For all publications, please see the PubMed listing
About Dr. Boettner
Dr. Fritz Boettner is a specialist in joint-preserving arthroscopic surgery and minimally invasive total joint replacements of the knee and hip.
His practice concentrates on the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of early arthritis. As part of a patient-centered individual approach, he performs arthroscopic cartilage surgery and joint preserving osteotomies, as well as minimally invasive total joint replacements and resurfacings.
'Minimal invasive surgery reduces surgical trauma, resulting in advantages for early rehabilitation,' he says. 'In addition, patients love their cosmetically appealing incision.'
Dr. Boettner (www.drboettner.com) has been in practice at HSS since 2006. As one of a few experts in New York he performs both anterior and posterior total hip replacements as well as resurfacing. This allows him to discuss with his patients the pros and cons of each approach and pick the best treatment option for the patients individual situation. 'There is no right or wrong decision. Instead, we carefully tailor our approach to the patients individual needs. While a resurfacing might be the right option for a 45 year old policeman, an anterior hip replacement is the better choice for a 55-year-old woman that would like to return to yoga.' In a similar fashion he approaches patients with arthritis and cartilage damage of the knee and offers treatments ranging from arthroscopic surgery, to partial and minimal invasive total knee replacement.
For his dedication to his patients he has received the Patients' Choice Award from vitals.com since 2008.
Born in Germany, Dr. Boettner studied at the top international centers for his specialty, completing fellowships in three sub-areas, as well as additional training in minimal invasive joint reconstruction surgery in Germany, Switzerland and the United States. He has authored an orthopedic textbook, as well as numerous scientific publications.
Special Expertise
Hip Surgery
- Hip Resurfacing
- Minimally Invasive Posterior Hip Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Anterior Hip Replacement
- Complex Revision Hip Replacement
Knee Surgery
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Unicondylar Knee Replacement
- Patellofemoral Knee Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement
- Revision Total Knee Replacement
Insurance
If your insurance is not listed, please call our office if you have questions regarding your insurance coverage. If you have out-of-network benefits, then your insurance may reimburse you for a portion of your office visit. We will work with you and your insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance may be available for patients in need.
Credentials
Appointments
Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Affiliations
Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
German Orthopaedic and Traumatology Society (GOOC)
Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS)
Certifications
German Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryBoard Certified American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Awards
Travelling Fellowship, American Orthopaedic Association
OrthoBiotech OREF Award for Excellence in Blood Management
Education
Medical:Rostock University Medical School, Rostock, Germany
Stellenbosch University Medical School, Capetown, South Africa
New York University Medical School, New York
Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans
Internship: Muenster University Hospital, Dept. of Orthopaedics, Muenster, Germany, 1998
Residency: Muenster University Hospital, Dept. of Orthopaedics, Muenster, Germany, 2003
Fellowship:Surgical Arthritis, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, 1999
State Licensure
New York, New Jersey
Languages
English, German, RussianFor My Patients
Dr. Boettner's Patient Portal
Dr. Boettner utilizes an online patient portal. Using secure technology you can access your records, review test results, request or change appointments, print statements or make payments. To use this option, please enter the patient portal.
Hip Precautions
Dr. Boettner specializes in minimally invasive anterior and posterior total hip replacement. He will advise you which approach is best suited for your condition. There are different precautions after each of these procedures!
Anterior MIS Total Hip Replacement
- Use calf compression stockings for 2 weeks (ask the nurse when you leave the hospital)
- No hyperextension and external rotation for 4 weeks (moving the leg all the way back)
- Keep your knees apart when sitting low
- You can drive a car after 2 weeks when you are off narcotic medication and comfortable driving
- You can shower when you get home on postoperative day 2
- You can usually return to work (office job) at 2-3 weeks after surgery
- You can return to golf at 6 weeks after surgery, and tennis at 10-12 weeks
Posterior MIS Total Hip Replacement
- Use calf compression stockings for 2 weeks (ask the nurse when you leave the hospital)
- Please do not bend your hip beyond 90 degrees for 4 weeks
- We recommend to sit on a high chair and use a toilet seat elevation for 4 weeks
- Use a pillow between your legs at night for 4 weeks
- Keep your knees apart when getting up from a seated position
- You can drive at 4 weeks when you are off narcotic medication and comfortable driving
- You can shower when you get home on postoperative day 2
- You can usually return to work (office job) at 3-6 weeks after surgery
- You can return to golf at 6-8 weeks after surgery, and tennis at 10-12 weeks
The Team
Please meet my team:
Leslie Ann Brown
Leslie Ann has been my office manager since the beginning of my practice in 2006. She is the soul of my practice and her caring personality will ensure that you feel comfortable during your treatment with us. She oversees the practice operation and is personally involved with many aspects of your care, including scheduling your surgical procedure and arranging preoperative testing. Leslie will handle all insurance related issues and can answer questions you might have regarding coverage or bill.
Leslie’s Email: brownl@hss.edu
Michelle Sabsels Lyons, PA-C
Michelle Sabsels Lyons is a Physician Assistant. She joined my practice in 2012. While I am directly involved in any aspect of your care she has greatly helped me free up time for my patients. She serves as an extension of my care. She will be the first person you meet when coming to your appointment in the office and will be with you by helping me during your pre-operative evaluations, by assisting me in surgery, and by rounding with me in the hospital and providing post-operative care. Michelle has extensive knowledge on all aspects of surgical and nonsurgical care and can answer many of your questions when I am not immediately available.
Michelle’s Email: lyonsm@hss.edu
Liliya Dvorkina
Liliya Dvorkina joined my practice’s as medical secretary in 2013 to help Leslie manage the growing practice. Liliya will be answering many of your phone calls. She will schedule your surgery and work on authorizations with your insurance. She is also in charge of many billing related questions. Liliya speaks fluent Russian.
Liliya’s Email: dvorkinal@hss.edu
Erin Larson
Erin Larson joined us in 2012 to help us reduce our patients wait time on the phone and make sure that you can always reach the practice. She will schedule your appointments and refer your clinical questions to me. Erin also coordinates the office days and handles x-ray orders.
Erin's Email: larsone@hss.edu
Directions to The Pavilion
My office is located at The Pavilion, 541 East 71st Street. The main entrance to The Pavilion is on the north side of 71st Street underneath the sky bridge that connects the main hospital to the Belaire Building.
Publications by Dr. Boettner
Patient Education
Selected Journal Articles
Selected Presentations
Boettner F. Labral Pathology: Resection or Repair. 2nd Interdisciplinary Joint Symposium. Friburg, Germany, November, 2008.
Boettner F. Hip Resurfacing: The Ideal Treatment for the Young and Active Patient. 2nd Interdisciplinary Joint Symposium. Friburg, Germany, November, 2008.
Boettner F. Hip Resurfacing: Instructional Video. 2nd Interdisciplinary Joint Symposium. Friburg, Germany, November, 2008.
Boettner F. Hip Arthroscopy: Labral Repair Instructional Video. 2nd Interdisciplinary Joint Symposium. Friburg, Germany, November, 2008.
Boettner F. Partial Knee Replacement. 20th Annual Holiday Knee Course. New York, USA, December, 2008.
Boettner F. Partial Knee Replacement. 11th Annual Symposium – Current Advances in Surgery. Cancun, Mexico, December, 2008.
Research
Dr. Boettner is actively involved in clinical and basic science research, including a clinical study comparing outcomes for uni-, bicompartmental-, and total knee replacements. He is also quite interested in joint preserving surgeries around the hip, as well as hip resurfacing.
Radiostereometric Analysis for Total Joint Arthroplasty
Early Arthritis and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Blood Management
Partial Knee Replacement and MIS Knee Replacement
Hip Arthroscopy vs. Hip Resurfacing
Clinical Trials / Research Studies
Industry Relationships
HSS has a long history of supporting appropriate relationships with industry because they advance HSS's mission to provide the highest quality patient care, improve patient mobility, and enhance the quality of life for all, and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and their related disciplines through research and education.
Below are the healthcare industry relationships reported by Dr. Boettner as of May 27, 2024.
- AccuJoint, Inc. - Ownership Interest
- HS2, LLC - Ownership Interest
- Joint Effort Administrative Services Organization - Ownership Interest
- OrthoDevelopment INC - Consultant; Royalties
- Smith & Nephew - Consultant; Royalties
- Syntellix AG - Ownership Interest
HSS and its physicians make this information available to patients and the public, thus creating a transparent environment for those who are interested in this information. Further, the HSS Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Policy prohibits physicians from collecting royalties on products they develop that are used on patients at HSS. Patients should feel free to ask their HSS physicians questions about these relationships.