Cold weather often has a way of reminding us about aches we might otherwise ignore. If a chill in the air makes your knee discomfort more noticeable, you're not alone. While it may seem counterintuitive, the winter season can be an ideal time to address knee issues and plan for procedures. With fewer outdoor activities and more time spent indoors, winter and spring provide a natural window for rest and recovery, setting you up for a more active and comfortable summer.
At Sagewell Orthopaedics, we believe in pairing the right timing with the right technology. Planning a knee procedure during the colder months allows you to focus on healing without feeling like you're missing out on warm-weather fun. This patient-centered approach to timing, combined with advanced technology like the CORI◊ Robotics-Assisted Surgical System, can create a modern, supportive recovery experience. It’s an opportunity to invest in your future mobility, so you're ready when the seasons change.
The Advantages of a Winter Recovery Season
Choosing to have a knee procedure is a significant decision, and the timing of your recovery plays a crucial role in its success. Scheduling your surgery during the winter months offers several practical benefits that can lead to a smoother, more focused healing process.
More Time for Rest and Healing
Winter naturally encourages a slower pace of life. The shorter days and colder temperatures mean we spend more time indoors. This environment is perfect for the dedicated rest required after a knee procedure. Instead of feeling pressure to attend summer barbecues or outdoor events, you can comfortably recover at home, giving your body the uninterrupted time it needs to heal properly.
Easier to Manage Swelling
Cold therapy is a cornerstone of post-operative care for knee surgery, as it helps reduce swelling and manage discomfort. Winter makes this easier than ever. The cooler ambient temperatures can naturally assist in keeping inflammation down. Dr. Strasburger may also offer iovera° as a potential pre-operative treatment, a non-opioid technology designed to temporarily block pain signals and help with swelling after surgery. You can embrace the cozy season, knowing that the climate outside is helping your recovery inside.
Be Ready for Summer Activities
One of the most compelling reasons to plan a winter or spring procedure is the timeline. By addressing your knee health during the colder months, you give yourself a head start on the active warmer months. Your recovery period can align with the final stretch of colder weather, meaning you may be back on your feet and regaining strength just as the season starts to warm up. Imagine welcoming summer with renewed comfort and confidence, ready to enjoy gardening, walking, and other activities without being held back by knee discomfort.
A Modern Approach to Knee Replacement with the CORI◊ Surical System
A successful recovery isn't just about timing, it's also about the technology used during the procedure. At Sagewell Orthopaedics, we utilize the CORI◊ Robotics-Assisted Surgical System, an innovative tool that empowers our surgeons to deliver a new level of precision and personalization to knee replacement surgery.
What is the CORI◊ Surgical System?
The CORI◊ system is a next-generation, handheld robotics-assisted technology used for both partial and total knee replacements. It combines the expertise of your surgeon with the accuracy of advanced robotics to create a procedure tailored specifically to you. This synergy of human skill and technological precision supports our goal of achieving consistent, natural-feeling results for our patients.
A Procedure Customized to Your Unique Anatomy
No two knees are the same, and your knee replacement shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all solution. The CORI◊ system’s most notable feature is its ability to create a customized 3D digital model of your knee in real-time during the surgery. This smart digital mapping allows Dr. Strasburger to plan the procedure with a detailed view of your specific anatomy, ensuring the implant is optimally sized and positioned for your body.
A key benefit of this approach is that it eliminates the need for pre-operative CT scans, for a more streamlined surgical process. Everything is mapped right in the operating room, personalizing your care from start to finish.
Precision That Supports a Patient-Centered Recovery
The robotics-assisted handpiece provides Dr. Strasburger with precise data throughout the procedure, allowing him to remove damaged bone surfaces with a high degree of accuracy. This level of precision is intended to help balance your joint and position the implant to match your knee’s natural motion as closely as possible. By preserving healthy bone and ensuring an optimal fit, the CORI◊ system supports a truly patient-centered approach that aligns with your winter recovery goals.
Take the Next Step This Winter
If cold weather is highlighting your knee discomfort, consider it a sign. Winter may be the perfect season to take action and plan for a more comfortable and mobile future. By combining the natural recovery window of the colder months with the advanced capabilities of the CORI◊ Robotics-Assisted Surgical System, you may set the stage for a fulfilling and active year ahead.
Curious to learn more? You’re invited to learn more about this technology and get your questions answered.
Join Dr. Scott Strasburger for an engaging discussion about the CORI◊ system on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM at our new state-of-the-art Sagewell Orthopaedics facility. Reserve your seat today by visiting https://luma.com/SagewellCORI – we look forward to seeing you at this special event!
CORI◊ Trademark of Smith & Nephew. Individual results may vary.