Richard A. Sweet, M.D.
Specializes in total joint replacement.
Dr. Sweet specializes in the area of total joint replacement. He completed the Aufrank Reconstruction Fellowship in joint replacement surgery at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. He has been involved in both clinical and scientific research in this field, which has included implant and instrument development for hip and knee replacement surgery. These research and development efforts have focused particularly on minimal incision techniques. An avid teacher, he often conducts seminars on the subject of total joint replacement for both medical personnel and the community at large. This includes physician cadaver lab teaching of minimal incision total knee replacement and total hip replacement surgery. He has a special interest in sports medicine and particular expertise in knee reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Sweet was born in Kentucky and earned his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Kentucky. He served his residency at the University of Louisville. He belongs to all the state and local medical societies and is board certified in orthopedic surgery.
The Importance of Orthopedic Surgeons Subspecializing in Total Joint Reconstruction (Arthroplasty). Not all orthopedic procedures involve the same level of complexity. Replacing a joint is an intricate process that requires the skill of a specially trained surgeon, like Dr. Sweet. With a unique understanding of joint anatomy and musculoskeletal health, Dr. Sweet is highly respected among his peers and patients alike.
Joint replacement surgery is performed to replace worn, damaged portions of the joint with artificial components that are designed to restore natural, fluid movement.
“The thought of total joint replacement makes some patients nervous, but this procedure has incredibly high success rates and is surprisingly cost-effective,” Dr. Sweet says. “In fact, more than one million total joint replacements are performed every year nationwide.”
What’s more, Dr. Sweet leverages the latest advancements in muscle-sparing techniques to reduce the invasiveness of joint replacement surgery and minimize postoperative discomfort. This approach allows his patients to experience a more streamlined recovery and helps them get back on the move as quickly and safely as possible.
Subspecialty: Total Joint Reconstruction
Orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Sweet, who subspecialize in total joint reconstruction, have more experience performing hip replacements and total knee replacements. Due to the nature of the surgery, a board certified and subspecialized surgeon is recommended
Common Conditions Treated by Dr. Sweet
Dr. Sweet’s total joint replacement surgeries are usually total knee and hip replacements that are performed to address arthritis. These surgeries are treatments that are typically recommended for chronic arthritis pain or traumatic joint injuries in patients ages 50 and older.
Procedures Performed by Dr. Sweet
Total joint replacement procedures are surgical in nature and involve removing and replacing a damaged joint with a prosthetic joint made from metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. Recovery time to return to driving and normal daily activities can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Full recovery may take 3 to 6 months.
Additional Information About Richard A. Sweet, M.D. (Retired 2022)
4130 Dutchman's Lane
Louisville, KY 40207
Phone: (502) 897-1794
Fax: (502) 897-3852
1425 State St.
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: 812-920-0408
University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 1969-1972
University of Kentucky Lexington, KY, M.D. 1972-1976
Internship
Bowman Gray School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC 1976-1977
University of Louisville School of Medicine Louisville, KY 1977-1981
Otto Aufrank Fellowship of Constructive Orthopaedic Surgery July 1981- Boston, MA June 1982
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons August 1984
Kentucky, License #19434 1977
Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Director of Total Joint Arthroplasty Clinic University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Baptist Hospital East, Jewish Medical Center East, Physician's Medical Center (PMC)
Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Using the Kinnematic Rotating Hinge.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Total Articular Replacement Arthroplasty System.
Principles of Revision Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty.
"Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D. and Roderick Turner, M.D., Orthopedic Transactions, July 1982.
"Complications of Surface Replacement Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D. and Benjamin Bierbaum, M.D., Orthopedic Clinics of North America, October 1982.
"Principles of Surface Replacement Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D. and Benjamin Bierbaum, M.D., Total Hip Arthroplasty, edited by R. Tronzo.
"Complications of Surface Replacement Arthroplasty versus Total Hip Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D., Benjamin Bierbaum, M.D. and William McKenzie,
M.D. Presented at " New England Orthopedic Association 1981 Annual Meeting" and "Eastern Orthopedic Association 1981
Annual Meeting".
"Surface Replacement Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D. and Benjamin Bierbaum, M.D., presented at "1982 Otto E. Aufrank Hip Meeting" and at "1983
Harkess Society".
"Fusion of Failed Total Knee Replacements", Richard Sweet, M.D. and Roderick Turner, M.D., presented at Tufts University sponsored meeting, "Principles and
Uses of External Fixation", November 1981.
"Principles of the Use of the Total Articular Replacement Arthroplasty", presented at workshop on T.A.R.A., November 1981.
"Principles of Revision Total Hip, Total Hip Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D. and Roderick Turner, M.D., presented at "1982 Otto E. Aufrank Hip Meeting".
"Intra-abdominal Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty", Richard Sweet, M.D., Steven Coomer, M.D. and Brian Altman, M.D., presented at the "1982 New
England Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting"
Jefferson County Medical Society
American Medical Association
Kentucky Medical Association
Louisville Orthopaedic Society
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Our patients can receive MRI imaging onsite at both our Louisville and New Albany Clinics.
Providing the latest advances in orthopedic surgery is our specialty.
We take a unique, multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
Our physical therapists use advanced techniques to help restore strength and mobility. 
We provide comprehensive, conservative care for a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions.
We offer same- and next-day care to patients with acute injuries.
Get back in the game with help from our sports medicine specialists. 
Our centers are equipped with a state-of-the-art digital X-ray machine.