Knee Replacement in Sarasota–Bradenton
← All Guides
The complete 2026 guide to

Knee Replacement in Sarasota

Overview

What are knee replacement?

Knee replacement is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries in Southwest Florida, and the metro's surgeons offer everything from partial replacements to Mako robotic-assisted procedures.

Knee replacement (arthroplasty) resurfaces a worn or arthritic knee joint with metal and plastic implants. In the Sarasota-Bradenton metro, options range from partial (unicompartmental) replacement for limited arthritis to total knee replacement, and several practices offer Mako robotic-assisted surgery, which uses CT-based 3D planning to position implants precisely. Most knee replacements are performed at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, HCA Doctors Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, or affiliated outpatient surgery centers. Recovery typically involves physical therapy over several weeks to a few months. This is general information, not medical advice — your surgeon will determine the best approach for your knee.

Compare options

Your options.

Total knee replacement (TKR)

Resurfaces all three compartments of the knee; the standard for widespread arthritis.

Insurance and Medicare typically cover medically necessary TKR; out-of-pocket varies widely by plan. $30,000–$50,000 (facility + surgeon, before insurance)
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement

Replaces only the damaged compartment; smaller incision and often faster recovery for limited arthritis.

Not appropriate for arthritis affecting the whole joint. $20,000–$35,000 before insurance
Mako robotic-assisted knee replacement

Uses CT-based 3D planning and a robotic arm to improve implant accuracy; offered by several local surgeons.

Robotic assistance may not add separate out-of-pocket cost when covered under the surgical episode. $30,000–$55,000 before insurance
Outpatient/ambulatory knee replacement

Performed at a surgery center with same-day discharge for healthy candidates.

Candidacy depends on health, support at home, and surgeon judgment. Often lower facility cost than inpatient
Real Sarasota pricing

What knee replacement costs.

Technique
Typical range
Downtime
Total knee replacement (all-in)
$30,000–$50,000
Bundled facility, implant, surgeon, and anesthesia before insurance adjustments.
Typical insured out-of-pocket
$1,500–$6,000
Depends on deductible, coinsurance, and whether the facility is in-network.
Physical therapy course
$1,000–$3,000
Multiple weeks of post-op PT, often partly covered.

Featured

Top knee replacement surgeons.

Browse all orthopedic surgery surgeons →
How to choose

Board certification, explained.

A Florida medical license lets a physician practice, but board certification is the signal that a doctor completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board that matches the care you need — and verify it yourself.

ABMS member-board certification
The ABMS oversees 24 specialty boards (internal medicine, surgery, radiology, OB-GYN, and more). Certification in the relevant specialty — confirmed at certificationmatters.org — is the core credential to look for.
Board certified vs. board eligible
“Board eligible” means residency is complete but the certifying exam is not yet passed; “board certified” is the finished credential. Most boards also require ongoing Maintenance of Certification.
Fellowship & subspecialty training
Additional 1–3 year fellowships add focused expertise (e.g., interventional cardiology, surgical oncology, electrophysiology). Match the subspecialty to your specific condition.
Questions to ask your surgeon
  1. Are you board certified by the ABMS board for this specialty?
  2. How often do you treat my specific condition or perform this procedure?
  3. What does the full course of treatment involve, and what are the alternatives?
  4. Will this be covered by my insurance, and what should I expect to owe?
Your questions

Knee Replacement FAQs.

How long does recovery from knee replacement take?+

Many patients walk with assistance within a day or two and resume most activities over 6–12 weeks, with continued improvement for up to a year. Recovery varies by individual; this is general information, not medical advice.

Is robotic knee replacement better than traditional surgery?+

Robotic assistance (such as Mako) can improve implant positioning accuracy. Outcomes depend heavily on surgeon experience, and studies show good results with both approaches. Discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon.

Does insurance cover knee replacement in Florida?+

Medically necessary knee replacement is generally covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, and network status.

Where are knee replacements performed in the metro?+

Common sites include Sarasota Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and affiliated outpatient surgery centers.

Am I a candidate for partial knee replacement?+

Partial replacement suits patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee. A surgeon evaluates imaging and your symptoms to decide. This is general guidance, not medical advice.

How do I choose a knee surgeon in Sarasota or Bradenton?+

Look for board certification, fellowship training in joint replacement or sports medicine, experience with your specific procedure, and hospital affiliations you trust. Reviews and consultations help, but verify credentials directly.

References & sources

Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — OrthoInfo ↗American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) ↗
Boards & certification

Choose a board-certified surgeon — and verify it yourself:

ABMS — Certification Matters ↗ Look up any U.S. physician’s board certification across all 24 ABMS member specialty boards. Florida DOH — License Verification ↗ Confirm an active Florida license and review any disciplinary history. NPI Registry (CMS) ↗ Verify a provider’s national identifier and registered specialty taxonomy. Medicare Care Compare ↗ Compare clinicians, hospitals and facilities on quality measures.
★★★★★

Ready to find your surgeon?

Compare Sarasota–Bradenton's top-rated orthopedic surgery surgeons — vetted, reviewed, and ranked.

See the Top Surgeons