which type a patient has matters for treatment planning. * Symptomatic vs. Asymptomatic Tears: Why some patients can live with a rotator cuff tear without knowing it, and what changes when a tear becomes painful. * The Natural History of Untreated Tears: Why roughly 50% of full-thickness tears increase in size over two to five years — and what that means for long-term outcomes. * When To See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain: Which symptoms are concerning, why it’s a good idea to initially try home remedies like rest and ice to see if the pain goes away, and at what point you should be evaluated by a doctor. * Conservative Treatment First: The role of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and the "one-and-done" approach to corticosteroid injections in managing rotator cuff symptoms. * Biologic Therapies and PRP: How platelet-rich plasma and collagen implants are changing the way partial thickness tears are managed — and why Dr. Bishai has a collagen implant in his own shoulder. * When It's Time for Surgery: The clinical indicators — including persistent pain, failed conservative management, and tear progression — that signal it's time to have the surgical conversation. * Using Ultrasound in the Clinic: How in-office ultrasound can provide quick, valuable information without immediately ordering an MRI. * Pain Patterns That Point to Diagnosis: Why shoulder pain that stays above the elbow points to the rotator cuff, and what it means when symptoms travel further down the arm, plus how to know if the symptoms are due to a shoulder or neck issue. About Our Guest: Daniel Acevedo, MD, FAAOS, is a shoulder and elbow surgeon with Los Angeles Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists in Tarzana, Calif. He is a member of the American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) who has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and surgical training videos focused on shoulder and elbow surgery. His special interests include biologic augmentation for rotator cuff repair and treating both competitive and recreational athletes. The OrthoInfo podcast is part of the BoneBeat Orthopaedic podcast channel, with production and editing provided by MK Quinn Media. For more conversations on orthopaedic health and patient care, please visit aaos.org/thebonebeat. Host: Shariff K. Bishai, DO, FAAOS, Shoulder & Sports Medicine Surgeon, Detroit Orthopaedic Institute; member, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES); member, OrthoInfo Editorial Board

How Does Menopause Affect Bone and Joint Health?

This episode, hosted by sports medicine surgeon and OrthoInfo Editor-in-Chief Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS, helps listeners understand how menopause impacts women’s bone and joint health. It teaches listeners about the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, a term used to describe common bone and joint issues — including frozen shoulder, loss of muscle mass and bone density, and early-onset osteoarthritis — related specifically to the sharp drop in estrogen during menopause.  Jocelyn Ross Wittstein, MD, FAAOS, a nationally recognized expert and sports medicine surgeon at Duke University Medical Center, provides her clinical insights and key research findings. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and women’s health professionals; proactive strategies for osteoporosis prevention (yes, you can prevent it!), including specific dietary changes and exercises; and how women can self-advocate to ensure that their symptoms are treated holistically rather than being written off as normal aging or treated as isolated structural issues.  Host: Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, FAAOS,  Guest: Jocelyn Ross Wittstein, MD, FAAOS,

Why Do My Feet Hurt?

This episode of the OrthoInfo Podcast takes a deep dive into the complexities of foot and ankle pain, covering everything from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, to fractures, to congenital and degenerative conditions. Arianna Gianakos, DO, and Kamran Hamid, MD, MPH, FAAOS, both board-certified orthopedic surgeons, discuss the factors that contribute to foot pain and dysfunction — including improper footwear, overuse, and sports participation — and offer advice to help avoid serious foot problems. Drs. Gianakos and Hamid also explain when to seek professional help for foot issues, including red-flag symptoms that require urgent care, and the difference between foot and ankle surgeons and podiatrists. They offer advice about how to navigate health information on the Internet and why it’s important for patients to do their research rather than relying solely on AI summaries for answers. And they highlight some of the exciting advances in foot and ankle surgery that are helping more patients get back on their feet. Host: Arianna Gianakos, DO Guest: Kamran Hamid, MD, MPH, FAAOS