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Dr. David J. German, MD

Specializes in: Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Professional interests include: knee osteoarthritis, hip problems, total knee replacement, and more.
2315 Myrtle Street
Erie, PA 16502

Dr. David J. German, MD is an orthopedist in Erie, PA specializing in orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. Dr. David J. German, MD is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network.

View Doctor's Full Profile (814) 454-2401

Office Locations

Allegheny Health Network

2315 Myrtle Street
Erie, PA 16502
(814) 454-2401
(814) 459-5992
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. David J. German, MD can help you with:

Joint Aspiration

A joint is any area of the body where two bones connect. Due to injury or disease, the space between the two bones can sometimes become swollen and inflamed, which leads to pain and a loss of mobility. Injection and aspiration are two tools that physicians use to treat joint pain locally without needing to perform surgery.

Both injection and aspiration are techniques that involve inserting a needle connected to a syringe directly into the joint. Aspiration involves the removal of excess fluid, and injection is the placement of medication directly into the joint space via the needle. Both procedures may be performed at the same time. In both cases a local anesthetic may be used, the skin will be cleaned and disinfected, and then the needle will be inserted. In some cases, especially if the injection or aspiration is in a large and deep joint such as the hip or spine, ultrasound may be used to guide the needle to the exact location desired.

In some cases, irritation to the joint can cause fluid to build up so significantly that the joint hurts and can no longer move well. Aspiration removes some of the excess fluid and relieves the pressure. In addition, aspiration can be used to provide a sample of joint fluid if it needs to be examined microscopically for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, or crystal formations.

Certain injuries and diseases that affect joints are inflammatory in nature, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis or gout. These diseases may be helped by the local injection of anti-inflammatory medications directly into the affected joint. In this case, corticosteroids such as methylprednisone are usually used. Relief from the pain may be felt right away and may last for weeks or even months.

In some cases, such as with osteoarthritis, the cartilage buffer between the two bones wears down and pain comes from bones rubbing against each other. In this case, injection of a lubricating agent such as hyaluronic acid may be beneficial. It provides a slippery cushion between the bones to relieve pain that can last for months.

Replacement Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

Joint replacement, sometimes also called arthroplasty, is an option when a joint becomes severely damaged by disease or injury. The damaged cartilage of the joint is surgically removed, the ends of the bones in the joint are resurfaced, and a prosthetic is installed. Most prosthetic joints are made of a metal piece that fits into a plastic sleeve so that they glide smoothly. A joint replacement increases stability in the damaged area and decreases pain. The hip and knee are the two joints most commonly replaced, but joint replacement can also be performed on the ankle, shoulder, elbow and even fingers.

Although joint replacement is one of the safest and most reliable medical procedures available, it is still a major surgical procedure. All surgical procedures carry risks, such as infection or blood clots. For this reason, doctors try to help their patients avoid surgery for as long as they can. Taking arthritis medications, losing weight, avoiding high impact sports such as running, taking supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin, or having joint injections may allow a patient to enjoy life without the need for surgery.

After having joint replacement surgery, patients can expect some pain the first few days as they recover. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, and it can decrease complications and increase future mobility. As soon as possible, returning to low impact sports such as swimming, walking or biking can stretch and heal the new joint. A prosthetic joint can last 15 - 20 years and cannot be further damaged by degenerative diseases such as arthritis, so once it is done patients should be pain-free for many years.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.

There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2024

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 25%

By Volume:

major joint aspiration
major joint injection

By Affordability:

arthroplasty
knee replacement
knee surgery
lower extremity reconstruction
replacement arthroplasty
total joint replacement
total knee replacement

In 2012, among providers in related specialties within Pennsylvania, Dr. David J. German, MD performed more major joint aspiration, and major joint injection procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and he also had a list price for arthroplasty, knee replacement, knee surgery, lower extremity reconstruction, replacement arthroplasty (joint replacement), total joint replacement, and total knee replacement that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2012 were X-rays, musculoskeletal imaging, aspiration and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 156
doctor visit 411
hip imaging 69
hospital care 52
injections 156
inpatient care 52
joint surgery 24
lower extremity surgery 24
musculoskeletal imaging 192
pelvic imaging 66
reconstructive surgery 24
X-rays 258

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2013 were X-rays, musculoskeletal imaging, aspiration and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 141
doctor visit 416
hip imaging 85
hospital care 69
injections 141
inpatient care 69
joint surgery 24
lower extremity surgery 24
musculoskeletal imaging 205
pelvic imaging 74
reconstructive surgery 24
X-rays 279

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 106
Female 204
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 291
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 99
From 75 to 84 103
85 and over 64
Less than 65 44

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2013

Hypertension 73
High Cholesterol 65
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 45
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 21
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 15
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 14
Diabetes 37
Dementia 12
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2014 were X-rays, musculoskeletal imaging, aspiration and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 153
doctor visit 433
hip imaging 103
hospital care 45
injections 153
inpatient care 45
joint surgery 12
lower extremity surgery 12
musculoskeletal imaging 163
pelvic imaging 90
reconstructive surgery 12
X-rays 253

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 119
Female 223
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 327
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 123
From 75 to 84 110
85 and over 60
Less than 65 49

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2014

Hypertension 69
High Cholesterol 59
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 39
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 19
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 14
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 14
Diabetes 28
Dementia 11
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2015 were X-rays, aspiration, injections and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 290
doctor visit 493
hip imaging 97
hospital care 53
injections 290
inpatient care 53
joint surgery 28
lower extremity surgery 28
musculoskeletal imaging 199
pelvic imaging 118
reconstructive surgery 28
X-rays 332

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 270
Female 572
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 798
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 306
From 75 to 84 284
85 and over 168
Less than 65 84

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2015

Hypertension 72
High Cholesterol 58
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 42
Depression 30
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 10
Osteoperosis 14
Atrial Fibrilation 17
Heart Failure 19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 29
Dementia 16
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2016 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 229
doctor visit 514
hospital care 40
injections 229
inpatient care 40
joint surgery 36
lower extremity surgery 36
musculoskeletal imaging 136
reconstructive surgery 36
X-rays 136

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 146
Female 259
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 377
Black 13
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 142
From 75 to 84 131
85 and over 75
Less than 65 57

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2016

Hypertension 70
High Cholesterol 54
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 33
Depression 26
Chronic Kidney Disease 26
Asthma 15
Osteoperosis 13
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 29
Dementia 17
Cancer 12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2017 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 273
doctor visit 616
hospital care 18
injections 273
inpatient care 18
joint surgery 33
lower extremity surgery 33
minimally invasive procedures 11
musculoskeletal imaging 101
reconstructive surgery 22
X-rays 101

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 146
Female 254
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 381
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 168
From 75 to 84 110
85 and over 74
Less than 65 48

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2017

Hypertension 69
High Cholesterol 55
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 29
Chronic Kidney Disease 27
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 11
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 11
Diabetes 30
Dementia 16
Cancer 8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2018 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 228
doctor visit 662
injections 228
joint surgery 52
lower extremity surgery 52
musculoskeletal imaging 111
reconstructive surgery 52
X-rays 111

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 154
Female 245
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 378
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 183
From 75 to 84 111
85 and over 49
Less than 65 56

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2018

Hypertension 67
High Cholesterol 61
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 31
Depression 29
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 11
Atrial Fibrilation 13
Heart Failure 16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 15
Diabetes 33
Dementia 13
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2019 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 259
doctor visit 609
injections 259
joint surgery 52
lower extremity surgery 52
musculoskeletal imaging 107
reconstructive surgery 52
X-rays 107

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 146
Female 260
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 383
Black 12
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 173
From 75 to 84 133
85 and over 53
Less than 65 47

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2019

Hypertension 72
High Cholesterol 67
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 31
Chronic Kidney Disease 28
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 10
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 28
Dementia 13
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2020 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 215
doctor visit 403
fracture surgery 13
injections 215
joint surgery 41
lower extremity surgery 54
musculoskeletal imaging 95
reconstructive surgery 41
X-rays 95

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 144
Female 192
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 312
Black 12
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 160
From 75 to 84 97
85 and over 46
Less than 65 33

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2020

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 69
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 30
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 28
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 6
Atrial Fibrilation 13
Heart Failure 16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 30
Dementia 13
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2021 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 305
doctor visit 566
injections 305
joint surgery 41
lower extremity surgery 41
musculoskeletal imaging 103
reconstructive surgery 41
X-rays 103

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 140
Female 238
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 359
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 182
From 75 to 84 115
85 and over 47
Less than 65 34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2021

Hypertension 72
High Cholesterol 70
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 33
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 30
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 9
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 31
Dementia 13
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2022 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 192
doctor visit 518
injections 192
joint surgery 58
lower extremity surgery 58
musculoskeletal imaging 116
reconstructive surgery 58
X-rays 116

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 149
Female 236
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 359
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 173
From 75 to 84 131
85 and over 51
Less than 65 30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2022

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 10
Ischemic Heart Disease 24
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 20
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 13
Atrial Fibrilation 18
Heart Failure 16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 16
Diabetes 29
Dementia 5
Cancer 16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2023 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 299
doctor visit 617
injections 299
joint surgery 56
lower extremity surgery 56
musculoskeletal imaging 157
reconstructive surgery 56
X-rays 157

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 153
Female 262
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 391
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 11
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 184
From 75 to 84 150
85 and over 48
Less than 65 33

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2023

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 10
Ischemic Heart Disease 26
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 18
Asthma 10
Osteoperosis 14
Atrial Fibrilation 19
Heart Failure 17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 15
Diabetes 22
Dementia 7
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2024 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA during 2024 were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 271
doctor visit 485
injections 271
joint surgery 64
lower extremity surgery 64
musculoskeletal imaging 137
reconstructive surgery 64
X-rays 137

2024 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 151
Female 239
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 374
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 193
From 75 to 84 143
85 and over 40
Less than 65 14

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD in 2024

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 28
Depression 26
Chronic Kidney Disease 21
Asthma 10
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 18
Heart Failure 17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 14
Diabetes 26
Dementia 7
Cancer 15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2024

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. David J. German, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. David J. German, MD treated as an orthopedist in Erie, PA were aspiration, injections, X-rays and musculoskeletal imaging.

aspiration 231
doctor visit 518
fracture surgery 13
hip imaging 88
hospital care 46
injections 231
inpatient care 46
joint surgery 40
lower extremity surgery 41
minimally invasive procedures 11
musculoskeletal imaging 140
pelvic imaging 87
reconstructive surgery 39
X-rays 168

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2024

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD.

Gender
Male 140
Female 244
Ethnicity
Black / African American 2
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 363
Hispanic 0
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Other 0
Age
85 and over 59
75 to 84 124
Less than 65 40
65 to 74 160

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. David J. German, MD From 2012 - 2024

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. David J. German, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 60
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 30
Depression 25
Chronic Kidney Disease 22
Asthma 8
Osteoporosis 11
Heart Failure 17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 27
Atrial Fibrillation 13
Cancer 11
Dementia 11

Education & Training

He completed residency at Cleveland Clinic. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery and has a state license in Pennsylvania.

Residency: Cleveland Clinic

Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery

Licensed In: Pennsylvania

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. David J. German, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 358 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. David J. German, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Erie, PA. 

4.8
Overall Rating
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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. David J. German, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
Mid-Atlantic Surgical Systems, LLC $4,209 ARTHREX PRODUCT LINE KNEE & HIP ARTHROSCOPY
$475
$3,734
Smith & Nephew, Inc. $3,688 Anthology
$1,646 		Sports Med Hip
$1,011 		Recon Hips
$790 		Pico
$117 		Recon Knees
$108 		Other
$15
Stryker Corporation $252 TRAUMA & EXTREMITIES
$76 		Orthobiologics
$61 		Mako
$50 		NA
$25 		T2 ALPHA
$21 		Other
$19
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. $188 EUFLEXXA
$188
Innovation Technologies Inc $142 Irrisept
$142
Other $751 XARELTO
$118 		STRAVIX
$87 		STRATAFIX
$81 		Orthopedic Stimulation-Physio-Stim
$69 		Ultrasound Bone Healing
$56 		Other
$340
Types of Payments
Education $4,176
Travel and Lodging $3,386
Food and Beverage $1,669

Biography

Dr. David German is a specialist in orthopedics/orthopedic surgery in Erie, PA. Areas of expertise for Dr. German include knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, and joint aspiration. He completed his residency training at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. German is professionally affiliated with Allegheny Health Network.

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