Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Kennewick: A Patient's Guide
Chronic pain isn’t just a physical sensation; it’s a barrier. Whether it’s a sharp pain in your shoulder while reaching for a shelf or a dull ache in your hip that keeps you from walking Badger Mountain, orthopedic issues can significantly diminish your quality of life.
When you start searching for an orthopedic surgeon in Kennewick, you aren't just looking for a doctor; you’re looking for a partner in your recovery. At Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates (BFOA), we’ve spent over 30 years serving as the Tri-Cities' premier choice for bone and joint health.
Why Choose a Local Orthopedic Specialist?
Choosing a local specialist in Kennewick offers more than just convenience. It ensures a seamless continuum of care. From your initial diagnostic imaging to specialized orthopedic services and physical therapy, having your entire medical team in one ecosystem, including our own High Desert Surgery Center, minimizes stress and maximizes outcomes.
How Specialized Care Benefits Your Life
- Pain Resolution: Moving beyond temporary fixes to address the root cause of discomfort.
- Restored Mobility: Getting back to the activities that define the Tri-Cities lifestyle, from golf to local high school sports.
- Prevention: Learning how to protect your joints to avoid future injuries.
Meet the BFOA Orthopedic Team
Our strength lies in our specialization. We don't just treat "orthopedics" ; we treat people, using experts who have dedicated their careers to specific areas of the body.
Joint Replacement & Robotic Precision
For those suffering from advanced arthritis, Dr. Michael Sherfey offers cutting-edge solutions for total joint reconstruction. Board-certified and fellowship-trained in Adult Reconstructive Surgery of the Hip and Knee, Dr. Sherfey is a leading expert in Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted surgery. This technology allows for unparalleled precision in total knee, partial knee, and hip replacements, often resulting in less downtime and more natural-feeling joint movement for his patients.
Shoulder, Elbow, & Sports Medicine
Athletes and "weekend warriors" trust our specialized upper extremity and sports medicine team to get them back in the game:
- Dr. Josh Dworkin is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in complex shoulder and elbow reconstructions. A veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Dworkin served as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital and has extensive experience treating high-demand service members and athletes alike.
- Dr. Christopher Kontogianis brings over 35 years of experience to BFOA. Known to many as "Dr. K," he is a familiar face on local ski hills and bike trails. His straightforward approach to sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery is focused on one goal: returning patients to the outdoor pursuits they love.
Hand, Wrist, & Upper Extremity
The human hand is a marvel of intricate anatomy, and our specialists are dedicated to restoring its delicate function:
- Dr. David Fisher is a board-certified hand and wrist specialist with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. With nearly five decades of experience, Dr. Fisher finds deep gratification in helping patients regain the use of their hands for work and daily living.
- Dr. Kenneth Lindley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed a specialized fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. A former Division I tennis player, Dr. Lindley understands the unique needs of athletes and provides expert care for everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to complex hand trauma.
Foot & Ankle Care
Dr. Derrick McKay is a Kennewick native who returned home to provide first-rate podiatric care to the Columbia Basin. As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. McKay specializes in trauma, sports medicine, and pediatric and adult deformity corrections. Whether treating a student-athlete or a senior with chronic foot pain, his focus is on helping his neighbors literally get back on their feet.
Non-Surgical Pain Management & Bilingual Care
We believe surgery should be the last resort. Our interventional and bilingual team ensures that every patient has a clear path to recovery that respects their lifestyle and language:
- Dr. Stephen Dechter is a board-certified physiatrist specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Dechter’s focus is on restoring function and alleviating pain through interventional spine and joint care. By utilizing advanced diagnostics and non-surgical treatments, he helps patients manage chronic back, neck, and nerve pain without immediately resorting to invasive procedures.
- Andres Garcia, PA-C, is a dedicated Physician Assistant who plays a vital role in our patient-centric care model. A fluent Spanish speaker, Andres is deeply committed to serving the bilingual community of the Tri-Cities. He bridges the communication gap for our Spanish-speaking patients, ensuring they fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options while receiving compassionate, high-quality orthopedic care.
FAQs: Orthopedic Surgery in the Tri-Cities
Do I need surgery for joint pain?
Not necessarily. At BFOA, our primary mission is to exhaust all conservative, non-invasive options before recommending the scalpel. Many patients find significant relief through personalized Physical Therapy (PT), lifestyle modifications, and Regenerative Medicine like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. We only transition to surgical planning when these options have been exhausted and your quality of life is being substantially impacted.
What is the recovery time for robotic surgery?
While every recovery timeline is unique to the patient, robotic-arm-assisted technology (like the Mako system) allows for a more tailored surgical plan. This precision often leads to less trauma to the surrounding healthy tissue. As a result, many patients experience a more predictable recovery, less post-operative pain, and a faster return to daily activities, sometimes walking the same day as their procedure at our High Desert Surgery Center.
Does BFOA offer walk-in care for injuries?
Yes. When a fracture, sprain, or sports injury happens, you shouldn't have to wait hours in a general Emergency Room. Our Orthopedic Urgent Care in Kennewick provides immediate, specialized attention. By seeing an orthopedic expert first, you receive a more accurate diagnosis and a specialized treatment plan right away, often at a lower cost and with significantly shorter wait times than a traditional ER.
Reclaim Your Lifestyle with BFOA
Don't let "wear and tear" hold you back from the activities you love. Whether you are seeking a second opinion, exploring non-invasive pain management, or are ready to discuss advanced robotic joint replacement, the team at Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates is here to guide you every step of the way.
By choosing BFOA, you gain access to an integrated network of care that includes on-site diagnostic imaging, expert physical therapy, and the state-of-the-art High Desert Surgery Center. This all-in-one approach ensures that your recovery is as efficient, personalized, and comfortable as possible.
Ready to start your journey back to an active, pain-free life? Request an appointment with a BFOA orthopedic specialist in Kennewick today.
