Knee
Dr. Christopher Arnold, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Arnold is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Arnold has performed 126 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #4 in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, Dr. Arnold performs well above average in knee (126 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Arnold's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 126 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Arnold holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Fayetteville is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fayetteville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Arnold's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 95 to 126 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Arnold's 126 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Arnold Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Contact & Location
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Arnold's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 95 to 126 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Arnold
How does Dr. Arnold's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Arnold has performed 126 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Arkansas average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Arnold ranks #13 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Arnold perform?
Dr. Arnold's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 126 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Arnold with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Arnold ranks #4 in Arkansas for knee replacement with 126 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Arnold in Fayetteville?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Fayetteville in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Arkansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Arnold represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Arnold's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 126 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Arnold's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Arnold's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 95 to 126 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Arnold affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Arnold is affiliated with Northwest Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Baptist Health - Fort Smith.
How does Dr. Arnold compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fayetteville?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Fayetteville, Dr. Arnold ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Arnold is among the highest-volume surgeons in Fayetteville.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Arnold practices?
Northwest Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mercy Hospital Fort Smith (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Dr. Arnold's 126 Medicare procedures are above the Fayetteville average of 108. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fayetteville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Hanby | 349 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Creech | 108 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Yakin | 61 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Heinzelmann | 50 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Wesley Cox | 47 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Mathew Coker | 16 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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