Dr. Ugonna Ihekweazu, M.D.
Contact & Location
Houston, TX 77030
Dr. Ugonna Ihekweazu is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Houston, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Ihekweazu has performed 103 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#35 in Texas) and 32 hip replacements, for a combined total of 135 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Ihekweazu performs well above average in knee (103 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (32 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Ihekweazu's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 76% of reported Medicare volume.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Ihekweazu holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Houston is home to 52 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Houston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ihekweazu extend back to 2019, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 67 to 135 in the most recent data, a 101% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ihekweazu's 103 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Ihekweazu Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ihekweazu's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 101% from 67 procedures in 2019 to 135 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Ihekweazu
How does Dr. Ihekweazu's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Ihekweazu has performed 135 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ihekweazu ranks #49 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ihekweazu perform?
Dr. Ihekweazu's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (103 cases) and hip replacement (32 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ihekweazu in Houston?
Yes. There are 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston 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. Ihekweazu 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. Ihekweazu's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 135 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ihekweazu's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ihekweazu's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 67 procedures in 2019 to 135 in the most recent data, a 101% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 135 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ihekweazu perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ihekweazu's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (103 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ihekweazu affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ihekweazu is affiliated with Texas Orthopedic Hospital, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.
How does Dr. Ihekweazu compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Houston?
Among the 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Ihekweazu ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Houston has 340 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ihekweazu practices?
Texas Orthopedic Hospital (hip/knee complication rate better than national average); Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center (3 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 Houston, Texas
Dr. Ihekweazu's 135 Medicare procedures are below the Houston average of 183. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Houston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stefan Kreuzer | 340 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasilios Mathews | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Stocks | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robin Goytia | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jay Croley | 133 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kenneth Mathis | 125 | 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.