IDAHO FALLS – Dr. Aaron Altenburg was named one of the 65 total knee surgeons you need to know in 2020 by Becker’s ASC Review. Becker’s ASC Review, a national media publication focused on healthcare news and analysis, developed its list through nominations and internal research. Dr. Altenburg, who practices in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, was the only surgeon from Idaho named to the list.
“It is an honor to be recognized by Becker’s ASC Review and be included among such a talented group of surgeons from across the country,” said Dr. Altenburg. “I love helping my patients get back to their everyday routines. Total knee surgeries have advanced so much over the last decade and I have worked hard to make sure patients in the Eastern Idaho and beyond have access to the latest in surgical innovation.”
Dr. Altenburg is board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed his fellowship in joint replacement at the Mayo Clinic. He has performed more than 7,000 knee and hip replacements surgeries throughout his career.
Dr. Altenburg is a strong proponent of having a consistent team around him in the operating room. This has allowed him to decrease the length of time it takes for procedures and reduces the risk of infection. He has developed procedures to discharge the patients the same day as surgery by using a spinal nerve block instead of general anesthesia. Anesthesia can sometimes cause patients to experience nausea or grogginess, which can keep them in the hospital longer or prolong the start of therapy. Dr. Altenburg has presented these efficiencies he’s developed at seminars in Thailand, New Zealand and across the United States.
His experience also allowed him to be one of the seven surgeons on the development team for the Micro Port full knee implant. The implant is a hinged knee and can be used in cases where an earlier surgery did not go as planned.
“It is so important to me to bring the latest advancements in joint replacement surgery to patients in our community,” said Dr. Altenburg. “Cutting-edge care should not be limited to urban centers.”
Dr. Altenburg opened his first clinic in Pocatello 13 years ago. In 2019, he opened a second clinic in Idaho Falls. He treats patients from the Eastern Idaho to the Magic Valley and as far away as Montana and parts of Wyoming.