When it comes to knee and hip replacements, Dr. William Carpenter is a fellowship- trained orthopedic surgeon who is now seeing patients in McMinnville at Ascension Saint Thomas River Park Hospital.

“We use newer techniques that allow patients to recover faster,” said Dr. Carpenter, who is a joint replacement specialist with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance. “We do same-day hip replacements with surgery that lasts less than an hour. After 4-6 weeks, patients are almost 100% recovered. It can really improve quality of life. Some people come in with a cane or a walker and they leave the hospital without any sort of assistance device.”

Dr. Carpenter said pain associated with arthritis is a common reason hip and knee replacement surgery is performed. He says he utilizes robotics and computer navigation to make surgery as precise as possible.

“It helps put components in the right spot,” said Dr. Carpenter. “This leads to a faster recovery and helps with the longevity of the implant if the pressure is properly balanced on the inside and outside.”

He noted the longevity of a knee replacement has greatly increased. He said 85% to 90% of the knee replacements being done now can expect to last 20 years.

Dr. Carpenter conducted his one year of fellowship work at New York University in Manhattan. That’s where he received extensive training in robotic hip and knee joint replacements, earning certifications in both procedures.

Dr. Carpenter said he decided to expand his practice to McMinnville because of the need for a joint replacement specialist in our area. He says River Park is a great fit and a natural match because Dr. Alexander Brown, who is also affiliated with TOA, has an office at River Park.

Because of his expertise, Dr. Carpenter says he is often called to redo problematic joint replacement procedures that have been conducted by other surgeons.

To find out more information about a consultation, visit his website, www.carpentermd.com. You can also call the main TOA scheduling number at (855) 971-2526.