#3 Knee
#31 Hip

Dr. James Nairus, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
232 procedures 5 hospitals Waltham, MA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star Top 10% Nationally
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 61 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 171 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. James Nairus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waltham, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nairus has performed 171 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#3 in Massachusetts) and 61 hip replacements, for a combined total of 232 procedures.

In Massachusetts, Dr. Nairus performs well above average in knee (171 vs 51 avg), above average in hip (61 vs 44 avg).

Dr. Nairus's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (171 cases) and hip replacements (61 cases).

Waltham is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Waltham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Nairus extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 94 to 232 in the most recent data, a 147% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nairus's 171 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #104 nationally.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
171 verified cases
#3 in Massachusetts
Hip Replacement
61 verified cases
#31 in Massachusetts
Estimated total: 630 – 700 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. Nairus Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.

Hip High
61 Avg: 44
Knee Very High
171 Avg: 51
Dr. Nairus Massachusetts Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 781-890-2133
840 Winter St
Waltham, MA 02451
NPI: 1306828249
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Nairus's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 147% from 94 procedures in 2013 to 232 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 232
Peak Volume 251 (2019)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
New England Baptist Hospital
★★★★★
Boston, MA
Similar to national avg
H
St Vincent Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Worcester, MA
Similar to national avg
H
Heywood Hospital -
★★★☆☆
Gardner, MA
Similar to national avg
H
Umass Memorial Healh - Harrington Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Southbridge, MA
Low case volume
H
Marlborough Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Marlborough, MA
Low case volume

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. Nairus

How does Dr. Nairus's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?

Dr. Nairus has performed 232 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nairus ranks #7 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nairus perform?

Dr. Nairus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (171 cases) and hip replacement (61 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Nairus with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Nairus ranks #3 in Massachusetts for knee replacement with 171 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 202 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nairus in Waltham?

Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waltham 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 Massachusetts surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nairus 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. Nairus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 232 procedures shown here.

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

Yes. Dr. Nairus's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 94 procedures in 2013 to 232 in the most recent data, a 147% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 251 procedures in 2019.

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

Yes. Dr. Nairus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (171 cases), hip replacement (61 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Nairus affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nairus is affiliated with New England Baptist Hospital, St Vincent Hospital, Heywood Hospital -, Umass Memorial Healh - Harrington Hospital, Marlborough Hospital.

How does Dr. Nairus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waltham?

Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waltham, Dr. Nairus ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nairus is among the highest-volume surgeons in Waltham.

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

New England Baptist Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Vincent Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Heywood Hospital - (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 Waltham, Massachusetts

Dr. Nairus's 232 Medicare procedures are above the Waltham average of 171. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Waltham.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Geoffrey Van Flandern 295 Hip, Knee
Dr. Andrew Jawa 146 Shoulder
Dr. Jacob Drew 123 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jacob Kirsch 59 Shoulder

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. James Nairus, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ma/dr-james-nairus-waltham.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ma/dr-james-nairus-waltham.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.