Jean Simard, MD
Dr. Jean Simard is a board-certified, fellowship-trained
orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, with a particular
focus on MAKO robotic-arm assisted surgery. He is one of OrthoSouth's most
experienced MAKO surgeons — performing robotic-assisted partial knee, total
knee, and total hip replacement — and has authored patient education articles
on MAKO technology published on orthosouth.org.
Dr. Simard's clinical focus includes hip and knee arthritis, bone-on-bone joint pain, and conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatment such as injections or physical therapy. He also performs arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery. He has been involved in orthopedic research, presented at national orthopedic conferences, and served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at a teaching hospital.
Dr. Simard earned his medical degree from Laval University School of Medicine in Quebec, Canada, and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Laval University. He then trained as a visiting physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, completing rotations in hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction — one of the most rigorous and recognized joint reconstruction training programs in the world. He subsequently completed a trauma fellowship at the University of Tennessee Campbell Clinic in Memphis, one of the nation's leading orthopedic programs.
He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Tennessee Medical Association, and the Memphis Medical Society. Dr. Simard sees patients at OrthoSouth's Bartlett, Germantown, and Poplar locations.
FELLOWSHIP
EDUCATION
College of Jonquiere - Quebec, Canada
Medical School: Laval University School of Medicine - Quebec, Canada
Residency: Orthopaedic Surgery, Laval University - Quebec, Canada
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Tennessee Medical Association
- Memphis Medical Society
ARTICLES
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES
Hip
- Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis)
- Bone-on-bone hip pain
- Hip pain limiting walking, stairs, or daily activity
- Hip pain that has not responded to injections or physical therapy
- Total hip replacement
- MAKO robotic-arm assisted total hip replacement
Knee
- Knee arthritis (osteoarthritis)
- Bone-on-bone knee pain
- Knee pain limiting walking, climbing stairs, or standing
- Knee pain that wakes you at night
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)
- MAKO robotic-arm assisted total knee replacement
- MAKO robotic-arm assisted partial knee replacement
- Arthroscopic knee surgery
Shoulder
- Shoulder arthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder instability
- Arthroscopic shoulder surgery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is
MAKO robotic-arm assisted joint replacement?
MAKO is a robotic-arm assisted
surgical system used for partial knee, total knee, and total hip replacement.
Before surgery, a CT scan creates a 3D model of the patient's specific joint
anatomy. The MAKO system uses this model to help the surgeon plan implant
positioning and then guides the robotic arm within a pre-planned boundary
during the procedure - preventing the surgeon from moving outside the safe zone
tailored to that patient's anatomy. The goal is greater precision in implant
placement compared to manual techniques, which can mean better alignment, a
more natural-feeling joint, and potentially longer implant life. Dr. Simard has
extensive experience with MAKO-assisted surgery and has published patient
education content on the procedure available on orthosouth.org.
What is
the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement resurfaces
all three compartments of the knee joint. Partial knee replacement - also
called unicompartmental knee replacement - resurfaces only the damaged
compartment, typically the inner (medial) side. Partial replacement preserves
more of the natural knee structure, typically allows faster recovery, and can
produce a more natural feeling knee for appropriate candidates. It is only an
option when arthritis is limited to one compartment. Dr. Simard performs both
procedures, including robotic-assisted versions of each using the MAKO system.
He will evaluate your X-rays and symptoms to determine which approach - if
either - is right for you.
Am I a
candidate for robotic-assisted joint replacement?
Most patients who are candidates
for knee or hip replacement are also candidates for MAKO robotic-assisted
surgery, but candidacy depends on anatomy, bone quality, and other factors Dr.
Simard evaluates during your appointment. MAKO is available for partial knee,
total knee, and total hip replacement. If you are scheduled for a consultation,
you can ask Dr. Simard directly whether robotic-assisted surgery is appropriate
for your case.
How do I
know if I need knee or hip replacement?
Most patients consider joint
replacement when pain is significantly limiting daily life - difficulty walking
more than a block, trouble with stairs, or waking at night from joint pain -
and non-surgical treatments including injections and physical therapy have not
provided lasting relief. Dr. Simard performs a full evaluation including
imaging and walks through all treatment options before any surgical
recommendation is made.
How long
is recovery from knee or hip replacement?
Most patients are walking the same
day as surgery. Full recovery - returning to normal daily activities without
restriction - typically takes three to six months depending on the procedure,
the surgical technique, and the patient's commitment to physical therapy. Dr.
Simard and the OrthoSouth care team provide a structured recovery plan that
begins before surgery.
Does
OrthoSouth accept my insurance?
OrthoSouth accepts most major
insurance plans. Call 901.641.3000 or visit the Insurance and Billing page on
orthosouth.org to verify your specific coverage before scheduling.
CERTIFICATIONS
