Dr. Robert Canham, M.D.
Contact & Location
314-514-3500
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Dr. Canham performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 73% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #15 of 56 ranked shoulder surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Canham
Practice. Dr. Robert Canham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Louis, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 42 shoulder replacements and 16 knee replacements, 58 procedures in all. That is #15 in Missouri for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 58, up 346%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 42 procedures is above the national average of 29.
Local context. Saint Louis has 57 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 13 |
| 2019 | 0 | 23 |
| 2020 | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 | 0 | 37 |
| 2022 | 0 | 28 |
| 2023 | 0 | 36 |
| 2024 | 16 | 42 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 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. Canham Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Canham's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 346% from 13 procedures in 2018 to 58 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Canham
How does Dr. Canham's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Canham has performed 58 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Canham ranks #78 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Canham perform?
Dr. Canham's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (42 cases) and knee replacement (16 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Canham with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Canham ranks #15 in Missouri for shoulder replacement with 42 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 204 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Canham in Saint Louis?
Yes. There are 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis 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. Canham 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Canham's total volume across all insurers at roughly 170 to 210 procedures against the 58 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. Canham's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Canham's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2018 to 58 in the most recent data, a 346% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 58 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Canham perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Canham's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (42 cases), knee replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Canham affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Canham is affiliated with Sanford Medical Center Bismarck, Linton Hospital - Cah, Sakakawea Medical Center - Cah. Dr. Canham maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Canham compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis?
Among the 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis, Dr. Canham ranks #23 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Louis has 279 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Canham practices?
Sanford Medical Center Bismarck (4 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 Saint Louis, Missouri
Dr. Canham's 58 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Louis average of 150. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Louis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ryan Nunley | 279 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Palmer | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hubbard | 144 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Coles L'hommedieu | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ilya Bendich | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Mudd | 132 | Hip, 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.