#48 in Louisiana
Knee

Dr. David Elias, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
30 procedures 2 hospitals Thibodaux, LA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 30 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. David Elias is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Thibodaux, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Elias has performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #48 in Louisiana.

In Louisiana, Dr. Elias performs below average in knee (30 vs 40 avg).

Dr. Elias's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 30 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. Elias holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

Thibodaux is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Thibodaux area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Elias's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 55 procedures in 2013 before settling at 30 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Elias's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
30 verified cases
#48 in Louisiana
Estimated total: 80 – 90 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. Elias Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.

Knee Below Avg
30 Avg: 40
Dr. Elias Louisiana Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 985-625-2200
726 N Acadia Rd
Thibodaux, LA 70301
NPI: 1821049743
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 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. Elias's recorded volume peaked at 55 procedures in 2013 and stood at 30 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 30
Peak Volume 55 (2013)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center
★★★☆☆
Thibodaux, LA
Low case volume
H
Bayou Bend Health System
Franklin, LA

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. Elias

How does Dr. Elias's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?

Dr. Elias has performed 30 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 51 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Elias ranks #67 out of 118 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Elias perform?

Dr. Elias's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 30 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Elias in Thibodaux?

Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Thibodaux 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 Louisiana surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Elias 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. Elias's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 30 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Elias's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 55 procedures in 2013 and was 30 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.

Which hospitals is Dr. Elias affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Elias is affiliated with Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, Bayou Bend Health System.

How does Dr. Elias compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Thibodaux?

Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Thibodaux, Dr. Elias ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Thibodaux has 138 verified Medicare procedures.

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

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Thibodaux, Louisiana

Dr. Elias's 30 Medicare procedures are below the Thibodaux average of 65. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Thibodaux.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Eric Greber 138 Hip, Knee
Dr. Patrick Ellender 57 Knee
Dr. Jason Higgins 34 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. David Elias, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/la/dr-david-elias-thibodaux.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/la/dr-david-elias-thibodaux.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.