Knee Surgery in Indianapolis, Indiana

Aptiva Health provides comprehensive knee care in Louisville — from the first evaluation through imaging, conservative treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation — anchored by board-certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steve Smith and Dr. Shawn Price and a team of orthopedic advanced practice providers. We treat the full range of knee conditions, prioritizing conservative care first — physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, and targeted injections — and offering minimally invasive surgical options including knee arthroscopy, meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and partial and total knee replacement when surgery becomes the right answer. With on-site MRI, on-site physical therapy, and an in-house orthopedic and sports medicine team, the entire knee care pathway happens under one roof.

Medically reviewed by J. Steve Smith, MD and Shawn Price, MD. Last reviewed: May 2026.

Why Patients Choose Aptiva Health for Knee Care in Louisville

One Knee Team, One Care Pathway

Most knee patients in Louisville end up coordinating care across three or four practices: a primary care office for the referral, a separate imaging center for the MRI, an orthopedic specialist booked weeks out, an injection appointment somewhere else, and a separate physical therapy practice for rehab. Each handoff is another week of delay, another insurance authorization, another appointment to drive to.

Aptiva Health is structured differently. From the initial evaluation through MRI, conservative care, injections, surgery, and post-operative rehab, the patient stays inside one organization. The surgeon, the orthopedic PA and APRN, the physical therapist, and the imaging center all share the same chart and the same plan.

Conservative Care First, Surgery When It's Right

Most knee problems do not require surgery. Our knee team starts every patient with the least-invasive treatment that is likely to work — physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, activity modification, and targeted knee injections. We measure progress, image when needed, and only recommend surgery when the patient's symptoms and imaging both indicate it is the right step.

When surgery is the right answer, we use minimally invasive techniques whenever the anatomy allows — smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, less pain, and a faster return to normal activity.

Same-Week Knee Evaluations

Aptiva Health Louisville offers same-day and same-week orthopedic appointments. Patients do not wait months for a first visit. New patients with imaging in hand can often be evaluated within 7 days of calling, and acute knee injuries can be seen right away through our Immediate Injury Care walk-in clinic, including on-site X-ray.

On-Site Imaging and Therapy Across Louisville

Aptiva Health sees knee patients at multiple Louisville locations, with on-site MRI imaging and Aptiva orthopedic, sports medicine, interventional pain, and physical therapy services available close to home — including Louisville East, Louisville Downtown, and Louisville Middletown. No separate trip to an outside imaging center, no long wait for the scan.

Schedule your appointment today!

Meet the Indianapolis Knee Team

Knee Conditions We Treat in Indianapolis

Our Indianpolis knee team evaluates and treats the full range of knee injuries and degenerative conditions:

• Meniscus tears — tears of the C-shaped cartilage that cushions the knee, from sports injuries or age-related wear.

• ACL tears — anterior cruciate ligament injuries, common in pivoting and cutting sports.

• PCL, MCL, and LCL injuries — sprains and tears of the other major knee ligaments.

• Knee osteoarthritis — age-related cartilage wear that produces pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

• Cartilage injuries and chondromalacia — damage or softening of the cartilage on the joint surfaces, including the kneecap.

• Patellofemoral pain and kneecap instability — pain at the front of the knee and recurrent kneecap dislocation or tracking problems.

• Knee sprains and strains — acute ligament and muscle-tendon injuries.

• Tendon injuries — patellar and quadriceps tendinitis and tendon tears.

• Knee dislocations and loose bodies — joint dislocations and fragments of cartilage or bone within the joint.

• Knee bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee.

• Work-related and auto-accident knee injuries — evaluated and treated under workers' compensation and auto injury coverage.

Knee Surgeries Performed in Indianapolis

When conservative care has not provided sufficient relief, our Indianapolis knee surgeons perform the full range of minimally invasive and joint replacement procedures. Most are performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis at the appropriate surgical center.

Arthroscopic (minimally invasive) knee surgery

• Knee arthroscopy — a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee.

• Meniscus repair and meniscectomy — repairing a torn meniscus or trimming the damaged portion when repair is not possible.

• ACL reconstruction — rebuilding a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft to restore knee stability.

• PCL, MCL, and LCL reconstruction — ligament reconstruction or repair for instability involving the other major knee ligaments.

• Cartilage restoration — procedures to repair or regrow damaged cartilage on the joint surfaces.

• Loose body removal — removing fragments of cartilage or bone that cause locking or catching.

Knee replacement surgery

• Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement — resurfacing only the single damaged compartment of the knee while preserving the healthy ligaments and cartilage.

• Total knee replacement — resurfacing all three compartments of an arthritic knee joint to relieve pain and restore function.

Kneecap (patellofemoral) surgery

• Patellar realignment and stabilization — surgery to correct kneecap tracking and recurrent kneecap dislocation.

Non-surgical knee procedures

Many knee patients avoid surgery entirely with conservative treatment delivered by our orthopedic PA and APRN:

• Knee injections — including corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid / gel injections) — for select patients with knee osteoarthritis.

• PRP injections — platelet rich plasma injections and regenerative injections

• Bracing and physical therapy — to stabilize the knee and rebuild strength and motion.

The Aptiva Stepped-Care Approach to Knee Conditions

Knee surgery is rarely a first-line treatment. Our Indianapolis knee team follows a stepped-care approach that gives every patient the best chance of resolving symptoms without surgery.

Step 1 — Activity modification, medication, and self-care. NSAIDs, ice and heat, bracing or a knee sleeve, weight management when relevant, and avoiding the activities that aggravate symptoms.

Step 2 — Physical therapy and non-invasive treatment. Knee-specific strengthening and mobility protocols, manual therapy, and gait and movement retraining.

Step 3 — Knee injections. Corticosteroid injections and, for select arthritis patients, viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid) injections, administered by our orthopedic PA and APRN — many of which provide lasting relief and prevent the need for surgery.

Step 4 — Minimally invasive surgery or knee replacement when conservative care has not provided sufficient relief or when the diagnosis clearly requires surgical treatment.

Many patients reach Step 2 or Step 3 and stop there — their symptoms resolve and they do not need surgery. For the patients who do need surgery, the stepped-care evaluation makes sure the procedure is targeting the right problem.

When Should You See an Aptiva Knee Surgeon in Indianapolis?

Most knee pain comes on gradually and resolves with conservative care. Certain patterns warrant prompt evaluation by an orthopedic specialist:

• Knee pain that has not improved after 4–6 weeks of rest, activity modification, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and basic strengthening.

• A knee that gives way, buckles, or feels unstable.

• Locking or catching — the knee getting stuck or not fully straightening.

• Significant swelling that develops quickly after an injury or recurs without a clear cause.

• Knee pain that worsens at night or wakes you up.

• Difficulty with stairs, kneeling, or walking distances because of knee pain.

• A knee injury from sports, a fall, or a work or auto accident.

• A prior knee surgery that did not provide the relief expected.

Get to an emergency room or urgent care immediately if you experience: an obvious knee deformity after an injury, inability to bear any weight on the leg, a knee that is hot, red, and severely swollen with fever, or numbness and loss of circulation in the foot. These can indicate a fracture, dislocation, joint infection, or vascular injury.

For non-emergency knee evaluation, Aptiva Health Indianapolis offers same-day and same-week appointments — patients do not wait months to be seen.

Schedule your appointment today!

Schedule a Knee Consultation in Indianapolis — Schedule Now

Address: 6801 Gray Road, Suite H · Indianapolis, IN 46237

Phone: 463-303-0501 Fax: (855) 859-0123

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Workers' comp scheduling line: 1-844-999-3627

Directions: Located on the south side of Indianapolis, easily accessible from I-65 (Exit 103 Southport Rd), US-31 (East Street), and I-465. Approximately 10 minutes from downtown Greenwood and 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis.

Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Kentucky Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Surgery in Indianapolis

Who provides knee surgery at Aptiva Health Indianapolis?

Knee surgery at Aptiva Health Indianapolis is performed by Jason May, MD, and D. Philip Stickney, MD, experienced orthopedic surgeons specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries, arthritis, sports injuries, and complex orthopedic conditions. Our Indianapolis orthopedic team provides comprehensive care—from your initial evaluation and imaging through surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up—all within one coordinated practice. Whether you need conservative treatment or advanced surgical care, Dr. May and Dr. Stickney work closely with the rest of the orthopedic team to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Where can I see a knee specialist in Indianapolis?

Aptiva Health sees knee patients at our Indianapolis clinic located at 6801 Gray Road, Suite H, Indianapolis, IN 46237. Patients have convenient access to orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, physical therapy, MRI, digital X-ray, spine care, pain management, and rehabilitation in one location, helping streamline diagnosis and treatment.

Do I need knee surgery?

Most knee problems do not require surgery. At Aptiva Health Indianapolis, treatment begins with conservative options such as physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and targeted injections whenever appropriate. Surgery is recommended only when symptoms, your physical examination, and imaging indicate it is the best treatment option.

What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments of the knee joint, while a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement replaces only the damaged portion of the joint and preserves healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments whenever possible. Patients with arthritis limited to one area of the knee may be candidates for a partial knee replacement. Your orthopedic surgeon will review your imaging and discuss which procedure is most appropriate for your condition.

What knee conditions does Aptiva Health Indianapolis treat?

Our orthopedic team treats a wide range of knee conditions, including:

• Knee arthritis and joint degeneration

• Meniscus tears

• ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL injuries

• Knee sprains and strains

• Cartilage injuries and chondromalacia

• Patellofemoral pain

• Tendon injuries

• Sports-related knee injuries

• Work-related injuries

• Auto accident injuries

We also evaluate patients seeking treatment for chronic knee pain or a second opinion regarding surgery.

How long is recovery after knee surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Many patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery, while ligament reconstruction and joint replacement require longer rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays an important role in recovery, and your surgeon will provide a personalized rehabilitation plan based on your procedure and goals.

Can I avoid knee surgery?

In many cases, yes. Many patients improve with non-surgical treatment, including physical therapy, medications, bracing, activity modification, and image-guided injections. Aptiva Health's approach focuses on recommending the least invasive treatment that effectively addresses your condition before considering surgery.

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee. It is commonly used for meniscus tears, cartilage injuries, loose bodies, and certain ligament conditions. Compared with traditional open surgery, arthroscopy typically results in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

How quickly can I be seen for a knee evaluation at Aptiva Health Indianapolis?

Aptiva Health Indianapolis offers same-week appointments for many orthopedic conditions. Patients with acute knee injuries can often be evaluated quickly, and our on-site imaging services help accelerate diagnosis and treatment planning without unnecessary delays.

Does Aptiva Health Indianapolis provide second opinions for knee surgery?

Yes. Many patients visit Aptiva Health for a second opinion after being told they may need surgery. Bringing previous X-rays, MRI studies, CT scans, or physician records allows our orthopedic specialists to provide a thorough independent evaluation and discuss both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

Does Aptiva Health Indianapolis treat work-related and auto accident knee injuries?

Yes. Aptiva Health Indianapolis provides comprehensive care for knee injuries resulting from workplace accidents and motor vehicle collisions. Our integrated team includes orthopedic specialists, imaging, physical therapy, pain management, and rehabilitation services under one roof, helping patients receive coordinated care throughout their recovery.

What insurance does Aptiva Health Indianapolis accept for knee surgery?

Aptiva Health works with most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, workers' compensation, and auto insurance coverage. Coverage requirements vary by plan, so our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and answer any insurance-related questions.

Questions? Call us today! 463-303-0501