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Patient CareOur ServicesHip and KneeSurgeons & Care ProvidersSeth S. Leopold, M.D.    May 16, 2012
Seth S. Leopold, M.D. Professor
Specialty: Hip and Knee
College: B.A. in Biology (cum laude), Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 1989
Medical School: M.D. (with Honors in Research), Cornell University Medical College, 1993
Internship: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, General Surgery, 1993-1994
Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, Orthopedic Surgery, 1994-1998
Fellowship: Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, Joint Replacement and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, 1998-1999
Board Certification:
Board Certified

My approach to treating patients

I specialize in hip and knee replacement surgery. My practice emphasizes the care of patients with all types of arthritis of those joints, as well as the treatment of patients whose prior joint replacements have failed. I am especially interested in some of the newer, less-invasive approaches to hip and knee replacement.

Several key variables affect the success of joint replacement surgery. High on this list are the patient's own motivation and attitude during recovery. But equally important are the surgeon's background, skill, and clinical volume, which studies have directly linked to best outcomes. I am fellowship-trained in joint replacement surgery. My practice focuses almost exclusively on the operative treatment of patients with hip and knee arthritis, and I perform hundreds of these operations every year. In addition, I have taught these procedures to other surgeons, treated complex cases referred by other surgeons, and published results from my research about these problems since beginning in practice. These factors, working in partnership with positive-thinking patients, offer the best likelihood of achieving excellent clinical results.

But technical skill and patient motivation are not the entire equation; good judgment and thoughtful decision-making are essential, as well. Since most joint replacements are considered elective - usually life-improving, but seldom life-saving - the decision to have surgery can become complicated. In other words, patients who decide to have arthritis surgery take what is usually a small risk with their health (the operation itself), with the hope of obtaining a better quality of life. Only the person with the pain knows when the time is right to make this choice, and my task is to support and help guide the patient through this important process.

I do this by helping to educate patients as to the risks and benefits of arthritis surgery; this can only be accomplished after considering carefully each patient's specific health problems, pain patterns, and desired life activities. Because of the intensely personal nature of this decision, there is no "cookbook" approach; while my role is important, it is primarily supportive. My goal, with every patient, is to strike the balance of education, empathy, and partnership that will best serve each individual whose life I am privileged to touch
.

I see patients on the east side of Seattle at the Eastside Specialty Center, which can be reached by calling (425) 646-7777. I also see patients at the Bone and Joint Center near the University of Washington in Seattle. Call 206-598-BONE (2663) to reach the appointment coordinators at the Bone and Joint Center.

You can also request an appointment using our online referrals website.

Clinics:

Orthopaedic Clinic at Eastside Specialty Center

UW Medicine Eastside Specialty Center
Box 356005
1700 116th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 646-7777

Bone & Joint Surgery Center at UWMC
UW Medical Center-Roosevelt II
Second Floor
4245 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 598-4288

Please contact your doctor for specific questions concerning your condition. If you would like to contact the University of Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine faculty, they see patients at several clinics in the Seattle area.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call one of the numbers or visit one of the web sites below. Patients need to address all clinical issues to one of the clinics listed below:


Clinic Phone  FAX  Email  Forms  Site
Bone and Joint Surgery Center
(206)598-2663
(206)598-6360      
Seattle Childrens Hospital (Pediatrics)
(206)987-2109
 
   
The Children's Satellite Clinic on the Overlake Hospital Campus @ Bellevue

(206)987-2080
(206)987-3700
       
Harborview Medical Center Orthopedic Services


 
 
Orthopedics Clinic
(206)744-3462
(206)744-8849      
Sigvard T. Hansen Foot & Ankle Clinic
(206)744-4830 (206)744-5573
  New Patient Information Form  
Spine Center
(206)744-9340
       
Orthopedic Department at Seattle VA Hospital
    (206)764-2800        
    Sarcoma Service at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
      (206)288-2167   orthtumr@u.washington.edu    
      UW Physicians Eastside Specialty Center
      1700 116th Ave. N.E.
      Bellevue, WA 98004
        (425)646-7777 (206)520-2249     Online Referrals Site
        UW Medicine Sports Medicine Clinic
        (206)543-1552 (206)543-6573 sportsmd@u.washington.edu    

          Friends of Orthopedic Research and Education (FORE) For more information about donating to this department
          Dept. of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
        BB1065B HSB, Box 356500
        Seattle, WA 98195-6500
        U.S.
        Ken Karbowski
        Departmental Administrator, Dept. of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
        Phone: (206) 598-9975
        Fax: (206) 598-9979
        kkarb@u.washington.edu
        Please do NOT send messages to email addresses below with questions for your doctor or your clinic. Patients need to address all clinical issues to one of the clinics listed on Appointments tab.

        Advanced Clinical Experiences(ACE)  Hand Fellowship
         Residency
        Sarah Jordan
        Harborview Medical Center
        Box 359798,
        Dept. of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
        325 Ninth Avenue,
        Seattle, WA  98104
        Phone:  206.744.3267
        FAX:  206.744.3227
        Email: sjordan@uw.edu
        Trixie Rombouts
        Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, UWMC
        Box 354740, 4245 Roosevelt Way NE
        Seattle, WA  98105
        Phone: 206-598-0395
        Email: uwhand@u.washington.edu
        Angela Weiss
        University of Washington - Office of Orthopaedic Education
        Harborview Medical Center
        Box 359798, Dept. of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
        325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA  98104
        Phone:  206.744.4930 
        FAX:  206.744.3227
        Email: amweiss@uw.edu

        The Computing Support Group (CSG) serves as the first point of contact for assistance with any web related issues within the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

        Contacting the CSG

        Email: orthohlp@u.washington.edu
        General Helpdesk Phone: 1-206-221-5380
        Service, Clinical Practice, and Teaching Awards

        1. Seattle Super Doctors, 2011— Orthopaedic Surgery.  Fewer than 5% of doctors in Seattle are chosen; selection process is based on peer nomination, peer evaluation by practice area, and review by a panel. View online here.
        2. Service Excellence Award, University of Washington Medical Center/UW Medicine, Summer Quarter, 2009.
        3. Seattle Top Doctors, 2008—Joint Replacement Surgery. Chosen by peers as a physician they would seek out for themselves or a loved one. Seattle Magazine, September, 2008.
        4. Seattle Top Doctors, 2007—Joint Replacement Surgery. Chosen by peers as a physician they would seek out for themselves or a loved one. Seattle Magazine, 16(9):42, 2007.
        5. The Videographer Award—Award of Excellence (2006), given for UWTV Feature “Inside Access: Minimally-Invasive Total Knee Replacement.” This is an international awards program directed by communications professionals to recognize programming that raises the standards of the industry. The Award of Excellence is the highest award. 
        6. The Communicator Awards–Crystal Award of Excellence (2005, awarded in 2006), given for UWTV Feature “Inside Access: Minimally-Invasive Total Knee Replacement.” For healthcare communication; this is an international awards program founded by communication professionals to recognize excellence. The crystal award is the highest award, for best in field.
        7. Service Excellence Award, University of Washington School of Medicine, Summer Quarter, 2006.
        8. Service Excellence Award, University of Washington Medical Center/UW Medicine, Summer Quarter, 2006.
        9. Outstanding Faculty Award, Texas Tech Medical Center. Awarded by vote of residents of the combined Texas Tech/William Beaumont Army Medical Center Orthopaedic Surgery program, 2002.
        10. Outstanding Faculty Award, Texas Tech Medical Center. Twice recognized with this award for education of Orthopaedic residents, 2001.
        Research Awards
        1. Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons, Best Paper 2011. Received in Dublin, Ireland; Title: "Testing for the presence of positive-outcome bias in peer review: A randomized controlled trial". An Abstract can be seen here.
        2. Faculty Sponsor - Resident Research Award (1st Place), 2009 Washington State Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting, Seattle WA, 2009 (Resident: Christopher F. Wolf, MD)
        3. Faculty Sponsor - Jacquelin Perry Resident Research Award, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, 2007. (Resident: Joseph R. Lynch, MD).
        4. Faculty Sponsor - Frank B. Smith Research Award Paper, North Pacific Orthopaedic Society, Stevenson, WA. 2006. (Resident: Joseph R. Lynch, MD).
        5. Faculty Sponsor - Frank B. Smith Resident Research Award Paper, North Pacific Orthopaedic Society, Stevenson, WA. 2005. (Resident: Joseph R. Lynch, MD).
        6. Faculty Sponsor - Dehne Award, William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Principal investigator on resident’s project for Orthopaedic research award, 2001. (Resident: Brigham B. Redd, MD).
        7. Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Research Award. First-Year in Practice Research Travel Grant, 2000.

        Memberships

                  American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

                  American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

                  Academic Orthopedic Society
         

        Editorial Responsibilities

                  The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American Edition).  Associate Editor, 2006-present.

                  Consultant reviewer, Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement, 2001-2005.
         
                  Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR).  Advisory Editor, 2010-present.  Peer reviewer, 2003-2010
                 
                  The Journal of the American Medical Association.  Peer reviewer in the field of hip arthroplasty surgery, 2005-present.


                  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).  Reviewer, Scientific Program for Annual Meeting (Adult Reconstruction Hip) 2002–2006
         

        Selected Recent Publications


        1.        King JC, Manner PA, Stamper DL, Schaad DC, Leopold SS.: Is Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty Associated with Lower Costs Than Traditional
                   TKA?.  Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2010 Dec 16. [Epub ahead of print]

        2.        Wolf, C.F.; Gu, N.Y.; Doctor, J.; Manner, P.A.; Leopold, S.S.: Comparison of direct-exchange vs. two-stage revision for the infected THA: A Markov
                   expected-value decision analysis. In press. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2010.

        3.        King, J.C.; Manner, P.A.; Stamper, D.L.; Schaad, D.C.; Leopold, S.S.: Economic analysis of minimally invasive versus traditional total knee arthroplasty. In press.
                   Clin Orthop, 2010.

        4.        Emerson, W.; Brand, R.A.; Heckman, J.D.; Warme, W.J.; Wolf, F.M.; Leopold, S.S.: Testing for the presence of positive-outcome bias in peer review:
                   A randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med, 170 (21): 1934-1939, 2010

        5.        Leopold, S.S.: Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthtitis. N Engl J Med 360:17;1749-1758, 2009.

        6.        Gu, N.; Doctor, J.; Wolf, C.; Manner, P.A.; Leopold, S.S.: A comparison of physician and patient time tradeoffs for postoperative hip outcomes. Value Health
                   12(4): 618-20, 2009.

        7.        King, J.; Stamper, D.L.; Schaad, D.C; Leopold, S.S.: Minimally-invasive total knee arthroplasty versus medial parapatellar total knee arthroplasty:
                   New approach appears to facilitate recovery, but learning curve is lengthy. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 89:1794-1503, 2007.

        8.        Lynch, J.R.; Cunningham, M.R.A.; Warme, W.J.; Wolf, F.M.; Schaad, D.C.; Leopold, S.S.: Commercially-funded and United States-based research is more  
                   likely to be published; good-quality studies with negative outcomes are not. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 89-A (5); 1010–18, 2007.

        9.        Lee, M.B.; Schmale, G.A.; Porter, M.; Leopold, S.S.: Osteoporosis and total hip arthroplasty—An update. Current Med Lit Rheumatol, 26(1): 1–10, 2007.

        10.      Cunningham, M.R.A.; Warme, W.J.; Wolf, F.M.; Leopold, S.S.: Industry-funded positive studies not associated with better design or larger size.  Clin Orthop,
                   457; 235–41, 2007.

        11.      Lenters, T.R.; Wolf, F.M.; Leopold, S.S.; Matsen III, F.M.; Franta, A.K.:  Arthroscopic compared with open repairs for recurrent anterior shoulder instability:
                   A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.  J Bone Joint Surg Am, 89-A: 244–54, 2007.

        12.      Lynch, J.R.; Schmale, G.A.; Schaad, D.C.; Leopold, S.S.: Important demographic variables impact the musculoskeletal knowledge and confidence
                   of academic primary care physicians. J Bone Joint Surg-Am, 88-A (7): 1589–95, 2006.

                   Comment and author reply in eJBJS: http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/eletters/88/7/1589; Comment in letter to the editor, J Bone Joint Surg Am, 89-A: 451, 2007.

        13.      Morgan, H.D.; Cizik, A.M.; Leopold, S.S.; Hawkins, D.S.; Conrad, E.U.: Survival of tumor megaprostheses replacements about the knee.  Clin Orthop Relat
                   Res, 450: 39–45, 2006.

        14.      Nystuen, C.M.; Leopold, S.S.; Warme, W.J.; Simmons, G.E.: Cancellous impaction and cortical strut allografting for revision shoulder arthroplasty
                   - A case report. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 15: 244–248, 2006.

        15.      Leopold, S.S.: Web Commentary—“Sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the ankle: A controlled, randomized, double-blind pilot
                   study.” J Bone Joint Surgery (Electronic), 2006.

        16.      Morgan, H.D.; Battista, V.; Leopold, S.S.: Constraint in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty:  How much is enough? J Am Acad Orthop Surg 13: 515–24, 2005.

        17.      Cuddihy, E.; Wei, C.; Bartell, A.L.; Barrick, J.; Maust, B.; Leopold, S.S.; Spyridakis, J.H.: Conducting remote, Internet-based experiments on web design. IEEE
                   International Professional Communication Conference Proceedings: 554–561, 2005.

        18.      Leopold, S.S.: Web Commentary—“Early osteolysis in second-generation metal on metal hip replacement,” and “Diagnostic features of pelvic osteolysis
                   on computed tomography: The importance of communication pathways.” J Bone Joint Surgery (Electronic), 2005.

        19.      Leopold, S.S.; Morgan, H.D.; Kadel, N.J; Gardner, G.C.; Schaad, D.C.; Wolf, F.M.: The impact of educational intervention on provider confidence
                   and competence in performing a simple surgical task. J Bone Joint Surg 87-A: 1031–1037, 2005.

        20.      Morgan, H.D.; Leopold, S.S.: 5 Points on impaction allografting of the femur in revision total hip surgery. Am J. Orthop 33: 381–383, 2004.

        21.      Panackal, A.A.; Houze, Y.B.; Prentice, J.; Leopold, S.S.; Cookson, B.T.; Liles, W.C.; Limaye, A.P.: Prosthetic joint infection due to Helcococcus pyogenica. J   
                   Clin Micro: 42(6): 2872–2874, 2004.

        22.      Morgan, H.D.; McCallister, W.; Cho, M.S.; Casnellie, M.T.; Leopold, S.S.: Impaction allografting for femoral component revision—Clinical update. Clin Orthop
                   420: 160–168, 2004.

        23.      Leopold, S.S.; Casnellie, M.T.; Warme, W.J.; Dougherty, P.J.; Wingo, S.T.; Shott, S.: Endogenous cortisol production in response to knee arthroscopy
                   and total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg 85-A: 2163–2167, 2003.

        24.      Leopold, S.S.; Warme, W.J.; Braunlich, E.F.; Shott, S.: Association between funding source and study outcome in orthopaedic research. Clin Orthop 415:
                   293–301, 2003.

        25.      Leopold, S.S.; Redd, B.B.; Warme, W.J.; Wehrle, P.A.; Pettis, P.D.; Shott, S.: Corticosteroid versus Synvisc (Hylan GF-20) injections for knee osteoarthritis:
                   A prospective, randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg 85-A: 1197–1203, 2003.

                   Comment in: J Bone Joint Surg 86-A: 874; author reply 874; J Bone joint Surg 86-A: 874; author reply 874–875.

        26.      Leopold, S.S.; Silverton, C.D.; Barden, R.M.; Rosenberg, A.G.: Isolated patellar component revision in total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg 85-A:
                   41–47, 2002.

        27.      Leopold, S.S.; Warme, W.J.; Pettis, P.D.; Shott, S.: Increased frequency of acute local reaction to intra-articular hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc) in patients
                   receiving more than one course of treatment. J Bone Joint Surg 84-A: 1619–1623: 2002.

                   Comment in:  J Bone Joint Surg 85-A: 1618–1619; author reply 1619–1620; J Bone Joint Surg 85-A: 1620; author reply 1620–1621; J Bone Joint Surg 85-A:
                   2050; author reply 2050–2051.

        Previously Funded Projects
         
        1.        University of Chicago, Division of the Biological Sciences, Home Health Care Grant, “Warfarin vs. Enoxaparin in total knee arthroplasty: A prospective
                   randomized study of thrombosis, bleeding, and difficulties of outpatient anticoagulation,” Principal Investigator, $22,000. 1997-2000.
         
        2.        William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of Clinical Investigation, WBAMC #00/08, “Intra-articular hip injection without fluoroscopic guidance–An
                   anatomic assessment of technique and the structures at risk,” Principal Investigator, $15,100. December 13, 1999-December 13, 2000.  
         
        3.        William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of Clinical Investigation, WBAMC #00/22, “Intra-articular corticosteroids versus hyaluronic acid injections for
                   non-operative management of non-inflammatory arthritis of the knee: A prospective, randomized, blinded study,” Principal Investigator, $5,700. WBAMC
                   Pharmacy Department, additional $25,000 material support. July 7, 2000-December 31, 2002.
         
        4.        William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of Clinical Investigation, WBAMC #01/20, “Measurement of normal endogenous glucocorticoid production
                   in response to major and minor surgery procedures on the knee,” Principal Investigator, $9,045. June 15, 2001-December 31, 2002.  
         
        5.        Orthopaedic Research Education Foundation/Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Resident Journal Club Grant (2003), “Evidence-Based Medicine in
                   Orthopaedics; Interpretation and Application of the Clinical Literature” Faculty Mentor to Wren McCallister, MD. $2,500.
         
        6.        FORE (Unrestricted Educational Grant) in collaboration with JBJS, “Relationships between non-scientific factors, study outcome, and eventual publication of
                   orthopaedic research,” Principal Investigator, $28,000 taken from larger grant. January 2004 through January 2005.

        7.        Orthopaedic Research Education Foundation/Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgery Career Development Award, “Minimally-invasive total knee arthroplasty versus
                   traditional-approach TKA,” Principal Investigator, $50,000. July 1, 2003-June 30, 2008.

         Surgeries: Minimally invasive (quadriceps-sparing) total knee replacement

         
        Total knee replacement

          Minimally-invasive partial knee replacement (unicompartmental)

          Knee osteotomy

          Total hip replacement

          "Mini-incision" total hip replacement

          Hemiresurfacing arthroplasty of the hip ("partial hip replacement")

          Hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture

          Open reduction internal fixation ("repair") of hip fractures

          Knee arthroscopy


        Diagnosis:             
        Osteoarthritis (hip/knee)

          Rheumatoid arthritis (hip/knee)

          Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis of the femoral head)

          Developmental dysplasia of the hip

          Metastatic disease to the hip/pelvis/knee

          Hip fracture

          Meniscus tears in the knee
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