Top Knee Replacement Surgeons in Durham
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 28 specialists performing knee replacement procedures in Durham, North Carolina.
28
Surgeons
1,077
Verified Medicare procedures
121
Most by one surgeon
38
Average per surgeon
1
Michael P Bolognesi, M.D.
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 121 verified Medicare cases
2
Samuel S Wellman, M.D.
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 101 verified Medicare cases
3
Sean Ryan, MD
Rochester, MNAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 90 verified Medicare cases
4
Richard W Rutherford, M.D.
Durham, NC
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, NCAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 43 verified Medicare cases
7
Michael P Ransone, MD
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 42 verified Medicare cases
8
Brett J Gilbert, M.D.
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 42 verified Medicare cases
9
John Taliaferro, MD
Wilson, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 40 verified Medicare cases
10
Rhett K Hallows, M.D.
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 37 verified Medicare cases
11
Samuel D Stanley, M.D.
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 36 verified Medicare cases
12
Michael K Merz, MD
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 35 verified Medicare cases
13
Thorsten M Seyler, M.D., PH.D
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 34 verified Medicare cases
14
Paul L Burroughs, M.D. P.A
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 31 verified Medicare cases
15
Louis C Almekinders, MD
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 30 verified Medicare cases
16
James D Crowther, M.D. P.A.
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 29 verified Medicare cases
17
Matthew A Popa, MD
Clayton, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 27 verified Medicare cases
18
Lucas B Romine, MD
Smithfield, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 23 verified Medicare cases
19
Clifford R Wheeless, MD
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 22 verified Medicare cases
20
Andrew M Schwartz, M.D.
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 21 verified Medicare cases
21
Michael H McGraw, MD
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 20 verified Medicare cases
22
James R Bowers, MD
Burlington, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 16 verified Medicare cases
23
Michael C Comstock, M.C. P.A.
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 16 verified Medicare cases
24
Andre Grant, MD
Raleigh, NCAlso practices here via Duke University Hospital
Knee Replacement: 15 verified Medicare cases
25
Karl F Bowman, MD
Clayton, NCAlso practices here via North Carolina Specialty Hospital
Knee Replacement: 15 verified Medicare cases
26
William A Jiranek, M.D.
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 14 verified Medicare cases
27
Daniel Mangiapani
Durham, NC
Knee Replacement: 13 verified Medicare cases
28
Mark A Burt, MD
Raleigh, NCAlso 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 1,077 knee replacement procedures performed by the 28 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.
Compare more of North Carolina:
All North Carolina surgeons
Surgeons in Charlotte
Surgeons in Raleigh
Surgeons in Greensboro
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 covers approximately 23% to 28% of all knee replacement procedures performed nationwide in 2024 (how this share is derived). 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.