Paul W Knapp, DO

Titles

• Henry Ford Novi/Southfield/ Warren Orthopedic Residency Program Faculty 

Biographical Statement

Paul Knapp is a Metro Detroit native who is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Hip and Knee reconstructive surgery. After growing up in the Rochester area, he was accepted into the esteemed Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University. While an undergraduate, he played for the MSU Rugby Team for all four years and helped lead the Spartans to the national Sweet Sixteen. After graduating he went on to complete medical school at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated with his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Dr. Knapp completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Ascension Macomb Oakland and Ascension Providence Hospitals. He trained in all 3 counties with some of the highest volume surgeons in Michigan. While in residency he had publications in numerous prominent journals including Journal of Arthroplasty, Bone and Joint Journal, and Arthroplasty Today. He also presented on the podium at international conferences such as International Society of Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA). During his final year as Chief Resident, he was accepted into the prestigious Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. While in NYC, he sharpened his surgical skills under distinguished leaders in Orthopedic Surgery and performed cutting edge joint replacement research.

In addition to general orthopedics and fractures, Dr. Knapp has a special interest in minimally invasive anterior hip replacement and is trained in the minimally invasive bikini incision for anterior hip replacement. He spent a large percentage of his training operating with the use of advanced technologies, including computer navigation and is highly trained in robotic surgery of the hip and knee. He is highly experienced in the emerging concept of spinopelvic mechanics and its relationship to hip replacement. This extremely complex topic is one of the most critical new areas of research in preventing complications such as hip dislocations in total hip arthroplasty. He continues to stay active with research and enjoys contributing to adult reconstructive literature.

Dr. Knapp lives in Brighton with his wife, two sons, and their Golden Retriever. He is passionate about personal fitness, golf, fishing, and vinyl records. Every year he and his father go to the Northern Minnesota wilderness (Boundary Waters) on an off-the-grid canoe voyage to fish for walleye and lake trout.

Care Philosophy

I always make an emphasis on allowing patients to make educated and well-informed decisions about their care. I believe they have the right to understand the details of their pathology and their surgical and non-surgical options. My patients are constantly reminded that they are “in the driver’s seat” and that they are the ones who get to make all the decisions regarding their care. If patients do elect to proceed with surgery, I try to provide a realistic and honest timeline for their recovery. While I try to constantly motivate patients to push towards their best outcome in the post-operative period, I also try to approach our interactions with compassion and empathy as they move through the healing process. I truly enjoy my role in providing patients with an ability to get back to the things that allow them to live a more fulfilled and active lifestyle. 

Awards and Honors

• Charles Townley Award, Endowed Resident Research Award – Michigan Orthopaedic Society 2022