#6 Knee
#34 Hip

Dr. Richard Nix, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
126 procedures 1 hospital Little Rock, AR
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 14 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 112 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Richard Nix is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Little Rock, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nix has performed 112 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#6 in Arkansas) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 126 procedures.

In Arkansas, Dr. Nix performs well above average in knee (112 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Nix's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 89% of reported Medicare volume.

Little Rock is home to 24 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Little Rock area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Nix extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 126 in the most recent data, a 152% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nix's 112 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
112 verified cases
#6 in Arkansas
Hip Replacement
14 verified cases
#34 in Arkansas
Estimated total: 340 – 380 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Nix Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.

Hip Below Avg
14 Avg: 34
Knee Very High
112 Avg: 47
Dr. Nix Arkansas Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 501-604-6900
10301 Kanis Rd
Little Rock, AR 72205
NPI: 1295727154
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Nix's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 152% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 126 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 126
Peak Volume 164 (2019)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock
★★★☆☆
Little Rock, AR
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Nix

How does Dr. Nix's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?

Dr. Nix has performed 126 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Arkansas average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nix ranks #12 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nix perform?

Dr. Nix's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (112 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Nix with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Nix ranks #6 in Arkansas for knee replacement with 112 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nix in Little Rock?

Yes. There are 24 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock 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. Nix 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. Nix's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 126 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Nix's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Nix's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2013 to 126 in the most recent data, a 152% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 164 procedures in 2019.

Does Dr. Nix perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Nix's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (112 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Nix affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nix is affiliated with Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock.

How does Dr. Nix compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock?

Among the 24 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock, Dr. Nix ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Little Rock has 322 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nix practices?

Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock (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 Little Rock, Arkansas

Dr. Nix's 126 Medicare procedures are below the Little Rock average of 160. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Little Rock.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Kenneth Martin 322 Knee
Dr. Charles Barnes 169 Hip, Knee
Dr. David Newbern 139 Hip, Knee
Dr. Samuel Baxter 131 Hip, Knee
Dr. Paul Edwards 117 Hip, Knee
Dr. Adam Smith 116 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Richard Nix, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ar/dr-richard-nix-little-rock.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ar/dr-richard-nix-little-rock.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.