About Us
At the The Shoulder and Elbow Center at Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic, Dr. Edwin Spencer offers exceptional care utilizing the most recent advances in medical research, instrumentation and imaging to ensure each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific pathology. Dr. Spencer has received numerous awards, including being voted by his peers as one of the Top 28 Shoulder Surgeons in the country, a Knoxville Top Doc by Cityview Magazine, the Best Doctors in America list, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and has been named a Leader in Total Joint Replacement “Generation Next” by Orthopedics Today. Nationally recognized, Dr. Spencer is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, TN.
Dr. Edwin Spencer is a 2 time recipient of the Neer Award- the most prestigious award in shoulder surgery and research- and a member and the American Shoulder and Elbow Society. Dr. Spencer has contributed tremendously to the advancement of rotator cuff treatment as well as designing the first stemless shoulder arthroplasty in the United States (2nd generation design pictured). He is still active with many of the top design companies and doctors in Tennessee and around the world. He has also developed a number of techniques for rotator cuff repair and reverse shoulder replacement.
Recent Blog Posts
Returning to Life After Shoulder Surgery- The Long Haul
When discussing surgical vs. nonoperative treatment for shoulder injuries, one of the most pressing issues involves recovery time and how long patients will have to wait before they resume their…
Dr. Spencer Recognized as a Top Doc
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Spencer on being named one of the City View Top Docs for 2022! He is joined by several of our other surgical providers at…
Davinci’s Glenoid- Decoding the Arthritic Shoulder
Dr. Spencer and the team at the Shoulder and Elbow Center are thrilled to announce the latest of our research efforts being published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow…
A note from Dr. Spencer
My practice strives to provide the highest quality and most compassionate patient-centered orthopaedic care. This begins by carefully listening to my patients as they describe the details of their particular ailments and understanding how these issues interfere with and limit their quality of life.
Patient education is an important aspect of my practice philosophy. Medicine has become increasingly specialized and treatment options can often be very complex with the advent of more novel treatment options. In my experience, an informed patient who is well educated regarding their particular diagnosis is much more engaged and empowered throughout their treatment process and this ultimately improves their treatment outcome.
I employ a team approach to managing my patients. I feel that a team approach better serves the needs of my patients.
Our Patients
Patient Testimonials
I went to the VA in 2016 at the age of 74 and found that my right shoulder was bone on bone. I could live with it, but for how long. I received steroid shots for a year and a half and decided it was time to do more. Due to a previous talk with another Dr., about Dr. Spencer, and the help from VA, I chose KOC for my next step. So far this was the best choice I ever made.
My surgery and replacement was on Dec. 6th. Because of the professional service and information I received from Dr. Spencer and his team, I have been pain free the entire time. I receive PHY.T. every week and am told I am in the 98% group of my recovery and it's only been 5 weeks.
I suggest to anyone thinking of joint replacement to check with KOC and see what they can do for you.
I will follow up in the future. Thank You KOC.
-Thomas P
As a 72 year old second generation, hands on commercial contractor, my body finally said enough. I have been a patient of KOC since 2013. Just recently Dr Spencer and his team replaced my right shoulder, and once I recover sufficiently he is going to replace my left shoulder. I have never been more impressed than being a patient of Dr Spencer. This physician is a Godly man who freely honors God for his success. Dr Spencer explains the procedure so clearly and leaves the choices up to you the patient. The entire team was so caring before and after surgery. I did so well that I was allowed to be released the same day of the surgery due to minimal pain and was up walking around. No heavy pain meds were taken after the third day from surgery. I would highly recommend Dr Spencer and his team at KOC.
-Leon
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can...now do almost everything with my shoulder! Almost 100% mobility, can lift heavy things again. I'm sorry I can't provide pictures because I'm technology challenged but I guarantee you I can do so much now.
I had two previous surgeries from doctors that did me wrong and have suffered for 5 years from their surgeries. Dr. Spencer worked a miracle on me and I'm now waiting to get my right shoulder done. He and his PA-C Jeff Jarnagin have been so kind and reassuring to me and I really feel that I am cared about. I highly recommend him to anyone with shoulder problems, in fact, I already did and my friend was told not to have surgery. Now that's amazing coming from a surgeon in my opinion. The office people are also first rate.
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I had torn my rotator cuff and bicep tendon in March of 2018. My first surgery wasn't at the KOC, but that's another long story. I found Dr. Spencer 7 months later, still with lots of pain and very low mobility. He did a capsular release on me which involved getting a lot, and I mean a LOT of scar tissue out so I could hopefully get more mobility. He did a great job on my shoulder. I couldn't be more happy. I ride horses and it means alot to me that I can throw my 23 lbs.saddle on my horse. Dr.Spencer I can't thank you enough.
I'm pain free and that means the most to me. There is a lot more to my story but not enough room to write. Thank you Dr. Spencer for giving me my life back. I now can do what I wanna do with my horses. Thanks, Carol p.s. this past Saturday I rode 22 miles on my horse. It was great.
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can...live again. Dr Spencer is a Godsend! This surgery was my fifth surgery and I must say, the best of all my previous experiences. He is a true professional in every sense of the word! He not only made my day, he’s given me my arm back. And what a team! Jeff and Anita make this team the “A” team! Thanks so much!!
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can...do things that I've not been able to do with my right arm for 7 years without pain. I've only had my surgery just almost 4 weeks ago and I'm so amazed as to my mobility. Yes, while I think that I can do things that I was able to do 10 years ago I must remember I need to take these steps slowly so I don't overdue anything. It is a long process that needs to be taken in baby steps so not to disrupt the healing process. Dr. Spencer's accuracy and precision work has all the joints lined up so perfectly, it is as if they were the ones that I was born with. The arthritis in my right shoulder began around 2012 and because of horse stories that I've heard over the years regarding lack of usage after the surgery, I was very concerned about having a total shoulder replacement. At that time, I had resigned myself to dealing with the debilitation of the right shoulder and the constant pain. Since I had moved from up North a couple of years ago and the pain became more intense, I had decided to rekindle my investigating alternatives and doctors that I felt I could trust to do the job that I needed to be able to do ordinary things such as being able to comb my hair with my right hand and washing my face with both hands without experiencing pain. After a very extensive investigation about doctors and procedures dealing with total shoulder replacement, I found the right team Dr. Edwin Spencer and his assistant Jeff Jarnagin, PA from KOC. I couldn't have chosen a more professional, superbly dedicated and impeccable team to perform this monumental procedure that I so desperately needed. They work as though they actually know exactly what the other person is thinking. Only 10 years into Dr. Spencer's career, he was named one of the top 28 shoulder surgeons in the USA and still today he hasn't let any grass grow under his feet, he continues his research into many areas of this field, as well as, in the pioneering of new procedures and techniques for all patients. Dr. Spencer, you are just amazing and your assistant Jeff Jarnagin is fantastic as well. You are a unbelievable team that fit together as one and I'm so thankful that I had met up with you. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me.
Thanks to my care at KOC, I can now look forward to a good quality of life. It has been 20 days since Dr. Spencer and his team completed a reverse shoulder replacement on my right shoulder. Everyday, after doing the daily exercises as well as the physical therapy twice a week, I am able to see much improvement in movement and strength. I am confident that in four months, I will be able to use my right arm in ways I have not been able to for many years. My husband and I appreciated that Dr. Spencer listened to us in our first appointment with him in April. In the past, I have always had problems with anesthesia and narcotic pain pills after previous surgeries. For the first time after a surgery, I was not terribly nauseated for a couple of days. I have been taking extra strength Tylenol for pain and it has worked very well. We live on a Army Base in Japan. Last fall, I began having pain in my right shoulder. In January, the pain had become so severe, I could not sleep. A Military Orthopedic Doctor and a Japanese Orthopedic Doctor told me due to the damage in my right shoulder, I had no option except to have a reverse shoulder replacement. I was very concerned about having this surgery. If I must have the surgery, I wanted one of the best surgeons who specialized in shoulder surgery to perform the replacement. After many days of online research of the top 28 surgeons for shoulder replacement, watching videos and reading reviews, I chose Dr. Spencer for my surgery. I absolutely have no regrets! I sincerely believe that I could not have received better care. It has been an extremely positive experience. From our first visit with Jeff Jarnagin, PA-C, Dr. Spencer, Nurse Davis and Tiffani Blackwell, Hospital/Precert Coordinator, we knew coming to Knoxville was the right decision.
First time shooting and season is two weeks away in Ky, thought about you when shooting my Hoyt today and don’t know if I really ever told you how grateful I am for what you did for me, I can do anything I want with the shoulder you repaired but I’m so glad I can enjoy my bow. I hope you and your son are getting time to shoot together and thanks again and God Bless you and your Family,
Danny
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can...move my arm all around now without pain. I'm
Gaining strength by going to PT. Follow orders and you won't have a problem. Love Dr.
Spencer and his entire team. I highly recommend them!!!!!
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I now have use of both arm again. Dr Spencer replaced my right shoulder in February 2019 and then in December 2019 he did a shoulder replacement on my left shoulder. Dr Spencer and Jeff Jarnagin are a Godly team that are masters at their jobs and they treat you like you are the most important patient in their care. They explain every step of the way from the intial shots to leaving the hospital. Both surgeries were done at Tennova Turkey Creek and I was able to go home the same day of surgery both times. The pain I experience was unbeliveable low both times. I feel very blessed to recommend Dr Spencer and his team they are your ATEAM.
I believe KOC is the gold standard for health care. On Jan 20,2020 I had total left shoulder replacement byDr Edwin E Spencer, Jr. Dr Spencer’s team, Jeff Jarnigan, PA, Anita Davis, LPN, Stephanie Johnson and rest of his team are invested in each patient receiving the highest quality care. They are professional, knowledgeable and quick to respond to inquires. Dr Spencer’s Anatomic Total Shoulder protocol for the next 4 months and beyond educated me on what to expect thru my recovery. I highly recommend KOC when you have orthopaedic needs!! Was very pleased having total left shoulder replacement as an outpatient at KOC surgery center. My replacement is successful and am encouraged that I will achieve complete recovery. As I said earlier, Dr Spence's team is highly dedicated to providing the best quality care, educating you on what to expect and prompt to return phone inquiries.
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I am finally on my way to recovery for my RCR thanks to your team. I just saw the videos of my surgery and they were truly very, very informative and reassuring. Thanks Dr Spencer!!!!! (and that's an understatement). I have been 100% compliant on my passive PT since I last saw you.
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can now play golf, cast a fishing line, wash and wax my boat and car and do my own yard work. Dr. Spencer and his team are true professionals in every since of the word. Skilled, caring, coordinated, consistent are just a few adjectives that come to mind. I hope to never need Dr. Spencer’s medical services again but if I do, there’s just one place I will go: Edwin Spencer, MD Knoxville Orthopaedics Center,
As a 30+ year healthcare administrator and a past surveyor for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, I pay lots of attention to details of every organization I use for my own healthcare. Dr. Spencer ‘s team was extraordinary. I was impressed that every staff member I came in contact with was friendly, well informed, confident and truly understood their role in the organization. Truly superior!
I only went to Dr. Spencer to see about getting my shoulder fixed. I got that and so much more. I have no suggestions for improvement.
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can return to the active lifestyle I was living before my injury with no noticeable difference. I can’t say enough about how well the surgery and recovery process went thanks to the the professionalism and care of all those involved at KOC
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, I can move my arm without shoulder pain. I have heard a lot of horror stories about this surgery, this is not true with mine. Dr. Spencer and Jeff Jarnigan are excellent. Their staff is very helpful and go out of their way for you. They explain everything so you can understand what they are doing. They really care about their patients. I would give all 5 stars!
Thanks to my care with Dr. Spencer, put on a coat pain free, lift things onto overhead shelves, and do gardening again. Dr. Spencer and his whole team are great!
Get in Touch
The Shoulder and Elbow Center at Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic
260 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Building #6 • Knoxville, TN 37922
865-450-1240
Request an Appointment
***PLEASE READ***
If you have had previous imaging (x-rays, MRI, CT scan, etc.) PLEASE make sure to bring a DISC WITH THE IMAGES (not just a sheet of paper explaining what was on the images) with you to your first appointment. Without these images, we may not be able to diagnose or treat your specific pathology. A copy of your disc can be picked up from the facility where you had your imaging test performed. Most diagnostic centers CANNOT electronically send records to our database, so you may have to insist that you leave with the disc. Dr. Spencer MUST be able to see these images before proceeding with any kind of treatment.
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Disclaimer:
The information contained on this site is intended to provide only general education. It should NOT be regarded as diagnostic, treatment or any other type of specific medical advice to anyone. Individuals should always consult a licensed and qualified health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations regarding their specific medical problems. If you think you may have a medical emergency or a major medical problem, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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