Orthopedics

Stephen Raterman, MD, FACS

Sports Medicine, Orthopedic & Hip Surgery

North Tampa

Wiregrass

Zephyrhills

Accepting new patients

(813) 979-0440

Request Appointment Visit My Website

About Stephen Raterman, MD, FACS

Dr. Raterman was accepted early decision at the University of Louisville School of Medicine as a junior in 1981. He graduated in 1985 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Medical Center of Georgia. Raised in Kentucky, Dr. Raterman has been in Florida with his family since 1990. He has been past Chief of Surgical Subspecialties at University Community Hospital as well as Chief of Staff and Chief of Credentials at Advent Health Tampa.

Dr. Raterman is an innovator in minimally invasive joint replacement surgery of the knee and hip, including partial knee replacements and hip resurfacing. He has additional expertise in arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Dr. Raterman’s wife and family enjoy outdoor sports including boating, water skiing, and cycling. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedics at the University of South Florida.

Board Certifications

American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Medical Education

University of Louisville, School of Medicine
Louisville, KY

Internship/Residency

Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA
General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Hospital Memberships

AdventHealth Tampa
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel
New Tampa Surgery Center

Special Interests

Adult Reconstructive Surgery and Sports Medicine
Hip Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery
Joint Replacement

Professional Associations

Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedics, USF College of Medicine

Physician Team

North Tampa 14547 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa, Florida 33613 Suite C

North Tampa

14547 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33613

Suite C

Directions

North Tampa

14547 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33613 Suite C

P: (813) 979-0440
F: (813) 355-5054

Wiregrass 2352 Bruce B Downs Blvd Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544 Suite 102

Wiregrass

2352 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544

Suite 102

Directions

Wiregrass

2352 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544 Suite 102

P: (813) 979-0440
F: (813) 355-5054

Zephyrhills 38107 Market Square Drive Zephyrhills, Florida 33542

Zephyrhills

38107 Market Square Drive
Zephyrhills, FL 33542

Directions

Zephyrhills

38107 Market Square Drive
Zephyrhills, FL 33542

P: (813) 979-0440
F: (813) 355-5054

Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health participates with most major carriers. Please consult your insurance carrier prior to your appointment to verify our participation status with your insurance plan. This list is subject to change and is not all-inclusive.

Aetna

Aetna HMO
Aetna Medicare HMO
Aetna Medicare PPO
Aetna PPO

Align Senior Care Medicare Advantage SNP

Allwell by Sunshine (Medicaid)

AvMed

AvMed HMO
AvMed PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield aka: Florida Blue

BC Advantage 65
BC Health Options (Blue Care)
BCBS HMO
BCBS Medicare HMO
BCBS Medicare PPO
BCBS PPO (Includes EPO, PPC, BlueOptions, Blue Select)

Cigna (Includes Great West)

Baycare Exclusive Network
Cigna HMO
Cigna PPO

Coventry

Coventry HMO
Coventry Medicare HMO
Coventry Medicare PPO
Coventry PPO
First Health

Devoted Medicare

Disney Physician CIN

Evolutions

Freedom Health Medicare Advantage Plan HMO

Health First Health Plans

Humana

Humana HMO
Humana Medicare HMO (including Gold Plus HMO)
Humana Medicare PPO (Includes Choice PPO/PFFS)
Humana PPO

Longevity Health Plan

Medicare

Multiplan (Includes Multiplan, Beechstreet/ PHCS)

Beechstreet
MultiPlan
Private Healthcare System (PHCS)

Optimum Healthcare Medicare Advantage HMO

Partners Direct Health (verify through directory)

Railroad Medicare

Tricare

Tricare East
Tricare East HMO (Prime)

United Health Care

United Healthcare AARP Medicare Complete HMO
United Healthcare AARP Medicare Complete PPO
United Healthcare Dual Complete HMO
United Healthcare Dual Complete PPO
United Healthcare HMO
United Healthcare PPO

Wellcare by Allwell (Medicare Advantage HMO Plan)

WellMed

Wellmed- UnitedHealthcare Medicare

Worker Compensation Plans

Orthopedics (old specialties page)

Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Sep 3, 2021

Stephen Raterman, MD, FACS

Is a knee replacement in your future? Dr. Raterman covers a timeline of what patients can expect during recovery—and tips for making the process easier!

Orthopedics (old specialties page)

If you've been experiencing major hip pain, there are multiple paths to recovery. Learn about your options with the help of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raterman.

Orthopedics (old specialties page)

How To Get Relief from Severe Hip Pain

Jul 3, 2015

Stephen Raterman, MD, FACS

If severe hip pain is keeping you from doing the things you love, schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic surgeon to get the relief you need.

An award from

Stephen Raterman, MD, FACS's Resources

My Gallery

Dr. Stephen Raterman: Hip and Knee Replacement

Dr. Raterman shares the latest advancements in hip and knee replacements for severe arthritic conditions, including how the procedure can help with pain from missing cartilage.

Dr. Stephen Raterman: A Day in the Life

In this video, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Stephen Raterman's interactions with patients and his focus on their quality of life. You will see Dr. Raterman and his team of medical professionals work alongside men and women of different ages in an effort to deliver a pain-free life.

Dr. Stephen Raterman on Studio10

Discusses hip resurfacing and replacement surgery.

Health Matters Full Program

Dr. Raterman on Health Matters TV Program talks about hip and joint pain.

Testimonial: Rich Junker

Rich discusses his full recovery from hip surgery and new cardio routine.

Health Matters Commercial

Dr. Raterman on Health Matters TV Program talks about hip and joint pain.

Testimonials

He is a Rock Star and the best Ortho! He did both hips for me; one in 2015 and one yesterday. Do not wait if your in pain. I live 2 hours away and he is worth every mile!

Surgery at 1:30pm, home at 6:30pm. Very little pain. Followed instructions and walking with walker at 1st and using cane only after 3rd day. Unbelievable difference. Experience was excellent all around. Little to no pain. Everyone involved was a top-notch, experienced, caring professional. Dr. Ratterman is the real deal!

"Feel So Fortunate"

I just had my second hip replacement done by Dr. Raterman. I feel so fortunate to have found Florida Medical Center and Dr Raterman. It's an incredible facility, like nothing I've ever seen with practically everything there that you would need. I can't think going anywhere else for my medical needs.

"He is my hero!"

I recently had my left knee replaced by Dr. Raterman. This was the fourth surgery he has performed on me. I've have had no problems, I'm way ahead on my physical therapy and think Dr. Raterman is great. He is my hero!

"An Outstanding Surgeon"

Dr. Raterman performed a hip replacement for me on June 28, 2021. He is an outstanding surgeon. I would not only recommend Dr. Raterman, I would never go to another physician for this procedure. I didn't even suffer a minute of pain from this procedure. Absolutely amazing procedure.

"Had no expectation that my procedure would be this successful"

For a decade, my autoimmune disorder's symptoms had been relieved only by routine high intensity exercise, but at 62 I found myself in a cycle of two weeks high intensity interval training followed by two weeks of recovery from the resulting hip pain. The good news for me was that my bone density made me a candidate for hip resurfacing, which held the promise of allowing me to continue to do strenuous workouts for many years. Dr. Raterman was cheerful, efficient and professional in preparing me for the procedure, which went well, and I was back on my feet without a cane within a week. Less that six months later I was back to high intensity interval training and now, a year since the procedure, I'm running 2-4 times a week, up to 7-8 miles at a time and recently completed a 50-mile bike ride. Honestly, the resurfaced hip gives me no trouble at all and I have every expectation of that continuing to be the case for many years. I did my research so I knew I had the right surgeon, but I really had no expectation that my procedure would be this successful. ... Read More +

"I have been pain free since day of surgery"

Thank you Dr Raterman, your office staff and staff at Wesley Chapel Advent Hospital. I had a total right hip anterior approach surgery. Also the dual ball Mako. Not even three weeks ago. I have been pain free since day of surgery. I've endured pain from my hip for years and feel blessed and extremely fortunate to have had the professionalism, caring, expertise that Dr Raterman and his staff offer. I never dreamed I'd be pain free. Nor did I imagine that I would be standing almost straight. This has been a true miracle in my eyes. My scar is minimal. The dressing Dr Raterman uses is absolutely amazing. No stitches to be removed. His meticulous technique is a blessing. His hands are that of an Angel. My in home physical therapy and nursing thru Bay Care was absolutely helpful and aided in my recovery. Which I was definitely wanting A doctor that encourages in home recovery. Believe that you recover at home so much quicker safer and without infection. Totally amazed I was up and walking within a few hours after surgery. Ate dinner that evening. Had breakfast and lunch the next day than came home I did a lot of research looking for the right surgeon. I originally went to Dr Raterman because I read about his technique of resurfacing. Wanted the least invasive surgery I could find. Unfortunately I wasn't a candidate for that procedure however immediately Dr Raterman knew of my back issues and also my left hip needing to be replaced. On my first visit he assessed my entire needs took films of everything he needed. I'm still using a walker. Practicing with the cane. Finished my physical therapy at home and will continue this week with outside physical therapy for my post op hip and preparing pre op on other hip. Of course walking and exercising as much as I can. I'm a 62 year old woman. Left hip scheduled for April. Feeling very blessed and fortunate to have Dr Raterman and his staff on my team... Read More +

"Thank you for giving my life back"

Dr. Raterman, I want to thank you for giving my life back! By the time I was diagnosed with bone-on-bone arthritis of both hips in Dec. 2009 (discovered when I was getting x-rays prior to lower back surgery), I was barely able to walk to the end of the driveway. Since I’m fairly young (57), I began researching resurfacing as an option to total hip replacement, and found you as one of the top doctors on the Surface Hippy (hip resurfacing) website. I called your Tampa office and was given an appointment several weeks later. At my first appointment on January 29, 2010, I was so impressed with the smoothness of your new patient process. The ortho tech took my history, handed me off to get x-rays done, and then your fantastic nurse practitioner, Marlena, came in to do an exam and explained the resurfacing process in great detail. After she had answered all my questions, you came in to review everything with me and discuss the surgery. You seemed to think I would be a good candidate for resurfacing, so we decided to start with the right hip and do the left one 6-8 weeks later if everything went well. I was then taken to Tracy to get my surgery scheduled (March 16, 2010), along with a pre-admission appointment at University Community Hospital (as well as joint replacement school), pre-op appointment, and post-op appointment. I was also given a request to give my primary care physician for labs, EKG and clearance for surgery. Tracy did a great job following me through the scheduling process and following up on all my appointments. The surgery was done on March 16th at University Community Hospital and after a short stay in pre-op, the next thing I remember is being in recovery. I had no nausea and no pain. When I got to my room on the joint replacement unit I was taken care of very well and was discharged on March 18th. I was able to walk around the nurse’s station by the afternoon of March 17th and was definitely ready to go home the next morning. A physical therapist and nurse from Asera Healthcare contacted me the afternoon I arrived home to arrange PT and nursing visits. Everything just went like clockwork. I had so little pain that I stopped taking pain meds (except for Tylenol) on March 19th. I was just so amazed at the lack of pain…I couldn’t believe it! When I came in for my 6-week post-op visit on April 23, 2010, I was doing so well that we scheduled the left hip for May 10th. Once again, everything went extremely well. I had an even easier recovery with that hip than with the right hip. My physical therapist was amazed at how easy a recovery I had for both procedures. I had been dealing with so much pain prior to the resurfacing that I was just ecstatic that it was gone!... Read More +

"You’re in good hands, he’s the best"

Over 8 years ago, my Rheumatologist (Dr A Torres) advised that my hips were in bad shape, one was bone on bone and the other not far off. I finally gave in and had a very successful hip replacement. I managed to wait another 4 1/2 years before having the other hip done and since my previous Dr had left the area, I found Dr Raterman who came highly recommended. So, 3 years ago Dr Raterman replaced that second hip with even better and speedier results. Less than 6 weeks and I was on the run with no hip pain. Having both Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis it was a matter of time before the knees brought me back to Dr Raterman. Again, a replacement was the only help for my problem with the left knee. Dr Raterman’s team tried everything to hold it off this past winter but being bone-on-bone and having bone spurs too, it was finally necessary to make that decision… I was so tired of being in constant pain, Being a veteran of two hip replacements, I was in dread of having the knee done as everyone, including Dr Raterman told me it would be somewhat more difficult recovery. Finally, THREE WEEKS AGO, I had this left knee replaced. Yes, a little pain but nothing like I had expected. With that under control I returned home to recover. With excellent post-op care and physical therapy at home, I was able to get rid of the walker at about 9 days and at less than 2 weeks the cane was not necessary. I was meeting all my physical therapy goals of bending and straightening at less than 3 weeks.Yes, I do still need pain pills, so they are correct that it takes longer in some ways to recover, but in so many other ways it has been much easier than the hip replacements. I was able to put full weight on the knee almost immediately; I was able to lift the leg, do the exercises, walk outside, and generally become much more mobile in a much shorter time than with hips. The physical therapy is so necessary to success and it’s sometimes hard work but so worth it in the end. At 3 weeks I know my work is not done but absolutely expect to be pain-free and at 100% in less than the 12 week predicted time frame for recovery. I seem to have amazed everyone with the speed of my progress. This week I started out-patient P.T. and in two weeks I plan to travel for my last Grand-daughter’s graduation. Out of seven grandkids, I’m not about to miss this one. I’m no ‘Spring Chicken”, I’m 71 and have 7 Grandkids and 3 Great Grands. I’m planning on keeping active and to continue to be there for all my family celebrations and events. I’m still working part-time as well as enjoying my family. I’m so grateful for having an excellent care of Dr Raterman and for all of his staff, as well as some terrific and encouraging physical therapists. Dr Raterman… Thank you. You and your support team are terrific. I’ve talked to so many people and every one, when told who was doing my surgery, said…. “you’re in good hands, he’s the best”. I’m a believer!... Read More +

"A true master of his art."

Doctor Raterman did a fantastic job on my hip. I underwent a hip resurface after osteoarthritis nearly crippled me. Four weeks after the surgery I had ZERO pain and will soon be able to resume all of my favorite sports including basketball, tennis, golf, and fencing. THANK YOU DR. RATERMAN! A true master of his art. Sincerely,

"Now I know that I don’t have to curtail my activities because of pain."

Dear Dr. Raterman, I wanted to send you a note to tell you how delighted I am to be walking again without pain. I am 86 years old and last year in January and August you replaced my hips. I was very apprehensive as I didn’t know what to expect and was afraid the results of the surgeries would not meet my expectations. Before the surgeries, I was limping and in pain every step. I moved to University Village with the thoughts that I may not be able to even limp in the future. I could hardly get to the dining room because of the pain. I came to see you because my knee was hurting so badly. You told me my knee was fine and my hips were a mess. I am now walking anywhere from a half a mile to a mile each day and am starting to add some steps to my regimen. I cannot tell you how much that impacts my lifestyle. Before, I was afraid to do anything that required any walking. Now I know that I don’t have to curtail my activities because of pain. Thank you and your staff for your expertise, courtesy and comfort in doing your job. If I can ever assure any of your patients in any way that the surgery is worth the results, please feel free to call on me. Thanks again to all who helped me.... Read More +

"I cannot imagine a better surgery experience"

Dr. Raterman, It’s hard to imagine a water sport being hard on the body, but falling 12 feet at 30 MPH with a wakeboard strapped to your feet is not what knees are made for. During the Professional Wakeboarding Tour in 1996, I had the unfortunate experience of tearing the ACL and meniscus in my right knee. I relied on Dr. Raterman for treatment. I appreciated that he understood abstinence from extreme sports for a 23 year old risk taker was not realistic, so he helped me to evaluate the risks and dangers of activity on my injured knee so I could make my own informed choices. Dr. Raterman repaired my knee and I was back on the Pro Tour the following year. I’ve since retired from professional wakeboarding, but recently tore my other ACL performing in a ski show. I relied again on Dr. Raterman for treatment and received ACL reconstruction on my left knee. I cannot imagine a better surgery experience than of that I received at the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health surgery center by Dr. Raterman and his medical team. I was in and out in half a day and am recovering better than I expected. Although nobody hopes to see an orthopedist, if it becomes necessary, I will be returning to Dr. Raterman and his team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health to put me back together. Until then, I’ll be back tearin’ it up on the water! Thanks Dr. Raterman!... Read More +

"I recommend you to all."

Dear Dr. Raterman,This is my fifth anniversary of having hip resurface with you. I continue to do well. I work out in karate, Jujutsu, weights and a little basketball. I recommend you to all. Thank you very much for what you did for me and all you do.

"Made me feel at ease"

Dr. Raterman & Staff, Just to let you all know my knee surgery was a success and you made my surgery a nice experience and made me feel at ease for all your help.. You made my day with all your smiles and personalities. Thanks doc!

"I'm so happy I chose to have this surgery."

Dr. Raterman is amazing! I had hip arthroscopy on my right hip on 12/18/15 to repair a torn labrum and to remove a cyst off of my femoral head. Going into the surgery I was extremely anxious, nervous, expecting terrible pain and a long recovery. Boy, was I surprised when I returned home from surgery. I felt great, very little pain. Just a little soreness and some stiffness in the leg, but other than that, I was shocked how little discomfort I was in. I am now six (6) weeks out and feel awesome! I only had to utilize crutches for four total weeks, was able to bear full weight on my leg after the fourth week, and I'm back in my stilettos, exercising, and performing every day tasks as normal. I'm so happy I chose to have this surgery. No pain in the hip at all! I highly recommend Dr. Raterman to everyone I know!!... Read More +

"Dr. Raterman not only gave me my life back, he has made it better."

Dr. Raterman performed Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery on me 6 weeks ago.. He and his brilliant team treated me with immense professionalism and respect as an active, healthy woman, in spite of my age. I want to report that I have had no pain since day three after surgery. I walk better than I have in months. I have a scar that is healing fast, and nothing shows in clothing. I feel strong and healthy. I will be back to my yoga practice and on the ballroom dance floor very, very soon, and I will be better than I was before. I am so, so grateful. The Rest of the Story: I was determined that yoga could fix everything. And maybe rest. In the spring of 2017, I was regularly flying across country to work 10-hour days in high heels, practicing advanced yoga, power walking, and thinking very hard about competing as an amateur ballroom dancer. I was planning to retire in October after a 52-year career, and I turned 68 in August. I would be fine! So what if my right hip was hurting more and more? As retirement time approached (still those 10-hour high-heel days), the pain was so awful that I could not walk or sleep. My long-avoided MRI indicated that the femur was fractured, the bone above it had deteriorated, and the cartilage in the hip socket was completely gone. What felt like bone-on-bone was, truly, bone-on-bone. My hip was ugly, and I was miserable. My PCP sent me to Dr. Daniel Murphy. I opened with “Do NOT look at the age on my chart! I’m a yogi and a dancer!” He and his staff were wonderful, and they referred me to Dr. Raterman because he does Total Hip Replacement with an anterior approach. Oh, and they managed to get that appointment with Dr. Raterman in three days. Dr. Raterman and his crew (Nurse, PA, Resident, X-ray Tech, Scheduling Wizard) expressed concern about my well-being and so very focused on taking care of me before anything worse could occur. He made some magic happen, and I was in surgery 4 days later for a Total Hip Replacement... The evening of my surgery, PT had me up and walking. The next day I was home. Day 3, I took two half doses of pain medication and then switched to Tylenol. Home PT had me off my walker in 5 days and off my cane in two more. I was released to drive in 10 days and spent Christmas with my grandchildren. I am now six weeks out. I feel great. I have a scar that is healing (and my tight jeans still fit), I am sleeping in multiple positions, I am walking better than I have in months, and I FEEL NO PAIN! (I really don’t remember when I felt no pain.) Select PT has made me feel strong, and I will be back at yoga and on the dance floor very soon (slowly and carefully at first!). I have so much for which to be grateful. First, my Dr. Koche who sent me to Dr. Murphy who sent me to Dr. Raterman. The right medical network is vital. But I am MOST, MOST grateful that Dr. Raterman treated me based on who I am and how I take care of myself and what I want to do with my body. I never, ever felt “old.” As a result, I am inspired to exceed all expectations and be the poster child for living life better after Total Hip Replacement: Dr. Raterman not only gave me my life back, he has made it better. So, when all is said and done, it surely WAS surgery for me. I am such a very lucky woman.... Read More +

"Day-to-day activities are virtually pain-free"

When I had the BHR technique performed on my right hip in 2007 I had high expectations and only one concern. The expectations were to have a fully functional hip for day-to-day activities, the ability to maintain a robust workout routine, and ideally to be able to compete, and be competitive, in the sport of triathlon. My only concern was a realistic time period for the procedure to remain intact and effective.The concern was based on the relatively small amount of data available to date and NOT on any data that would indicate a short life span of the procedure. In my experience, it is has been nothing short of outstanding. Day-to-day activities are virtually pain-free, I have maintained a robust cross-training routine and I have competed in numerous triathlon events to include a FULL IronMan (140.3) in the fall of 2012. My latest follow-up check with Dr. Raterman showed no indication of deterioration in any form and I fully expect to continue all aspects of my activity levels for many years to come. My endorsement of Dr. Raterman and the BHR technique is unequivocal.... Read More +