Dr. Karl Pankratz
Dr. Karl Pankratz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Pankratz has completed 25 knee replacements (#293 in Texas), 14 shoulder replacements, and 13 hip replacements, totaling 52 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Pankratz performs below average in knee (25 vs 41 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 26 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Pankratz performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (25 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (14) and hip replacements (13).
Lubbock is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lubbock area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Pankratz extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 45 to 52 in the most recent data, a 16% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Pankratz's 25 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Pankratz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
Lubbock, TX 79410
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pankratz's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 16% from 45 procedures in 2013 to 52 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Pankratz
How does Dr. Pankratz's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Pankratz has performed 52 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Pankratz ranks #217 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pankratz perform?
Dr. Pankratz performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (25 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pankratz in Lubbock?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Pankratz 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. Pankratz's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 52 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Pankratz's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pankratz's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 45 procedures in 2013 to 52 in the most recent data, a 16% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 52 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Pankratz perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Pankratz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Pankratz among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pankratz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pankratz is affiliated with Lubbock Heart Hospital Lp, Grace Surgical Hospital, Covenant Medical Center, Covenant Childrens Hospital, University Medical Center.
How does Dr. Pankratz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock, Dr. Pankratz ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lubbock has 258 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pankratz practices?
Lubbock Heart Hospital Lp (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Grace Surgical Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Covenant Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Lubbock, Texas
Dr. Pankratz's 52 Medicare procedures are below the Lubbock average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lubbock.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Shephard | 258 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jordan Simpson | 156 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tony Smitherman | 115 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Blue | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Austin McPhilamy | 60 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Wilson | 60 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.