Top Knee Replacement Surgeons in Durham

Durham Rankings 26 surgeons • 1,035 verified Medicare procedures Public CMS Medicare data

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

Discover Durham's leading knee replacement surgeons ranked by verified Medicare procedure volume. Our comprehensive analysis covers 26 specialists performing knee replacement procedures in Durham, North Carolina.

Other North Carolina Cities

26
Surgeons
1,035
Verified Medicare procedures
121
Most by one surgeon
40
Average per surgeon
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
1
Knee Replacement: 121 verified Medicare cases
2
Knee Replacement: 101 verified Medicare cases
3

Sean Ryan, MD

Rochester, MN
Also practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 90 verified Medicare cases
4
Knee Replacement: 80 verified Medicare cases
5

Adam Brekke, M.D.

Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 72 verified Medicare cases
6

Joseph T Cline, MD

Wake Forest, NC
Also practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 43 verified Medicare cases
7
Knee Replacement: 42 verified Medicare cases
8

Brett J Gilbert, M.D.

Raleigh, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 42 verified Medicare cases
9

John Taliaferro, MD

Wilson, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 40 verified Medicare cases
10

Rhett K Hallows, M.D.

Raleigh, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 37 verified Medicare cases
11
Knee Replacement: 36 verified Medicare cases
12

Michael K Merz, MD

Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 35 verified Medicare cases
13
Knee Replacement: 34 verified Medicare cases
14
Also practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 31 verified Medicare cases
15
Knee Replacement: 30 verified Medicare cases
16
Also practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 29 verified Medicare cases
17

Matthew A Popa, MD

Clayton, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 27 verified Medicare cases
18

Lucas B Romine, MD

Smithfield, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 23 verified Medicare cases
19
Knee Replacement: 21 verified Medicare cases
20

James R Bowers, MD

Burlington, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 16 verified Medicare cases
21
Also practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 16 verified Medicare cases
22

Andre Grant, MD

Raleigh, NC
Also practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 15 verified Medicare cases
23

Karl F Bowman, MD

Clayton, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 15 verified Medicare cases
24
Knee Replacement: 14 verified Medicare cases
25

Daniel Mangiapani

Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 13 verified Medicare cases
26

Mark A Burt, MD

Raleigh, NC
Also practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 12 verified Medicare cases

Knee Replacement in Durham: the local picture

Public CMS Medicare data verifies 1,035 knee replacement procedures performed by the 26 surgeons listed on this page, all serving the Durham area. Hospital affiliations among these surgeons most often include Duke University Hospital, North Carolina Specialty Hospital, and Duke Regional Hospital.

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 Durham

How do I choose the best knee replacement surgeon in Durham?
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 Durham rankings help you compare surgeons based on Medicare volume data.
What is the average cost of knee replacement in Durham, North Carolina?
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. Durham 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. Durham 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. Durham surgeons can evaluate which approach is best for your condition.
Does Medicare cover knee replacement surgery in Durham?
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 Durham ranked surgeons accept Medicare.