Nathan Cafferky, MD

09/02/2026

Getting a good night’s sleep after knee replacement can be more challenging than many patients expect.

Swelling, stiffness, and discomfort can make it difficult to find the right position, especially during the first few weeks of recovery. For many patients, sleeping on the back can help keep the leg aligned, reduce pressure on the knee, and make it easier to manage swelling.

But what if you’re a side sleeper?

In his latest blog, Dr. Cafferky discusses the pros and cons of sleeping on your back after knee replacement, when side sleeping may be appropriate, and simple strategies that can help you rest more comfortably during recovery.

🔗 Read the full blog to learn more: https://buff.ly/0lcwn9v

08/28/2026

Today’s joint replacement patients aren’t simply looking to get out of pain, they want to get back to the activities they love.

Dr. Nathan Cafferky with The Steadman Clinic recently spoke with Becker's Spine Review about how an aging, increasingly active population is reshaping total joint replacement. From skiing and biking to golf and pickleball, patients are expecting more from their joint replacements, changing how surgeons approach preparation, technology, recovery and return to sport.

Dr. Cafferky also addressed the growing disconnect between advances in orthopedic care and declining Medicare reimbursement, and what that could mean for patient access.

Read the full article:

Many of the patients walking into orthopedic and spine clinics today look different than they did 10 years ago — not just older, but more active, more informed and more demanding of a return to activity rather than simply a return to function. That shift is reshaping everything from implant select...

08/25/2026

Nothing means more than hearing from patients who are back to moving, working, and doing the things that matter to them.

From surgery through rehabilitation, it takes a team committed to helping patients move forward.

Thank you for trusting us with your care, Jerome!

🔗 https://buff.ly/tAl3cjY

08/24/2026

Medicare patients deserve timely access to high-quality hip and knee replacement care.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed 2027 payment changes that could make it more difficult for some practices to continue providing joint replacement care to Medicare patients. According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons - AAHKS, these proposed cuts could contribute to fewer Medicare appointments, longer wait times and fewer participating surgeons.

If you are a Medicare patient, family member or caregiver, your voice matters. AAHKS has created a simple way to contact your Congressional Representative and Senators and ask them to protect access to specialized hip and knee care.

Scan the QR code on the attached flyer or visit https://buff.ly/gtmI1tl to send a pre-generated letter to Congress.

Please consider taking a few minutes to advocate for continued access to hip and knee replacement care.

08/19/2026

Knee replacements are designed to last, but what if your knee starts hurting again months or years after surgery?

Persistent pain, swelling, instability, limited motion, or painful clicking can be signs that something needs attention. But these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you need another surgery.

Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and protect your long-term outcome.

🔗 Read the full blog to learn more: https://buff.ly/VZS7YGn

08/17/2026

15 weeks after knee replacement, Paula Johnson rode from Breckenridge to the top of Loveland Pass and back. At 20 weeks, she hiked a 14er.

Now, after two knee replacements and a hip replacement with Dr. Cafferky, she’s back to the activities she loves.

🔗 Read Paula’s story:

After two knee replacements, and a hip replacement with Dr. Nathan Cafferky of The Steadman Clinic, Paula Johnson is back to skiing, road biking, and yoga. Read Paula's full story here.

08/13/2026

What Runners with Arthritis Should Know Before Knee Replacement

Many runners push through knee pain for years, modifying their training and relying on braces, injections, or physical therapy. But when arthritis starts affecting your everyday life it may be time to talk with a specialist.

In this guide, Dr. Cafferky discusses when knee replacement may be appropriate, what recovery looks like, and whether running is recommended after surgery.

🔗 https://buff.ly/ERLLciV

08/10/2026

Can you play pickleball after a knee replacement?

For many patients, the answer is yes.

Whether you're hoping to get back to friendly matches or competitive play, a successful return depends on proper healing, rehabilitation, and timing. Dr. Cafferky works with active patients to help them safely return to the sports they love, including pickleball.

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Dr. Nathan Cafferky is a top knee replacement surgeon in Colorado. In this article, he discusses returning to pickleball after knee replacement surgery. It is important to follow return to play protocol following a knee replacement to ensure you do not damage the knee.

08/05/2026

Every patient has a story, and we're honored to be part of it.

Thank you, Brian, for trusting Dr. Cafferky and the team with your knee replacement. Seeing patients return to the activities they love is why we do what we do.

https://buff.ly/2r16hPf

08/03/2026

Knee replacement isn't always the first step.

If you're living with knee pain, there are often effective non-surgical treatments that can help you stay active and delay, or even avoid surgery.

In this guide, Dr. Cafferky discusses knee replacement alternatives, including physical therapy, injections, nutrition, exercise, and how to know when it's time to consider surgery.

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Recognizing that knee replacement surgery may not always be the initial option, Dr. Cafferky often recommends various knee replacement alternatives. He has extensive expertise in total joint replacement of the knee, knee joint revision, and is fellowship-trained in joint reconstruction, which has po