The Joint Replacement Podcast

Matthew Sloan, MD

Hosted by orthopedic surgeon Matthew Sloan, MD, Director of Robotics in Orthopedic Surgery at Emerson Health in Concord, Massachusetts, this podcast helps patients understand hip and knee replacement surgery. Dr. Sloan interviews leading joint replacement surgeons about robotic surgery, implant technology, recovery, and how to choose the right surgeon. Clear, expert guidance for anyone considering joint replacement or looking to stay active and pain-free.

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26 episodes
Avg 45 min
English

Episodes 26

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S1 · E41
Yesterday · 58 min
RACER Knee: Does Robotic Knee Replacement Actually Improve Outcomes? | Andy Metcalfe & Ed Davis
The RACER Knee Trial is one of the most important randomized evaluations of robotic-assisted total knee replacement to date. The headline finding is provocative: robotic-assisted surgery was more precise, but patients did not report better outcomes at 12 months compared with conventional total knee replacement. But does that mean robots do not work? In this episode, I’m joined by RACER Knee investigators Professor Andy Metcalfe and Professor Ed Davis for an in-depth discussion of what the trial actually tells us. We examine the Forgotten Joint Score, statistical power, surgeon experience, alignment philosophy, MCL releases, patellar resurfacing, cemented versus cementless fixation, costs, study funding, and the difference between achieving greater precision and knowing exactly where that precision should take us. We also discuss one of the trial’s most fascinating observations: patients who believed they received robotic surgery had substantially higher Forgotten Joint Scores than those who believed they underwent conventional surgery, highlighting the importance of blinding and patient perception in surgical trials. Finally, Andy and Ed explain what they would change if RACER were designed today and preview what is coming next, including health economic analysis, learning-curve research, alignment analyses, and longer-term 2-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up. RACER may not be the end of the robotics debate. It may be the beginning of a much more interesting question: We have the ability to perform knee replacement with extraordinary precision. Now, do we know where we should put the knee?
S1 · E40
Wednesday · 51 min
Elizabeth Gausden, MD: Periprosthetic Fractures, Robotics & the Rise of Traumaplasty
Elizabeth Gausden, MD, joins The Joint Replacement Podcast to discuss one of the most challenging areas in orthopedic surgery: what happens when trauma and joint replacement intersect. Dr. Gausden is an orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery specializing in primary and revision hip and knee replacement, periprosthetic fractures, and complex reconstruction. After residency at HSS, she completed fellowship training in orthopedic trauma at UTHealth Houston and adult reconstruction at Mayo Clinic. We discuss her path to dual fellowship training, fixation versus revision for periprosthetic fractures, nail-plate constructs and distal femoral replacement, direct anterior primary and revision hip replacement, robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement, collared cementless stems, cementless knee fractures, heterotopic ossification, the Quiet Knee recovery philosophy, and how modern fixation is changing what surgeons can accomplish in increasingly complex patients. Dr. Gausden also previews the inaugural IOEN Traumaplasty Course in Orlando, October 2–3, 2026. The cadaver-based course brings trauma and arthroplasty experts together to teach practical techniques for periprosthetic fractures, revision reconstruction, and other challenging cases at the intersection of the two specialties. 🎓 FREE registration for residents and fellows Use code: TRAUMA100 Course information and registration: https://ioen.net/ioen-2026-traumaplasty-course-home/
S1 · E39
August 22 · 6 min
The First Month After Knee Replacement: Week-by-Week Recovery
What really happens after you leave the hospital following a knee replacement? In this episode of The Joint Replacement Podcast, I walk through the first month of recovery week by week—including the physical challenges and the psychological transition that patients may not expect. We cover: • Week 1: Survival & Stability — pain, swelling, disrupted sleep, fatigue, and learning to accept help • Week 2: Variability — why recovery isn't linear and why a bad day doesn't necessarily mean you're going backward • Week 3: The Emotional Dip — when progress can feel slow, motivation falls, and discipline becomes especially important • Week 4: Momentum — when walking, strength, pain, and confidence may begin to noticeably improve I also explain the “false plateau,” why doing too much on a good day can backfire, and why pain or swelling after increased activity can sometimes be feedback rather than failure. The first month after knee replacement isn't just physical recovery. It's a transition from dependence to independence—and from uncertainty to confidence. If you're preparing for knee replacement, recovering now, or helping someone through the process, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for those critical first four weeks. For general educational purposes only. Individual recovery varies. Always follow the recommendations of your own surgical team.
S1 · E38
August 18 · 1 hr 9 min
Joint Preservation and the Evolution of Hip & Knee Surgery with Atul Kamath, MD
What happens when a surgeon can offer both joint preservation and joint replacement? Dr. Atul Kamath joins The Joint Replacement Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about how modern hip and knee care has evolved—from anterior hip replacement and robotic surgery to hip arthroscopy, osteotomy, cartilage restoration, partial knee replacement, and outpatient surgery. This is also a personal episode for me: Dr. Kamath was one of my attendings during my orthopedic residency at Penn and one of the first surgeons to introduce me to the anterior approach to total hip replacement. We discuss how the anterior approach has evolved, why surgical experience and fundamentals still matter in the age of robotics, and how technology is allowing surgeons to increasingly personalize joint replacement. Dr. Kamath describes his evolution from traditional mechanical knee alignment toward a more individualized, technology-driven approach. We also take a deep dive into younger patients who aren't yet obvious candidates for joint replacement. Dr. Kamath explains the roles of hip arthroscopy, PAO, knee osteotomy, cartilage restoration, and partial knee replacement—and why the right procedure depends on much more than a patient's age. Finally, we tackle some of the questions patients ask every day: Can PRP or stem cells regrow cartilage? When is an osteotomy better than a partial knee replacement? What is the role of core decompression for avascular necrosis? And when has arthritis progressed far enough that joint replacement becomes the more predictable solution? A fascinating look at the continuum of modern hip and knee care—from preserving the native joint to replacing it. Educational content only and not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
S1 · E37
August 14 · 45 min
The Future of Joint Replacement with Kevin Bozic, MD, MBA
What does better joint replacement care actually look like—and should success be measured by the surgery itself or by the health outcomes that matter most to the patient? In this episode of The Joint Replacement Podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan speaks with Kevin Bozic, MD, MBA, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin and former President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Bozic explains why value-based healthcare should focus first on improving pain, function, and quality of life rather than simply reducing costs. He shares how his multidisciplinary practice integrates physical therapy, weight management, behavioral health, and patient-reported outcomes to manage the entire spectrum of hip and knee arthritis—not just surgery. They also explore bundled payments, Medicare reimbursement, the limitations of fee-for-service medicine, patient activation, appropriate surgical selection, and why the future may involve paying healthcare teams to manage a patient's condition rather than individual procedures. Finally, Dr. Bozic shares a unique perspective as both a joint replacement expert and a joint replacement patient himself, including how he chose his own surgeon and why he cared more about surgeon experience, volume, outcomes, facility quality, and trust than the specific implant or surgical approach. A fascinating conversation about what joint replacement looks like when we stop asking only “How do we perform surgery better?” and start asking “How do we improve the patient's health?” 🎧 Follow The Joint Replacement Podcast for weekly conversations with leaders shaping the future of hip and knee replacement. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
S1 · E36
August 14 · 56 min
The Surgeon Who Became the Patient: Knee Replacement, Robotics & Recovery | Farzin Kabaei, MD
What changes when a joint replacement surgeon experiences knee replacement from the other side of the operating table? Dr. Farzin Kabaei is a Los Angeles orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, complex reconstruction, and orthopedic trauma. But his perspective on joint replacement is also deeply personal. After an ACL injury as a teenager, progressive arthritis, a high tibial osteotomy, multiple surgeries, and years of worsening knee pain, he ultimately underwent a knee replacement himself. In this episode, we discuss how that experience changed the way he counsels patients about pain, expectations, timing, and recovery. We explore how to know when arthritis is truly bad enough for surgery, why an X-ray alone shouldn't determine whether you need a joint replacement, and why expectations for hip and knee replacement can be very different. Dr. Kabaei also shares his approach to robotic knee replacement, anterior hip replacement and the bikini incision, injections including cortisone, hyaluronic acid and PRP, and the role of nutrition, exercise, breathwork, and preparation in recovery. Perhaps most importantly, we hear what a knee replacement actually feels like from someone who both performs the operation and lives with one every day. 🎙️ The Joint Replacement Podcast Educational content only. This podcast does not constitute individualized medical advice.
S1 · E35
August 11 · 1 hr 1 min
Stephen Howell, MD — The History and Future of Kinematic Alignment in Knee Replacement
Dr. Stephen Howell is one of the pioneers of kinematic alignment in total knee replacement. In this episode, we explore his journey from ACL reconstruction research to developing one of the most influential alignment philosophies in modern arthroplasty. We discuss the biomechanics of the native knee, patient-specific instrumentation, implant design, robotics, and why restoring normal anatomy may lead to more natural-feeling knee replacements. Whether you're a patient preparing for surgery or an orthopedic surgeon interested in the evolution of knee replacement, this conversation provides an in-depth look at where the field has been—and where it's headed. Search The Joint Replacement Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to follow for future episodes. For more information about the KA-Optimized curriculum please visit https://www.kaoptimizedtka.com/
S1 · E34
August 8 · 52 min
Professor Justin Cobb (Imperial College London) | Hip Resurfacing, Implant Innovation & the Future of Hip Replacement
In Episode #34 of The Joint Replacement Podcast, I welcome Professor Justin Cobb from Imperial College London, one of the world's leading orthopedic innovators and pioneers in hip resurfacing and implant development. Throughout our conversation, Professor Cobb shares how engineering, biomechanics, and decades of research have shaped his approach to hip replacement and led to the development of a next-generation ceramic hip resurfacing implant. We discuss: Professor Cobb's journey into orthopedic surgery Implant design and innovation Computer-assisted surgery and robotics The evolution of hip resurfacing Ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing technology Hip resurfacing versus total hip replacement Which patients may benefit most Bone preservation and athletic performance The future of joint replacement surgery If you're interested in the latest advances in hip replacement or want to understand how today's innovations may shape the future of orthopedic care, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Search The Joint Replacement Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the world's leading joint replacement experts.
S1 · E33
July 28 · 52 min
Ran Schwarzkopf, MD (NYU): Robotics, AI, Implant Longevity & When It's Time for Joint Replacement
In Episode #33, Dr. Matthew Sloan sits down with Dr. Ran Schwarzkopf of NYU Langone Health to discuss the evolution of modern hip and knee replacement. From robotic-assisted surgery and artificial intelligence to implant longevity, revision surgery, recovery, and choosing the right surgeon, Dr. Schwarzkopf shares decades of experience caring for complex joint replacement patients while offering practical advice for anyone considering surgery. Whether you're a patient, surgeon, trainee, or simply interested in the future of orthopedic surgery, this episode offers an inside look at where joint replacement is headed—and what it means for patients today.
S1 · E32
July 23 · 59 min
Jeremy Gililland, MD | Engineering Innovation, Anterior Hip Replacement & the Future of Joint Replacement Surgery
Dr. Jeremy Gililland is Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Chief of Adult Reconstruction at the University of Utah. With a unique background in mechanical engineering before medicine, he brings an engineer's mindset to some of the most complex problems in hip and knee replacement surgery. In this episode of The Joint Replacement Podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan and Dr. Gililland discuss: How designing bicycles led him to orthopedic surgery Why anterior hip replacement has become his preferred approach The evolution of complex anterior revision surgery Engineering innovations that led to the development of fluoroscopic navigation technology The future of robotics versus manual surgery Cemented vs. cementless fixation Hip fracture treatment and total hip replacement Research collaborations shaping modern arthroplasty How he trains residents and fellows in academic medicine Recovery timelines after hip and knee replacement When patients should consider joint replacement Advice every patient should know before choosing a surgeon Whether you're a patient considering hip or knee replacement, an orthopedic surgeon, resident, fellow, or simply interested in the future of orthopedic innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights and thoughtful discussion. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ 🎙️ Search "The Joint Replacement Podcast" wherever you get your podcasts. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, comment, and share—it helps us reach more patients and healthcare professionals. #JointReplacement #HipReplacement #KneeReplacement #OrthopedicSurgery #AnteriorHipReplacement
S1 · E31
July 21 · 1 hr 1 min
Blake Peterson, MD: Robotics, Private Practice & the Future of Joint Replacement
Dr. Blake Peterson joins The Joint Replacement Podcast for an in-depth conversation on modern hip and knee replacement, building a successful private practice, and where orthopedic surgery is headed next. We discuss surgical mentorship, managing complications, robotics, functional alignment, ambulatory surgery centers, physician reimbursement, research, efficiency in the operating room, and how emerging technologies—including AI and autonomous robotics—may reshape joint replacement over the next decade. Whether you're an orthopedic surgeon, trainee, or patient interested in the future of joint replacement, this episode delivers practical lessons from one of the country's most thoughtful innovators in adult reconstruction. 🎧 Search The Joint Replacement Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
S1 · E30
July 20 · 53 min
Andrew Wickline, MD — The Science Behind Opioid-Free Joint Replacement Recovery
Can patients undergo hip or knee replacement without needing opioids afterward? In Episode #30, Dr. Matthew Sloan welcomes fellowship-trained adult reconstruction surgeon Dr. Andrew Wickline to discuss how modern recovery protocols are changing one of the biggest challenges in orthopedic surgery: postoperative pain. Dr. Wickline explains how reducing swelling, limiting unnecessary physical therapy, optimizing patient education, and using evidence-based multimodal pain strategies have allowed most of his patients to recover with little or no opioid use. He also shares lessons learned throughout his career, why surgeons should rigorously track their own outcomes, and how continuous improvement has transformed both his practice and his patients' recoveries. Topics include: Opioid-free joint replacement Multimodal pain management Step count recovery protocols Physical therapy after knee replacement Compression and cryotherapy Extended tranexamic acid Same-day joint replacement Patient education Recovery optimization Surgical outcomes and data collection Lessons from two decades in arthroplasty Whether you're a patient considering surgery or an orthopedic professional looking to optimize recovery, this conversation offers practical insights into where joint replacement is headed next. 🔎 Search "The Joint Replacement Podcast" wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️ www.AndrewWicklineMD.com ❤️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, share it with a friend, and help us continue improving the reach of evidence-based joint replacement education! 🙌
S1 · E29
July 15 · 47 min
Eric Cohen, MD | Same-Day Joint Replacement, Robotics & The Future of Hip and Knee Replacement
Dr. Eric Cohen, adult reconstruction surgeon at Brown University Health and Assistant Professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, joins The Joint Replacement Podcast for an in-depth discussion on how modern joint replacement continues to evolve. We discuss: The rise of same-day hip and knee replacement How COVID transformed arthroplasty care Who can safely go home the day of surgery Patient optimization before surgery Activity restrictions and returning to sports Robotic-assisted joint replacement Artificial intelligence and the future of orthopedic surgery New non-opioid pain management strategies Preventing infection after joint replacement Recovery timelines and manipulation after knee replacement Choosing the right joint replacement surgeon The future of education and training in arthroplasty Dr. Cohen also shares his perspective on complex revision surgery, advances in recovery protocols, and why helping patients regain their quality of life continues to be the most rewarding part of his career. 🎧 Search "The Joint Replacement Podcast" wherever you listen to podcasts for more conversations with the world's leading hip and knee replacement surgeons.
S1 · E28
July 9 · 48 min
H. John Cooper, MD (Columbia): Revision Joint Replacement, Robotics, Anterior Hip & The Future of Arthroplasty
Dr. Matthew Sloan welcomes Dr. H. John Cooper, adult reconstruction and revision joint replacement surgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, for an in-depth conversation on the present and future of hip and knee replacement. Dr. Cooper discusses his journey from biomedical engineering to orthopedic surgery, managing complex revision cases, robotic-assisted knee replacement, anterior hip replacement, infection treatment strategies, and the evolving role of AI in orthopedic practice. The conversation also covers: Revision hip and knee replacement One-stage exchange for infection Robotic knee replacement Kinematic alignment Bikini anterior hip approach Patellar resurfacing Modern pain management Physical therapy after joint replacement Implant longevity Returning to sports Choosing the right surgeon Future technologies in arthroplasty Whether you're a patient preparing for surgery, recovering from a joint replacement, or an orthopedic professional looking for expert perspectives, this episode offers valuable insights into modern hip and knee replacement care. Subscribe to The Joint Replacement Podcast for weekly conversations with leaders shaping the future of joint replacement surgery.
S1 · E27
July 3 · 13 min
The Anesthesia Revolution That Changed Joint Replacement Recovery
Why are so many patients walking just hours after hip or knee replacement surgery? The answer isn't simply better implants or robotic technology—it's the dramatic evolution of modern anesthesia and perioperative medicine. In Episode 27, Dr. Matthew Sloan explores how multimodal pain management, spinal anesthesia, targeted nerve blocks, opioid minimization, and coordinated recovery protocols have fundamentally changed the patient experience after joint replacement. Topics include: The shift from heavy sedation to precision-guided anesthesia How spinal anesthesia improves recovery Why nerve blocks preserve strength while reducing pain The concept of preemptive analgesia How robotic surgery complements modern recovery pathways Why early mobility is beneficial—but doesn't mean you're fully healed The role of personalized anesthesia plans Whether you're considering surgery or simply want to understand how modern joint replacement has evolved, this episode explains the science behind today's faster, safer, and more comfortable recoveries. The Joint Replacement Podcast delivers evidence-based education on robotic joint replacement, recovery science, implant technology, and the future of orthopedic surgery.
S1 · E26
July 1 · 46 min
Wayne Moschetti, MD – Measuring Success After Hip & Knee Replacement: PROMs, Patient Satisfaction & The Future of Orthopedics
What makes a hip or knee replacement truly successful? In this episode of The Joint Replacement Podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan sits down with Dr. Wayne Moschetti of Dartmouth Health to explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics in modern orthopedic surgery: patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Dr. Moschetti discusses how orthopedic surgeons are moving beyond implant survivorship and X-rays to focus on what matters most to patients: pain relief, improved function, and quality of life. Topics include: • What PROMs are and why every patient should know about them • How expectations influence satisfaction after surgery • When it's the right time for hip or knee replacement • Same-day joint replacement and advances in recovery • Why some patients remain dissatisfied after knee replacement • Evaluating painful hip and knee replacements • The importance of surgeon experience and volume • Revision joint replacement surgery • AI, wearable technology, and the future of measuring outcomes • Practical advice for patients considering joint replacement Whether you're a patient preparing for surgery, recovering from a joint replacement, or a healthcare professional interested in value-based orthopedic care, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we define success after joint replacement surgery.
S1 · E25
June 25 · 55 min
Michael Meneghini, MD | Implant Innovation, Outpatient Joint Replacement & Building the Future of Orthopedic Care
Dr. Michael Meneghini joins The Joint Replacement Podcast for an in-depth discussion on the future of hip and knee replacement surgery. As founder and CEO of the Indiana Orthopedic Institute and former president of AAHKS, Dr. Meneghini shares his insights on outpatient joint replacement, implant innovation, robotics, value-based care, and building one of the country's most successful vertically integrated orthopedic practices. In this episode we discuss: • Why outpatient joint replacement continues to expand• How ambulatory surgery centers improve patient care and reduce costs• Robotics and personalized alignment in knee replacement• Cementless implants and implant longevity• Smart implants, wearable technology, and future innovations• When patients should consider joint replacement surgery• PRP, stem cells, and biologic treatments for arthritis• Building physician-led healthcare organizations• Leadership lessons from serving as AAHKS president• The future of orthopedic surgery Whether you're a patient, surgeon, resident, fellow, or medical student, this episode provides valuable insights into where joint replacement surgery is headed over the next decade. If you enjoy the podcast, please follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone interested in orthopedic surgery or joint replacement.
S1 · E21
June 20 · 3 min
Is Partial Hip Replacement Like Partial Knee Replacement?
Many patients have heard of partial knee replacements and wonder if a partial hip replacement is an option for arthritis as well. In this episode clip, Dr. Grayson Connors discusses one of the most common misconceptions in hip surgery: the difference between a partial hip replacement and a total hip replacement. We cover: • What a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) actually replaces • Why partial hip replacements are typically used for hip fractures rather than arthritis • The key differences between replacing only the femoral head versus replacing both the ball and socket • How age, mobility, arthritis, and overall health influence surgical decision-making • Why many surgeons are increasingly choosing total hip replacement for active fracture patients Dr. Connors also explains how advances in modern hip replacement techniques have made total hip replacement an attractive option for many patients who historically would have received a partial hip replacement. If you've ever wondered why one patient receives a partial hip replacement while another receives a total hip replacement, this conversation breaks down the reasoning behind those decisions. Subscribe to The Joint Replacement Podcast for expert discussions on hip replacement, knee replacement, arthritis treatment, robotics, recovery, and the future of orthopedic surgery.
S1 · E24
June 19 · 50 min
Joint Replacement Myths, Recovery, Robotics & the Future of Hip and Knee Replacement with Blair Ashley, MD | Episode 24
In Episode 24 of The Joint Replacement Podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan is joined by fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon Dr. Blair Ashley for an in-depth discussion on modern hip and knee replacement surgery. They explore when patients should consider surgery, how long implants last, the role of injections and biologic treatments, realistic recovery expectations, returning to sports, and how patients can choose the right surgeon. The conversation also covers robotic surgery, partial knee replacement, outpatient joint replacement, infection prevention, and the future of arthritis treatment. Dr. Ashley shares her insights on what separates excellent surgeons from great ones and why patient expectations play such an important role in successful outcomes. If you're considering a hip or knee replacement—or simply want to better understand the field of joint replacement—this episode offers practical guidance and expert perspectives from two experienced adult reconstruction surgeons.
S1 · E23
June 18 · 5 min
Hip Replacement Recovery: The First 48 Hours
The first 48 hours after hip replacement can set the tone for the entire recovery. In this episode of The Joint Replacement Podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan explains what patients should focus on during the first two days after surgery, including early standing, safe movement, ankle pumps, pain control, and protecting the incision. You’ll learn why same-day mobilization matters, how ankle pumps help circulation, why staying ahead of pain is important, and how small early decisions can reduce complications and build confidence.

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