Dr. Shaka Walker, M.D.
Contact & Location
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Dr. Shaka Walker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Walker has performed 14 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #282 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Walker performs below average in knee (14 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Walker's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 14 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Pittsburgh is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pittsburgh area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Walker first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Walker's 14 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Walker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Walker
How does Dr. Walker's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Walker has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Walker ranks #344 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Walker perform?
Dr. Walker's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Walker in Pittsburgh?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Walker represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Walker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Walker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Walker is affiliated with St Clair Hospital.
How does Dr. Walker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh, Dr. Walker ranks #39 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pittsburgh has 203 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Walker practices?
St Clair 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Walker's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Pittsburgh average of 104. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsburgh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryce Braaksma | 203 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Omalley | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Pagnotto | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julius Huebner | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Yram Groff | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Yakish | 75 | 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.