Dr. Cory Calendine offers advanced knee arthroscopy services to Nashville and Franklin patients as part of his comprehensive approach to knee care at Williamson Medical Center. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee conditions, Dr. Calendine uses this minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment technique to help patients avoid or delay more extensive procedures while addressing knee problems with precision and minimal tissue disruption.

Knee arthroscopy is a sophisticated surgical technique that allows Dr. Calendine to examine and treat the inside of your knee joint through tiny, button-sized incisions rather than large surgical openings. Using a narrow fiber-optic camera called an arthroscope, Dr. Calendine can visualize your entire knee joint on a high-definition monitor, providing crystal-clear views of cartilage, ligaments, and other structures that would be impossible to see with traditional imaging alone.

The minimally invasive nature of Dr. Calendine's arthroscopic approach means Nashville and Middle Tennessee patients benefit from significantly smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open knee surgery. Through these small incisions, Dr. Calendine can insert specialized surgical instruments to repair torn cartilage, remove loose fragments, or address other knee problems that may be causing pain and limiting your active lifestyle.

Dr. Calendine's expertise in both arthroscopic surgery and advanced joint replacement procedures gives his Franklin and Greater Nashville area patients a unique advantage. He can often identify early-stage knee problems through arthroscopy and provide treatments that may help preserve your natural knee joint longer, potentially delaying the need for knee replacement surgery. When joint replacement eventually becomes necessary, Dr. Calendine's comprehensive understanding of knee anatomy from his arthroscopic experience enhances his ability to achieve optimal outcomes with his advanced Mako robotic joint replacement techniques.

As Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Williamson Medical Center and founding partner of the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, Dr. Calendine provides Nashville-area patients with the full spectrum of knee care, from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to the most advanced robotic joint replacement surgery. This comprehensive approach ensures that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific knee condition, whether that's a simple arthroscopic repair or a more complex procedure, all delivered with the precision and expertise that Middle Tennessee patients have come to expect from Dr. Calendine's practice.

Knee arthroscopy is most useful for patients experiencing specific mechanical symptoms that suggest repairable damage rather than widespread arthritis. Knee arthroscopy is particularly valuable when patients have sharp, catching sensations, knee locking episodes, or persistent swelling that hasn't responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections. Young and active Middle Tennessee patients with sports-related injuries, such as meniscus tears or ACL injuries, are often excellent candidates for arthroscopic treatment because their healthy surrounding cartilage can benefit from precise, minimally invasive repair techniques.

Dr. Calendine also recommends arthroscopy for Greater Nashville area patients whose MRI results show specific structural problems that can be addressed through small incisions, such as loose cartilage fragments, torn meniscus tissue, or inflamed synovial lining. The procedure is most beneficial when patients have good overall knee alignment and healthy bone structure, making them ideal candidates for tissue preservation rather than joint replacement. At Williamson Medical Center, Dr. Calendine uses arthroscopy strategically as part of his comprehensive approach to knee care, often helping patients avoid or significantly delay more extensive procedures while maintaining their active lifestyles throughout Middle Tennessee. However, for patients with advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis affecting multiple compartments of the knee, Dr. Calendine's expertise in Mako robotic joint replacement typically provides more definitive and longer-lasting solutions

When you arrive for your knee arthroscopy procedure at Williamson Medical Center, Dr. Calendine and his experienced surgical team will ensure your comfort throughout the entire process. After you're comfortably positioned in the state-of-the-art operating room, you'll receive appropriate anesthesia based on your specific needs and Dr. Calendine's recommendation. The surgical site is meticulously prepared using advanced sterilization techniques to prevent infection, and Dr. Calendine uses specialized positioning devices to ensure optimal access to your knee joint throughout the procedure.

Dr. Calendine begins your arthroscopic surgery by creating several tiny incisions, each smaller than a button, around your knee joint. These small "portals" allow him to insert the high-definition arthroscopic camera and specialized instruments with minimal disruption to your surrounding healthy tissue. A sterile irrigation solution is used to expand the joint space and provide crystal-clear visualization of all internal structures, enabling Dr. Calendine to examine your cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, and other tissues with exceptional detail that wouldn't be possible through traditional imaging alone.

Using the real-time, high-definition images displayed on advanced monitors, Dr. Calendine can precisely diagnose your specific knee problem and immediately address any issues he discovers. When surgical treatment is needed, he uses state-of-the-art miniaturized instruments inserted through additional small incisions to perform procedures such as meniscus repair, cartilage trimming, or removal of loose fragments. Dr. Calendine's fellowship training and extensive experience with arthroscopic techniques ensure that each movement is precise and purposeful, often utilizing specialized anchoring devices when tissue repair requires securing sutures directly into bone.

Most of Dr. Calendine's knee arthroscopy procedures at Williamson Medical Center are completed in less than an hour, though the exact duration depends on the complexity of your specific condition and the treatments required. After completing the necessary repairs, Dr. Calendine carefully closes each small incision using either dissolvable sutures or medical-grade adhesive strips, then applies a protective soft bandage that allows for comfortable healing while maintaining the mobility you need for your Nashville lifestyle. The minimally invasive nature of Dr. Calendine's arthroscopic approach means you can expect significantly less post-operative discomfort and faster recovery compared to traditional open knee surgery, helping you return to your active Middle Tennessee lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

Dr. Calendine's extensive experience performing knee arthroscopy at Williamson Medical Center has resulted in exceptionally low complication rates for his Nashville and Franklin patients. The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery, combined with Dr. Calendine's fellowship training and meticulous surgical technique, significantly reduces the risk of post-operative complications compared to traditional open knee surgery. When the rare complication does occur, Dr. Calendine's comprehensive post-operative care program ensures that any issues are quickly identified and effectively managed, allowing his Middle Tennessee patients to return to their active lifestyles with confidence

Dr. Calendine takes a proactive approach to complication prevention that begins before your surgery and continues throughout your recovery process. While complications such as infection, blood clots, temporary knee stiffness, or fluid accumulation within the joint are possible with any surgical procedure, Dr. Calendine's adherence to advanced sterile techniques, prophylactic protocols, and evidence-based surgical practices has helped his Greater Nashville area patients achieve outstanding outcomes with minimal risk. His thorough pre-operative evaluation process identifies and addresses potential risk factors before surgery, while his detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

The safety protocols that Dr. Calendine has established at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee reflect his commitment to providing Nashville-area patients with the highest standard of arthroscopic care. From advanced infection prevention measures to personalized blood clot prevention strategies, Dr. Calendine's comprehensive approach to risk management gives his patients the peace of mind that comes with knowing they're receiving care from one of Middle Tennessee's most experienced and safety-conscious orthopedic surgeons. Should any post-operative concerns arise, Dr. Calendine and his team are readily available to provide the prompt, expert care that ensures optimal healing and the best possible outcome from your knee arthroscopy procedure.

The minimally invasive nature of Dr. Calendine's arthroscopic technique means that Nashville and Franklin patients typically experience significantly faster recovery compared to traditional open knee surgery. Dr. Calendine's comprehensive post-operative care program at Williamson Medical Center is designed to optimize your healing process and get you back to your active Middle Tennessee lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible. Following Dr. Calendine's detailed recovery instructions is essential for achieving the best possible outcome from your knee arthroscopy procedure.

Dr. Calendine understands that managing post-operative discomfort is a primary concern for his Greater Nashville area patients. The good news is that most patients experience relatively mild pain after arthroscopic surgery, and Dr. Calendine uses a multimodal approach to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery. His pain management strategy typically includes a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, targeted local anesthetics, and when necessary, carefully monitored short-term prescription medications. Dr. Calendine is committed to helping his patients avoid unnecessary opioid dependence, and his team provides clear guidance on safe medication use and alternatives that promote healing while minimizing risks.

During your first few days of recovery, Dr. Calendine recommends that his Nashville and Franklin patients keep their leg elevated as much as possible and apply ice as directed to control swelling and discomfort. The small incisions from your arthroscopic procedure will be protected with specialized dressings, and Dr. Calendine's team will provide you with specific instructions for keeping these areas clean and dry. Most patients can shower within a few days of surgery, and Dr. Calendine will see you in his office shortly after your procedure to assess your progress, review the surgical findings, and begin planning your personalized rehabilitation program.

Dr. Calendine tailors each patient's weight-bearing restrictions based on the specific procedures performed during their arthroscopy. Many Nashville-area patients can begin putting weight on their leg within a day or two of surgery, though some may need crutches or other assistance for a brief period. Dr. Calendine's approach to rehabilitation emphasizes early, appropriate movement to prevent stiffness while protecting the healing tissues. His collaboration with skilled physical therapists throughout Middle Tennessee ensures that you receive expert guidance in restoring your knee's strength, flexibility, and function.

The physical therapy component of your recovery is crucial for achieving optimal results from your knee arthroscopy with Dr. Calendine. His team works closely with experienced therapists at Williamson Medical Center and throughout the Greater Nashville area who understand his surgical techniques and rehabilitation preferences. This coordinated approach to post-operative care helps ensure that you regain full function and return to the activities you enjoy throughout your Middle Tennessee lifestyle. Dr. Calendine's commitment to comprehensive follow-up care means that you'll have ongoing support throughout your recovery journey, with adjustments made to your rehabilitation program as needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/; American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, https://hipknee.aahks.org/total-hip-replacement/