June 26, 2019

Stories That Move Us: Dr. Jamie Kay’s Journey from Orthopedic Surgeon to Knee Replacement Patient

Dr. Jamie Kay has been practicing orthopedics at Central Indiana Orthopedics since 2001. He specializes in general orthopedics, sports medicine, arthroscopy and joint replacement. Many of you may be a patient of Dr. Kay, maybe even a joint replacement patient, but did you know Dr. Kay became a patient of CIO in 2018? He underwent a total knee replacement using Mako™ Robotic-Assisted Technology with his partner Dr. Damer as his surgeon. So, what’s it like for the surgeon to become the patient? This is his personal story…

Dr. Kay had been experiencing knee pain for ten years and had developed a significant bow in his leg. He had two prior knee arthroscopies for meniscal tears and multiple steroid injections over five years. Dr. Kay realized it was time to listen to the advice he gives his own patients: When the pain starts to affect your quality of life, it’s time to do something about it.

Long days of being on his feet became more painful, especially when operating for an extended period of time. As a joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Kay knew it was time for the procedure and he knew the technology he wanted to assist in his replacement – Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology.

He talked with Dr. Damer about performing the surgery. “I trusted Dr. Damer,” said Dr. Kay. “I felt comfortable with him performing the surgery and knew I wanted a joint replacement using robotic technology.”

Mako™ robotic-arm assisted technology provides many benefits to the patient, including a personalized surgical plan, less pain and quicker recovery than traditional joint replacements, and reduced risk of complications. The robotic arm guides the surgeon’s cuts during surgery, resulting in a safer and more accurate procedure.

Within five hours after surgery, Dr. Kay was up walking using the assistance of a walker. “It’s safe to say I prefer being the surgeon to the patient,” Dr. Kay joked. “But now I have a different perspective to offer to my patients who are considering a joint replacement.”

To learn more about Dr. Kay and his experience as a joint replacement patient, watch his testimonial video below or visit https://ciocenter.com/physicians/p-jamieson-kay-md/