Top Knee Replacement Surgeons in Columbia

Columbia Rankings 18 surgeons • 889 verified Medicare procedures Public CMS Medicare data

Rankings reflect Medicare procedure volume, one factor among many. Volume does not measure quality of care.

Discover Columbia's leading knee replacement surgeons ranked by verified Medicare procedure volume. Our comprehensive analysis covers 18 specialists performing knee replacement procedures in Columbia, Missouri.

18
Surgeons
889
Verified Medicare procedures
131
Most by one surgeon
49
Average per surgeon
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
1

Samuel F Thompson, MD

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 131 verified Medicare cases
2

Alan G Anz, MD

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 104 verified Medicare cases
3

Thomas J Aleto, MD

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 99 verified Medicare cases
4

Alexander Wendling, MD

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 93 verified Medicare cases
5

Jonathan M Craighead, M.D.

Jefferson City, MO
Also practices here via University Of Missouri Health Care
Knee Replacement: 64 verified Medicare cases
6

James A Keeney, M.D.

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 53 verified Medicare cases
7

Joseph Niland

Nashville, TN
Also practices here via Boone Hospital Center
Knee Replacement: 52 verified Medicare cases
8
Knee Replacement: 40 verified Medicare cases
9

Elie S Ghanem, MD

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 40 verified Medicare cases
10

Ajay Aggarwal, M.D.

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 38 verified Medicare cases
11
Knee Replacement: 32 verified Medicare cases
12

Lauren P Cook, M.D.

Jefferson City, MO
Also practices here via University Of Missouri Health Care
Knee Replacement: 28 verified Medicare cases
13

Kevin M Middlemist, D.O.

Jefferson City, MO
Also practices here via University Of Missouri Health Care
Knee Replacement: 25 verified Medicare cases
14

Joshua C Hamann, MD

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 21 verified Medicare cases
15

Timothy C Galbraith, D.O.

Jefferson City, MO
Also practices here via University Of Missouri Health Care
Knee Replacement: 21 verified Medicare cases
16

Ryan M Schell, M.D.

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 19 verified Medicare cases
17

Mauricio Kfuri, M.D.

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 18 verified Medicare cases
18

Clayton W Nuelle, M.D.

Columbia, MO
Knee Replacement: 11 verified Medicare cases

Knee Replacement in Columbia: the local picture

Public CMS Medicare data verifies 889 knee replacement procedures performed by the 18 surgeons listed on this page, all serving the Columbia area. Hospital affiliations among these surgeons most often include University Of Missouri Health Care and Boone Hospital Center.

Important Disclaimer

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 33–37% of all procedures performed. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement in Columbia

How do I choose the best knee replacement surgeon in Columbia?
Look for surgeons with high Medicare procedure volumes (200+ knee replacements annually), board certification in orthopedic surgery, experience with both total and partial knee replacement, and affiliations with quality hospitals. Our Columbia rankings help you compare surgeons based on Medicare volume data.
What is the average cost of knee replacement in Columbia, Missouri?
Medicare covers 80% of knee replacement costs after deductible. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $1,500-$4,000 depending on the facility, surgeon, and your Medicare plan. Columbia surgeons who accept Medicare assignment help keep costs predictable.
How long does knee replacement recovery take?
Most patients begin walking with assistance the same day or day after surgery. Return to normal activities takes 6-12 weeks for most people. Physical therapy typically starts immediately and continues for 8-12 weeks. Columbia surgeons often use rapid recovery protocols to speed healing.
What's the difference between total and partial knee replacement?
Total knee replacement replaces the entire knee joint surface, while partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement only replaces the damaged portion. Partial knee replacement has faster recovery but requires very specific damage patterns. Columbia surgeons can evaluate which approach is best for your condition.
Does Medicare cover knee replacement surgery in Columbia?
Yes, Medicare covers medically necessary knee replacement surgery, including traditional and robotic-assisted procedures. Coverage includes surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible. All Columbia ranked surgeons accept Medicare.