There's a particular kind of tired that comes from managing knee pain every day. It's the extra few seconds it takes to stand up from a chair. It's the stairs you now plan around, or the walk with the dog that used to be relaxing. At some point, most people start wondering if it's time to talk to a surgeon.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we bring orthopedic surgical expertise to patients across the Atlanta area. We work alongside a team that believes surgery should be considered carefully, not rushed into.
Many patients try physical therapy, injections, or anti-inflammatory medication first, which is often the right approach. If those options no longer provide meaningful relief, that's worth discussing with a provider.
Visible changes matter too. Noticeable swelling, a knee that feels unstable, or a leg that appears bowed can all point to advancing joint damage. A qualified provider can help determine what's happening and what it means for you.
When surgery is the right path, our providers use modern, minimally invasive techniques designed to protect surrounding tissue. These approaches can mean smaller incisions and, for many patients, less post-operative discomfort.
Medici pairs surgical expertise with Dr. Sonny Dosanjh's interventional pain management approach. That means patients aren't funneled toward surgery by default. Injections, physical therapy, and regenerative options are genuinely considered first.
Total knee replacement resurfaces the entire knee joint, replacing damaged cartilage and bone with a prosthetic implant. This is typically recommended when arthritis or damage has spread across most of the joint, rather than staying isolated to one area. It remains one of the most common and well-studied orthopedic procedures performed today.
Partial knee replacement addresses damage limited to one section of the knee, leaving healthy bone and cartilage intact elsewhere. Because less of the joint is involved, some patients experience a faster initial recovery. This option isn't right for everyone; it depends heavily on where and how the joint has deteriorated.
Robotic-assisted surgery uses detailed imaging and real-time guidance to help position the implant with a high degree of precision. This technology doesn't replace the surgeon's judgment; it supports it. Combined with minimally invasive techniques, this can mean:
Sometimes a previous knee replacement wears out, loosens, or develops complications years after the original surgery. Revision surgery replaces some or all of the original implant components. This is a more complex procedure than a first-time replacement, and experience matters significantly here. Not every surgeon regularly performs revisions, so it's worth asking directly about this experience if you're facing a second surgery.
Your first visit typically includes a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Imaging, such as X-rays, helps assess the joint. This is also when your surgeon discusses your symptoms, daily limitations, and goals. Many patients find it helpful to write down questions beforehand.
If surgery is recommended, planning begins well before the operating room. This stage often includes:
Most knee replacements are performed at an ambulatory surgery center. Many patients go home the same day or after a short stay. The procedure itself generally takes one to two hours, though this varies by case. Afterward, patients spend time in a recovery area before being cleared to go home.
Recovery isn't a single milestone; it unfolds in stages. In the first one to two weeks, the focus is on pain management, swelling reduction, and gentle movement. By six weeks, many patients are walking with significantly less discomfort and have started structured physical therapy.
Targeted physical therapy can strengthen the muscles supporting the knee, which sometimes reduces pain significantly. This is often the first step recommended, especially for earlier-stage arthritis.
Regenerative treatments, including platelet-rich plasma and prolotherapy, aim to support the body's own healing response. These may help some patients reduce pain and delay surgery, though results vary.
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can offer meaningful, if temporary, relief. These are often used as part of a broader plan rather than a standalone solution.
Myth: Knee pain always ends in surgery eventually.
Fact: Many patients manage knee pain successfully for years, or avoid surgery altogether, through conservative care.
Medici Orthopaedics & Spine serves patients across the greater Atlanta area. Our locations are designed to make care accessible no matter where you live.
Medici operates surgery centers in Marietta and Snellville alongside its clinics. Consultations, imaging, and physical therapy referrals can happen through the same connected team.
Medici accepts Medicare and many other insurance plans. Our team can help verify coverage details before your first visit.
Most patients see significant improvement within six weeks, with continued progress over three to six months, though timelines vary by individual.
There's no strict age cutoff. Candidacy depends more on overall health, activity goals, and the extent of joint damage than age alone.
Robotic-assisted surgery uses imaging and real-time guidance to help position implants with added precision, while traditional methods rely on manual technique and instrumentation.
Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments no longer provide relief and pain significantly limits daily function, not based on pain alone.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover knee replacement when medically necessary. Our team can help verify your specific coverage.
Choosing a surgeon is ultimately about trust. That means trusting their experience, their honesty about your options, and their commitment to your goals. Whether you're just starting to explore your pain or already expect surgery is ahead, clear information makes the decision easier.
Medici was built around that kind of clarity. Dr. Newfield's surgical skill is paired with a team that genuinely explores every option first. You're never left guessing why a particular path was suggested for you.
If knee pain has started shaping your daily decisions, a conversation with our team can help. We'll clarify what's going on and what your realistic options are.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Marietta: 792 Church Street, Unit 101, Marietta, GA 30060 | (470) 795-8398
Snellville: 2220 Wisteria Dr, Unit 100, Snellville, GA 30078 | (470) 795-8398
Clinics
Kennesaw: 2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50, Kennesaw, GA 30144 | (770) 545-6404
Snellville: 2220 Wisteria Drive, Unit 101, Snellville, GA 30078 | (470) 645-9297
Buckhead PM&R: 3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 520, Atlanta, GA 30327 | (770) 872-7549
Follow Us
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Instagram: @mediciorthoandspine
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCJOOMMEtNnvI7-tKln3Umyw
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified provider to discuss your specific situation.
Explore our library of patient support guides covering the conditions we treat, the treatments we offer, and the questions we hear most. Each one is written to help you understand your options and feel confident about your next step. Browse the topics below to learn more, or reach out to our team anytime.
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