The Joint Replacement Podcast

Matthew Sloan, MD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    Why Can't We Just Replace Cartilage? Understanding Why Joint Replacement Is Sometimes Necessary

    Many patients ask the same question: "If arthritis means cartilage is worn out, why can't you just replace the cartilage instead of replacing the entire joint?" In this episode, Dr. Matthew Sloan breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about arthritis and explains why advanced hip and knee arthritis is much more than a cartilage problem. You'll learn why cartilage has such limited healing potential, how arthritis affects the entire joint, what injections and biologic treatments can realistically accomplish, and why modern joint replacement remains one of the most successful procedures in medicine. Dr. Sloan also explores the future of arthritis treatment, including regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies, AI-driven early detection, cartilage restoration techniques, and the possibility that future generations may need fewer joint replacements because arthritis is prevented before it ever becomes severe. Whether you're considering joint replacement, trying injections, or simply looking to understand your options, this episode provides a clear explanation of the science behind arthritis and the future of orthopedic care. The Joint Replacement PodcastHosted by Matthew Sloan, MD Helping patients understand hip replacement, knee replacement, arthritis treatment, robotics, recovery, and the surgeons who perform these life-changing procedures.

    11 min

  2. 4d ago

    The Future of Joint Replacement: Robotics, AI, Recovery & Innovation with Dr. Michael Ast (HSS)

    Dr. Matthew Sloan welcomes Dr. Michael Ast, Insall Chair of the Knee Service and Innovation Officer at Hospital for Special Surgery, for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of joint replacement surgery. Together they explore how robotics, artificial intelligence, outpatient surgery, implant technology, and modern recovery protocols are transforming the patient experience. Dr. Ast shares his perspective on: • The Quiet Knee Protocol and modern recovery strategies• Reducing opioid use after surgery• Robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement• AI-powered patient engagement and recovery monitoring• Same-day discharge and ambulatory joint replacement• Cementless implants and implant longevity• Partial versus total knee replacement• The future of revision surgery and custom 3D-printed implants• The impact of GLP-1 medications on orthopedic care• The importance of physician leadership in healthcare This conversation offers valuable insights for patients, surgeons, and anyone interested in where orthopedic surgery is headed over the next decade. The Joint Replacement Podcast with Matthew Sloan, MD — helping patients understand hip and knee replacement and the surgeons who perform it.

    49 min

  3. May 30

    Dr. Yudi Kerbel — Social Media, Partial Knees, PNS & the Future of Joint Replacement

    In Episode 17 of The Joint Replacement Podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan welcomes fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon Dr. Yudi Kerbel, one of the most influential orthopedic educators on social media today. Dr. Kerbel shares how he built a platform that reaches millions of patients worldwide, why patient education is more important than ever, and how social media is transforming the relationship between surgeons and patients. The conversation dives deep into some of the most important topics in modern joint replacement, including: • When it's time to move from conservative treatment to joint replacement• How long modern hip and knee replacements really last• The "Less Swelling, Less Pain" recovery approach• Outpatient joint replacement and patient selection• Partial knee replacement versus total knee replacement• Why Dr. Kerbel believes many patients are excellent candidates for partial knees• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) for painful knee replacements• Robotics, personalized alignment, and emerging technologies• Infection prevention and patient optimization• The emotional realities of being a joint replacement surgeon• The future of orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care Dr. Kerbel also shares his vision for helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible and explains why he believes technologies like Peripheral Nerve Stimulation may dramatically change how orthopedic surgeons treat chronic knee pain in the future. Whether you're considering a hip replacement, knee replacement, partial knee replacement, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at modern orthopedic surgery, this episode is packed with valuable insights for patients and surgeons alike. The Joint Replacement PodcastHosted by Matthew Sloan, MDHelping patients understand hip and knee replacement and the surgeons who perform it.

    1 hr

  4. May 28

    Leadership, Infection Prevention & the Future of Joint Replacement | Dr. Antonia Chen

    In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Matthew Sloan sits down with one of the most influential leaders in modern joint replacement surgery, Antonia Chen. Dr. Chen is the current president of American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and Chair and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. They discuss: The future of hip and knee replacementPeriprosthetic joint infection prevention and treatmentRobotic vs manual joint replacementCementless knee replacementsSame-day discharge and outpatient joint replacementBurnout and surgeon wellbeingHow patients should choose the right joint replacement surgeonRecovery timelines, sports, and long-term implant longevityThe future of biologics and arthritis preventionDr. Chen also shares her journey into orthopedics, her passion for research and mentorship, and her vision for the future of arthroplasty. This is an insightful conversation for patients, surgeons, trainees, and anyone interested in the evolving world of orthopedic surgery.

    51 min

  5. May 15

    Dr. Paul Jacob on Robotics, Recovery, Outpatient Joint Replacement & the Future of Arthroplasty

    n this episode of The Joint Replacement Podcast, I’m joined by fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon Dr. Paul Jacob, founder of the Oklahoma Joint Reconstruction and Research Institute. We discuss robotic-assisted joint replacement, outpatient surgery, patient optimization, recovery expectations, implant selection, partial vs total knee replacement, anterior vs posterior hip replacement, pain management, and the future of hip and knee arthroplasty. Dr. Jacob also shares his unique perspective from starting his career as a physical therapist before becoming an orthopedic surgeon, and explains how that background shaped his philosophy on rehabilitation, patient education, and surgical outcomes. Topics include: How to know when it’s time for joint replacementWhat separates good surgeons from great surgeonsCemented vs cementless knee replacementRobotics vs manual surgeryOutpatient and same-day joint replacementManaging recovery with fewer narcoticsPatella resurfacing controversiesChoosing the right surgeonThe future of revision surgery and implant technologyA great conversation for patients considering joint replacement and surgeons interested in where the field is headed.

    1 hr

  6. May 14

    Why Your Leg Feels Longer After Hip Replacement

    After hip replacement surgery, many patients feel like one leg is longer than the other. Is it normal? Did something go wrong? In this episode, we break down the real reasons this happens, including the difference between functional and true structural leg length discrepancy, why surgeons prioritize stability, and how muscle weakness, pelvic tilt, and soft tissue tension affect recovery. We also discuss when this feeling is expected, when it deserves further evaluation, and what actually helps improve gait and balance after surgery.

    6 min

  7. May 13

    Top 10 Hip Replacement Controversies Surgeons Still Debate

    Is hip replacement really a standardized surgery? Not even close. In Episode 12, orthopedic surgeon Matthew Sloan, MD breaks down the biggest controversies in modern hip replacement surgery — from anterior vs posterior approach and robotics to cemented vs cementless implants, dual mobility, same-day discharge, hip precautions, and the evolving understanding of hip-spine syndrome. This episode explains why surgeons often disagree, why there’s rarely one perfect answer, and what actually matters most for patient outcomes. If you’re considering hip replacement surgery or want a deeper understanding of how surgical decisions are made, this episode provides straightforward, evidence-based insight into the nuances behind modern total hip arthroplasty.

    7 min

  8. May 9

    The Truth About Metal Sensitivity in Joint Replacement | Implant Materials Explained

    Could the material inside a hip or knee replacement quietly trigger your immune system for years? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Sloan breaks down the real science behind metal sensitivity and joint replacement implants — separating evidence from fear and marketing hype. You’ll learn:• What hip and knee implants are actually made of• Why cobalt chrome, titanium, ceramic, and polyethylene are used• The difference between a true allergy and metal hypersensitivity• Why nickel is the biggest concern for sensitive patients• Whether implant materials can contribute to inflammation or implant failure• The truth about allergy testing before surgery• When ceramic or titanium implants may make sense• Why surgical technique matters more than the implant material alone Most patients with joint replacements never experience clinically significant metal reactions. But understanding implant materials can help patients make better informed decisions and have more productive conversations with their surgeon. This episode delivers a practical, evidence-based look at one of the most misunderstood topics in modern joint replacement surgery.

    7 min
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About

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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