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Advanced Joint Replacement for Lasting Pain Relief

When joint pain interferes with daily life, replacement surgery may be the solution. Our experienced surgeons use modern techniques designed to improve mobility and long-term outcomes.

Get Back to What Moves You - Expert solutions for lasting relief, mobility, and quality of life.

When joint pain limits your ability to move, sleep, or enjoy everyday life, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. For many, simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or reaching overhead become painful reminders of how much you’ve lost to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear. 

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our fellowship-trained joint replacement specialists are here to restore mobility and help you get back to what moves you - whether it’s playing with your grandkids, hiking, or simply enjoying everyday life pain-free.

When to see a joint replacement specialist

Not all joint pain requires surgery — but if symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfering with daily life, it may be time to discuss whether joint replacement is the right option. It’s important to pay close attention to the symptoms you may be experiencing over time. This will help you provide a detailed report to your doctor or orthopedic surgeon at your appointment, allowing them to help make a tailored treatment plan that is best for you.

You may benefit from seeing a joint replacement specialist if you are experiencing any of these common symptoms:

  • Chronic pain in the hip, knee, or shoulder that does not improve with non-surgical care
  • Current artificial joint seems loose or unstable
  • Hip, Knee or Shoulder Swelling
  • Pain that worsens with repetitive motion like walking, standing or reaching overhead
  • Stiffness seems to be increasing
  • Pain level seems to be increasing with daily activities
  • Bone-on-bone sensation
  • Failure to find relief with medications, injections, or therapy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it may be time to see a joint replacement specialist. Our team has extensive experience treating a full range of joint conditions with advanced surgical options, including:

  • Revision Surgery for Failed or Loosened Replacements Performed Elsewhere
  • Total shoulder replacement
  • Partial knee replacement
  • Total knee replacement
  • Total hip replacement
  • Total shoulder replacement
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement

What to Expect at Your Appointment with a Joint Replacement Specialist

At your appointment with a joint replacement specialist at Bluegrass Orthopaedics, you can expect a thorough evaluation focused on understanding your pain, lifestyle, and goals. Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a detailed physical exam of the affected joint.

Most patients will have X-rays taken, and in some cases additional imaging or tests may be recommended to better understand the extent of arthritis, damage, or wear. Your surgeon will walk you through these findings in clear, understandable terms and explain all appropriate treatment options — from medications, injections, and therapy to joint replacement surgery when it becomes the best solution.

If joint replacement is recommended, your specialist will discuss the type of procedure, expected benefits, potential risks, and typical recovery timelines. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about pain control, hospital or outpatient surgery center planning, and what to expect during rehabilitation. Our goal is to partner with you in making an informed decision and to create a personalized plan that supports a safe surgery, a smoother recovery, and long-term joint health.

Innovative Treatment Options

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, we combine proven techniques with the latest technology to provide world-class care close to home. Our board certified and fellowship trained specialists offer the full spectrum of non-surgical and surgical solutions, tailoring each plan to the patient. Many joint issues can be managed with conservative treatments such as therapy, injections, or bracing. When replacement becomes the best option, we use advanced methods that prioritize precision, comfort, and recovery.

Some of our innovative treatment options include:

  • MAKO Robotic-Assisted Surgery — Several of our surgeons use MAKO technology to perform minimally invasive hip and knee replacements with greater accuracy and shorter recovery times.
  • National Leaders & Educators — One of our specialists regularly teaches other orthopedic surgeons at national meetings and hosts visiting surgeons eager to learn advanced hip and knee techniques.
  • Cutting-Edge Research & Design — Dr. Christensen is a respected researcher and educator, authoring numerous peer-reviewed papers and presenting at national conferences. He is also the primary developer of the Exactech Triverse Total Knee System and the Signature Cambridge Partial Knee Replacement, designed to improve implant performance and longevity.
  • Pioneering Firsts — Dr. Denehy was the first surgeon in Kentucky to perform the Oxford cementless knee replacement, with Dr. Huff among the first to follow. This innovation continues to influence care across the state.
  • Shoulder Innovation — One of our shoulder specialists serves as a consultant and clinical instructor for Arthrex and Stryker, helping advance preoperative planning software for shoulder arthroplasty and training surgeons nationwide.
  • Trusted Consultants — Many of our joint replacement specialists serve as consultants for Stryker, influencing the design and advancement of orthopedic implants and techniques.
Innovative Treatment Options
Why choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for joint replacement?

Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement is one of our highest specialties — and one of the reasons patients travel across Kentucky and beyond to see us. Our surgeons perform more joint replacement procedures at the Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center than any other orthopedic-only outpatient surgery center in the state. That experience translates into smoother recoveries, fewer complications, and better outcomes for our patients.

We don’t just perform primary joint replacements — we are also highly experienced in revision surgery for failed or loosened implants performed by other surgeons. These complex cases require advanced expertise and are a core part of our practice.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Fellowship-trained joint replacement specialists
  • More joint replacement surgeries performed than any other orthopedic-only outpatient surgery center in Kentucky
  • National leaders in innovation, teaching, and research — with surgeons who train and certify others in robotic-assisted surgery
  • One of only two surgeons in Kentucky (Dr. Denehy) who teach and certify peers in the use of MAKO robotic technology
  • Pioneers in minimally invasive and cementless knee replacement techniques
  • Active involvement in implant design, research, and advancement (Dr. Christensen’s Exactech Triverse Total Knee System & Signature Cambridge Partial Knee)
  • Expertise in complex revision surgery for failed or loosened implants
  • A patient-centered approach that emphasizes safety, faster recovery, and long-term joint health

Meet Our Joint Replacement Surgeons

Dr. Christian Christensen, MD

Christian P. Christensen, MD

Joint Replacement, Hip & Knee

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Charles "Ched" Crouse, M.D.

Charles "Ched" Crouse, MD

General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, Hip & Knee

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Dr. Kevin M. Denehy, MD

Kevin M. Denehy, MD

Joint Replacement, Hip & Knee

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Dr. Ryan Donegan, MD, MS

Ryan P. Donegan, MD, MS

Elbow, Shoulder, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine

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Dr. Wallace Huff, MD

Wallace L. Huff, JR., MD

Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement

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Dr. Victor Marwin, MD

Dr. Victor Marwin, MD, MBA

Hand & Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder & Joint Replacement

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Dr. Owen McGonigle MD

Dr. Owen McGonigle, MD

Sports Medicine, Elbow, Shoulder, Hip, Knee & Joint Replacement

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Dr. Eric Schafer MD

Eric Schafer, MD

Joint Replacement, Hip & Knee

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Hear What Our Patients Have to Say

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Top Choice For Hip Replacement

Dr. Christensen the best for hip replacement. He has done both of mine with no complications and little pain. I would and have recommended him for hip surgery.

- Anonymous
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Successful Joint Replacements By Dr. Christensen

Dr. Christensen did a hip replacement for me in 2006 and bilateral knee replacement on 4/28/17. Today is 6/30/17 and I am done with therapy and doing most anything I want. I can't say enough good things about his work and I am telling everybody I know.

- Satisfied Patient
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Excellent Knee Replacement Experience

Could not have asked for better service. Knee replacement went great.

- Kristy

Joint Replacement - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m ready for joint replacement surgery?

Joint replacement is usually considered when pain is severe, persistent, and not improving with non-surgical treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy. If joint pain is limiting your ability to walk, work, sleep, or enjoy daily activities, it may be time to talk with a joint replacement specialist about whether surgery is the right option for you.

Which joints do you commonly replace?

Our surgeons perform a wide range of joint replacement procedures, including total and partial knee replacement, total hip replacement, and total and reverse shoulder replacement. We also offer revision surgery for failed or loosened implants performed elsewhere, providing expert care for complex cases.

Is joint replacement surgery done in the hospital or as an outpatient?

Many joint replacement procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis at the Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center, allowing patients to go home the same day with a personalized recovery plan. Some patients may still benefit from an overnight hospital stay, depending on their overall health and the complexity of the surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the safest option for you.

What is the typical recovery time after joint replacement?

Recovery timelines vary by patient and by procedure, but most patients begin walking with assistance soon after surgery. Many people return to light daily activities within a few weeks and continue to improve over several months. Full recovery and maximum benefit can take 6–12 months. Our team will guide you through physical therapy, activity guidelines, and follow-up visits to support a safe, steady recovery.

How long will my new joint last?

Modern joint replacement implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting. While every patient is different, many hip, knee, and shoulder replacements can function well for 15–20 years or longer, especially with appropriate activity levels and follow-up care. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations for your age, activity, and specific implant type.

What can I do before surgery to improve my results?

Preparing for surgery can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. This may include optimizing other health conditions, stopping tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, completing preoperative exercises, and planning for help at home during the first few weeks after surgery. Our team will provide clear pre-surgical instructions tailored to your needs.

What if I’m not ready for surgery yet?

You do not have to decide on surgery at your first visit. Our specialists will review all appropriate non-surgical options and help you understand when joint replacement may become the best choice. Many patients continue with medications, injections, or therapy until they feel their pain and limitations are significant enough to move forward with surgery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Joint pain doesn’t have to define your life. Whether you’re considering shoulder, hip, or knee replacement, our nationally recognized specialists are ready to guide you through every step — from evaluation to recovery.

Schedule your appointment with our joint replacement team today — and take the first step toward lasting relief, mobility, and renewed independence.

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