Dr. Christopher Wittgren, D.O.
Contact & Location
660-747-2228
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Dr. Wittgren performs more knee replacement procedures than 27% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #120 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Wittgren
Practice. Dr. Christopher Wittgren is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Warrensburg, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 21 knee replacements. That is #120 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2013.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 6 years. Volume rose from 14 procedures a year to 21, up 50%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 21 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Warrensburg has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 21 |
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. 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. Wittgren Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wittgren's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 50% from 14 procedures in 2019 to 21 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. Wittgren
How does Dr. Wittgren's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Wittgren has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wittgren ranks #164 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wittgren perform?
Dr. Wittgren's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wittgren in Warrensburg?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Warrensburg 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wittgren 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, which puts Dr. Wittgren's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 90 procedures against the 21 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. Wittgren's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wittgren's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2019 to 21 in the most recent data, a 50% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 27 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wittgren affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wittgren is affiliated with Western Missouri Medical Center, Golden Valley Memorial Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wittgren practices?
Western Missouri Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Golden Valley Memorial Hospital (4 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 Warrensburg, Missouri
Dr. Wittgren's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Warrensburg average of 22. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Warrensburg.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Aaron Rupp | 22 | Knee |
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.