Dr. Richard Little, M.D.
Contact & Location
605-644-4460
Spearfish, SD 57783
Dr. Little performs more knee replacement procedures than 87% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #6 of 48 ranked knee surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Little
Practice. Dr. Richard Little is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spearfish, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 75 knee replacements and 23 hip replacements, 98 procedures in all. That is #6 in South Dakota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 76 procedures a year to 98, up 29%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 75 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Spearfish has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Little also holds hospital privileges in SD and ND and WY, a practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | 54 |
| 2014 | 22 | 50 |
| 2015 | 26 | 57 |
| 2016 | 20 | 81 |
| 2017 | 0 | 40 |
| 2018 | 20 | 60 |
| 2019 | 27 | 73 |
| 2020 | 18 | 55 |
| 2021 | 21 | 43 |
| 2022 | 24 | 59 |
| 2023 | 18 | 84 |
| 2024 | 23 | 75 |
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. Little Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Little's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 29% from 76 procedures in 2013 to 98 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Little
How does Dr. Little's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Little has performed 98 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Dakota average of 70 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Little ranks #10 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Little perform?
Dr. Little's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Little with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Little ranks #6 in South Dakota for knee replacement with 75 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 52 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Little in Spearfish?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Spearfish 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 South Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Little 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. Little's total volume across all insurers at roughly 340 to 420 procedures against the 98 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. Little's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Little's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 76 procedures in 2013 to 98 in the most recent data, a 29% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 102 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Little perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Little's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Little affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Little is affiliated with Monument Health Spearfish Hospital, Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital, Monument Health Sturgis Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Services, Weston County Health Services. Dr. Little maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Little practices?
Monument Health Spearfish Hospital (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 Spearfish, South Dakota
Dr. Little's 98 Medicare procedures are above the Spearfish average of 83. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Spearfish.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ray Jensen | 68 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.