Knee Replacement & Orthopedic Surgery

Specialized Care for Knee Pain, Injuries and Arthritis

Knee pain can make it difficult to walk, work, climb stairs, exercise, or enjoy everyday activities. Holy Cross Medical Center provides access to experienced orthopedic surgeons who diagnose and treat knee arthritis, injuries, instability, cartilage damage, and other conditions affecting mobility.

Treatment options include non-surgical care, arthroscopic procedures, ligament and cartilage repair, primary knee replacement, and revision knee replacement. When surgery is appropriate, procedures are performed here in Taos at Holy Cross Hospital.

Knee Conditions and Services

Knee pain may develop gradually because of arthritis or overuse, or it may begin suddenly following an injury. An orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause of the problem and determine the appropriate treatment.

Knee services include:

• Primary knee replacement
• Revision knee replacement
• Arthroscopic knee surgery
• ACL, MCL, and other ligament injury treatment
• Meniscus tear treatment
• Cartilage injury treatment
• Sports-related knee injury care
• Knee arthritis treatment
• Care for degenerative knee conditions
• Non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation planning

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement may be considered when arthritis or joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or difficulty performing everyday activities.

During knee replacement, damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components designed to restore smoother movement and reduce pain. Your surgeon will evaluate your symptoms, imaging, overall health, previous treatments, and goals before determining whether replacement is appropriate.

Revision Knee Replacement

A knee replacement may eventually wear, loosen, become unstable, or stop functioning as intended. Revision knee replacement removes or replaces some or all of the existing components.

Revision procedures are generally more complex than an initial knee replacement and require careful evaluation of the existing implant, surrounding bone, joint stability, and current symptoms.

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to examine and treat certain problems inside the joint.

Depending on the condition, arthroscopy may be used to treat:

• Meniscus tears
• Cartilage injuries
• Loose bone or cartilage fragments
• Ligament injuries
• Joint inflammation
• Other causes of persistent knee pain, catching, or locking

Not every knee condition can be treated arthroscopically. Your surgeon will determine whether arthroscopy or another treatment is appropriate.

Ligament, Meniscus and Cartilage Injuries

Injuries to the ACL, MCL, meniscus, or cartilage can cause pain, swelling, instability, locking, or difficulty placing weight on the knee.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, the patient’s activity level, and whether other structures within the knee are affected. Options may include bracing, physical therapy, injections, activity modification, arthroscopic treatment, ligament reconstruction, or cartilage restoration.

Non-Surgical Knee Care

Knee treatment does not always require surgery. Depending on the condition, conservative care may include:

• Activity modification
• Medication
• Bracing
• Therapeutic injections
• Physical therapy
• Strength and mobility exercises
• Rehabilitation planning

Surgery may be considered when an injury requires repair or when non-surgical treatment has not provided sufficient improvement.

Meet the Knee Surgeons

Aaron Black, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Aaron Black is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in knee care, cartilage restoration, fracture treatment, and athletic injury management. He combines surgical and non-surgical treatment options with individualized planning based on each patient’s condition, goals, and activity level.

Learn more about Aaron Black, MD

Sean Marvil, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Sean Marvil is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in conditions affecting the knee, hip, and shoulder. He treats injuries, arthritis, and degenerative conditions using advanced surgical techniques and individualized treatment planning. His approach focuses on restoring mobility, improving function, and helping patients return to daily life.

Learn more about Sean Marvil, MD

Dan Guttmann, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Dan Guttmann is the medical director of the orthopedic service line and has more than 25 years of experience serving Northern New Mexico. Fellowship trained in adult reconstructive surgery, his expertise includes primary and revision joint replacement, reconstructive care, and treatment designed to help patients maintain mobility and active lifestyles.

Learn more about Dan Guttmann, MD

Why Choose Holy Cross for Knee Care?

• Experienced, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons
• Primary and revision knee replacement
• Arthroscopic and minimally invasive procedures
• Ligament, meniscus, and cartilage treatment
• Surgical and non-surgical care
• Individualized treatment planning
• Clinic appointments and surgery available in Taos
• Surgery performed at Holy Cross Hospital

Orthopedic services at Holy Cross Medical Center are provided through an independent medical practice under contract.

What to Expect

Your first appointment will focus on your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and goals. Your surgeon may review existing imaging or recommend additional diagnostic testing.

Treatment does not always require surgery. If surgery is recommended, your surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery process, potential benefits, and possible risks so you can make an informed decision.

Most patients do not need a referral, but requirements vary by insurance plan. If you are unsure, call 1-888-758-0009 to confirm whether your plan requires one.

Schedule a Knee Evaluation

You do not have to let persistent knee pain keep you from the activities that matter to you. Schedule an evaluation to learn more about your condition and the surgical and non-surgical treatment options available in Taos.

Orthopedic services at Holy Cross Medical Center are provided by independent medical practices under contract with Holy Cross Medical Center.