Dr. Christopher Cannova, M.D.
Contact & Location
301-530-1010
Bethesda, MD 20817
Dr. Cannova performs more knee replacement procedures than 99% of orthopedic surgeons in Maryland, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 138 ranked knee surgeons in Maryland.
About Dr. Cannova
Practice. Dr. Christopher Cannova is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bethesda, Maryland. The latest annual CMS data records 276 knee replacements and 121 hip replacements, 397 procedures in all. That is #1 in Maryland for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 176 procedures a year to 397, up 126%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 276 procedures is more than 6x the national average of 45. That is #15 nationally.
Local context. Bethesda has 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Cannova also holds hospital privileges in MD and DC, a practice that extends beyond Maryland.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 71 | 105 |
| 2014 | 87 | 147 |
| 2015 | 86 | 168 |
| 2016 | 119 | 183 |
| 2017 | 127 | 146 |
| 2018 | 130 | 169 |
| 2019 | 145 | 171 |
| 2020 | 99 | 122 |
| 2021 | 134 | 180 |
| 2022 | 102 | 235 |
| 2023 | 113 | 248 |
| 2024 | 121 | 276 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Cannova Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cannova's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 126% from 176 procedures in 2013 to 397 in the most recent data.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Cannova
How does Dr. Cannova's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Cannova has performed 397 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 5x the Maryland average of 71 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Cannova ranks #1 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cannova perform?
Dr. Cannova's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (276 cases) and hip replacement (121 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Cannova with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Cannova ranks #1 in Maryland for knee replacement with 276 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 166 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cannova in Bethesda?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cannova represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Cannova's total volume across all insurers at roughly 1,350 to 1,680 procedures against the 397 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Cannova's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Cannova's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 176 procedures in 2013 to 397 in the most recent data, a 126% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 397 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Cannova perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cannova's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (276 cases), hip replacement (121 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cannova affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cannova is affiliated with Suburban Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital. Dr. Cannova maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Cannova compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda, Dr. Cannova ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Cannova has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cannova practices?
Suburban Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sibley Memorial 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 Bethesda, Maryland
Dr. Cannova's 397 Medicare procedures are above the Bethesda average of 142. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bethesda.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sridhar Durbhakula | 230 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carey Politzer | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Shian Peterson | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Min Lu | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kurt Schluntz | 67 | Knee |
| Dr. Craig Miller | 45 | Shoulder |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.