Joint pain isn't just a physical thing. It’s a thief. It steals your morning walks, your ability to play with grandkids, and honestly, sometimes just your mood to get out of bed. If you’re looking into John E Klibanoff MD, you’re probably at that "I can’t live like this anymore" stage. Most people in Western New York and the Finger Lakes reach out to him when the Ibuprofen stops working and the stairs start looking like Mount Everest.
Who is John E Klibanoff MD?
Dr. Klibanoff is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has spent over three decades navigating the complexities of the human musculoskeletal system. He’s not just some guy with a lab coat. He’s a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served in the U.S. Army and Reserve for fifteen years. That kind of background breeds a certain level of precision you want when someone is rebuilding your hip or knee.
Currently, he’s making waves as part of the team at Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists (affiliated with Auburn Community Hospital). Before that, he was a fixture in the Rochester medical scene for years, leading teams at Western New York Orthopaedics and Rochester Regional Health. He’s essentially the guy other doctors send their "difficult" cases to.
The Military Edge and Academic Chops
Medical training is grueling, but Klibanoff’s path had some extra weight. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in 1990. From there, he headed to the University of Minnesota for his residency. Why does this matter? Because Minnesota’s orthopedic program is historically a powerhouse for joint reconstruction.
During his time in the Army (1990-2005), he wasn't just sitting in an office. He was a decorated veteran, dealing with trauma and limb reconstruction that most civilian doctors only see in textbooks. This experience usually translates to a "don't panic" attitude in the operating room. When things get complicated during a revision surgery—where a previous joint replacement has failed—that’s the kind of experience you're paying for.
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What He Actually Does: It’s Not Just "Bone Cracking"
If you think orthopedic surgery is just hammers and saws, you're living in the 1980s. Dr. Klibanoff has leaned heavily into technology. He’s one of the few surgeons who really pushed the MyMobility platform in the region. This is basically a system that uses Apple Watch technology to track your recovery in real-time.
He’s also big on the ROSA robotic-assisted surgery.
Robot-assisted doesn't mean a robot does the surgery while the doctor grabs a coffee. It means the surgeon uses a high-tech GPS system to ensure the new joint is aligned within millimeters. A millimeter doesn't sound like much, but in a knee joint, it’s the difference between walking naturally and feeling like you have a rock in your shoe for the next twenty years.
The "No-Doctor" Approach
One thing that surprises a lot of patients is how he introduces himself. He’s gone on record saying he prefers to be called "John" rather than "Dr. Klibanoff" when first meeting someone. It sounds small. It isn't.
Most surgeons are notoriously... let's call it "efficient" with their time. They’re in, they look at the X-ray, they schedule the surgery, they’re out. Klibanoff’s whole vibe is different. He’s known for sitting down and actually listening to the story of the pain. He wants to know how it affects your golf swing or your ability to garden.
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Why People Travel to See Him
It’s the revisions. Almost any orthopedic surgeon can do a standard "primary" knee replacement. But what happens when that knee wears out 15 years later? Or if it gets infected? Or if the bone around it starts to thin?
That’s Joint Revision Surgery, and it’s a whole different ballgame.
- Bone loss management: Sometimes there isn't enough bone left to hold a standard implant.
- Complex trauma: Dealing with old fractures that didn't heal right.
- Outpatient joint replacement: He was one of the first in Rochester to push the idea that you don't need to stay in a hospital for three days after a knee replacement. You can often go home the same day.
The Reality of Modern Orthopedics
We should be honest here: no surgery is magic. Every procedure has risks. Infection, blood clots, or just "not feeling right" are real possibilities. John E Klibanoff MD is known for being pretty blunt about these risks. He’s not a salesman; he’s a mechanic for the human body.
If you go to see him at Auburn Community Hospital or his offices in Rochester, don't expect a sugar-coated version of reality. If you're a smoker or if your BMI is too high, he’s probably going to tell you to fix that before he’ll touch you with a scalpel. Why? Because he knows the data. He knows that if you don't set yourself up for success pre-op, the surgery won't matter.
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Practical Steps for Your First Visit
If you're actually going to book an appointment, don't just show up with your "sore knee." You need to be prepared to get the most out of a specialist like him.
- Bring the Actual Images: Don’t just bring the report that says "you have arthritis." Bring the CD or the digital access to your actual X-rays or MRIs. Surgeons need to see the "architecture" of your joint.
- The "Functional" List: Instead of saying "it hurts," write down three things you used to do that you can't do now. Can't reach the bottom shelf? Can't walk to the mailbox? That’s more useful to a surgeon than a 1-10 pain scale.
- Medication History: Be incredibly specific about what you’ve tried. Cortisone shots? Gel injections? Physical therapy? If you've tried everything and it failed, you're a candidate for surgery. If you haven't tried PT yet, he’ll probably send you there first.
Actionable Insights for Joint Health
Whether you see Dr. Klibanoff or someone else, the goal is longevity. If you’re not ready for surgery yet, focus on low-impact strengthening. Your muscles are the shock absorbers for your joints. If your quads are weak, your knee takes the hit.
Also, keep an eye on the tech. Systems like the Oxford III partial knee are game-changers because they preserve the healthy parts of your joint. You don't always need a "total" replacement.
John E Klibanoff MD has built a career on the idea that technology and a bit of military-grade discipline can give people their lives back. Just remember: he provides the new parts, but you have to do the work in physical therapy to make them move.
To move forward with a consultation, your best bet is reaching out to the Auburn Orthopaedic Specialists office directly. Verify your insurance coverage beforehand—specifically for "Specialist Orthopedic Consultation"—to avoid any surprise bills. If you are a candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, ask specifically about the ROSA system's availability for your specific procedure.