knee replacement

Knee Replacement Surgery in Austin, TX | Dr. Sean Gallagher

Knee replacement surgery in Austin, TX is performed by Dr. Sean Gallagher at ATX Orthopedics and Pinnacle Surgery Center of Austin. Total knee replacement is the gold-standard treatment for end-stage knee arthritis, restoring pain-free mobility when non-surgical treatments have failed. Dr. Gallagher performs both total and partial knee replacement using modern implant technology and minimally invasive techniques. The all-inclusive self-pay bundle is $21,500 at Pinnacle Surgery Center — 40–60% less than hospital-based knee replacement in the Austin area.

Related Knee Replacement Articles & Patient Resources

Dr. Sean Gallagher and the team at ATX Orthopedics have created comprehensive guides to help Austin, TX patients prepare for and recover from total knee replacement surgery:

A Different Kind of Orthopedic Practice
ATX Orthopedics is built on a deliberate choice: we do not employ nurse practitioners or physician assistants to drive patient volume. Every visit, every decision, and every surgery is handled directly by your surgeon — not a mid-level provider. This means our clinic is genuinely accessible, our surgical schedule is not booked out for months, and you are never passed off to someone other than the doctor you came to see. We believe this is how medicine should be practiced, and it is the standard of care our patients deserve.

Knee Replacement Cost in Austin, TX — What Will You Pay?

One of the most common questions Austin patients ask before knee replacement is: “How much will this cost me?” At ATX Orthopedics, we believe you deserve a clear answer before you commit to surgery.

Self-Pay (Uninsured or Electing to Pay Out-of-Pocket): Our all-inclusive self-pay bundle for total knee replacement in Austin is $21,500. This covers the surgeon fee, Pinnacle Surgery Center facility fee, implants, anesthesiologist fee, and 90 days of post-operative follow-up — one total price with no hidden charges. See our full surgical bundle pricing list.

Using Insurance: ATX Orthopedics accepts Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, among others. For out-of-network patients covered by Texas-regulated plans, HB 3359 requires your insurer to apply our charges toward your in-network deductible. We provide a Good Faith Estimate before every procedure so you know your cost in advance. Contact us to discuss your insurance benefits.

Is self-pay cheaper than insurance for knee replacement in Austin? For many patients with high-deductible plans, the answer is yes. If your deductible is $5,000–$7,000, you may owe nearly that amount even at an in-network hospital, plus co-insurance on facility and anesthesia fees. Our $21,500 all-in bundle has no add-ons. We encourage you to compare your options before deciding — our team can walk you through the numbers.

Why Choose an Independent Orthopedic Surgeon Over a Hospital System in Austin?

Large Austin hospital systems like Ascension, Seton, and St. David’s are excellent for emergencies, but for elective orthopedic surgery they come with real downsides: mid-level providers handling your care, long waits to be seen, and pricing that’s difficult to know in advance. At ATX Orthopedics:

  • You see your surgeon at every visit — no nurse practitioners or PAs substituting for your doctor
  • You know your cost before surgery — Good Faith Estimates provided for every procedure
  • Faster scheduling — most Austin patients are seen within days to weeks, not months
  • Outpatient surgery — go home the same day from Pinnacle Surgery Center in Austin, reducing infection risk and hospital stays

Frequently Asked Questions: Knee Replacement in Austin, TX

How long does knee replacement recovery take?

Most patients using Dr. Gallagher’s quad-sparing subvastus technique are walking the same day and discharged home within hours. Driving typically resumes at 2–3 weeks, and most patients return to normal daily activities within 6–8 weeks. Full recovery and return to sports can take 3–6 months. Austin patients benefit from outpatient surgery at Pinnacle Surgery Center, avoiding hospital exposure entirely.

Am I too young or too old for knee replacement?

Knee replacement is determined by the severity of your arthritis and its impact on your quality of life, not by your age. Dr. Gallagher treats active patients in their 40s and 50s, as well as patients in their 80s. Modern implant designs and kinematic alignment techniques are optimized for active, younger patients who want to continue hiking, cycling, and golf after surgery.

What is the difference between total knee replacement and partial knee replacement?

A total knee replacement (TKR) resurfaces all three compartments of the knee. A partial or unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) resurfaces only the damaged compartment — preserving more of your natural knee. Dr. Gallagher offers both in Austin; partial knee replacement is an option for patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment. See our self-pay pricing — partial knee replacement is also available at a bundled price. Schedule a consultation in Austin to determine which option is right for you.

Knee Replacement Surgery — Serving Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock & All of Central Texas

Dr. Sean Gallagher performs total and partial knee replacement for patients across Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Westlake, Buda, and Kyle. All knee replacement procedures are performed at Pinnacle Surgery Center of Austin, located at 3901 Medical Parkway, Suite 301 — in central Austin near the UT Medical District off 38th Street. Self-pay and out-of-network patients are welcome; call 512-960-4590 to discuss pricing and scheduling.