Dr. Thorsten Seyler, M.D., Ph.D.
Contact & Location
919-684-5441
Durham, NC 27703
Dr. Seyler performs more knee replacement procedures than 52% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #109 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Seyler
Practice. Dr. Thorsten Seyler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 34 knee replacements and 13 hip replacements, 47 procedures in all. That is #109 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2009.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 47, up 292%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 34 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Durham has 15 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 14 |
| 2019 | 18 | 22 |
| 2020 | 20 | 36 |
| 2021 | 16 | 38 |
| 2022 | 25 | 38 |
| 2023 | 16 | 45 |
| 2024 | 13 | 34 |
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. Seyler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Seyler's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 292% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 47 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. Seyler
How does Dr. Seyler's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Seyler has performed 47 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Seyler ranks #135 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Seyler perform?
Dr. Seyler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Seyler in Durham?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Durham 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Seyler 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. Seyler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 160 to 200 procedures against the 47 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. Seyler's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Seyler's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 47 in the most recent data, a 292% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 63 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Seyler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Seyler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Seyler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Seyler is affiliated with Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital.
How does Dr. Seyler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Seyler ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 182 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Seyler practices?
Duke University Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Duke Regional 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 Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Seyler's 47 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 114. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 182 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rutherford | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 98 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 76 | 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.