Donald W. Roberts, M.D.
Patient ReviewsSpecialties
Joint Replacement & Revision, Knee, Sports Medicine, Total Knee Replacement
Fellowship
Sports Medicine
About
Dr. Don Roberts is an orthopedic surgeon subspecializing in disorders of the knee and sports medicine, including total knee replacement. Dr. Roberts has extensive experience in knee arthroscopy, including arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, arthroscopic meniscal repair, meniscectomy, and management of disorders of articular cartilage. Dr. Roberts is interested in minimally invasive procedures and was one of the first doctors in the Northwest to perform MAKOplasty, a robotic-assisted partial knee resurfacing procedure.
In addition to his expertise in arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Roberts treats arthritic conditions of the knee, including total knee replacements and tibial osteotomies. Dr. Roberts has been the team physician and orthopedic surgeon for the Portland Trail Blazers since 1994. He was the team physician for gold-medal-winning men’s and women’s basketball teams at the 2012 London Olympics and has cared for Olympic athletes at the US Olympic Training Center.
The son of a Caltech professor of chemistry, Dr. Roberts grew up in Altadena, California. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University in 1975 with a degree in human biology. After receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1980, Dr. Roberts served his internship in orthopedic surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle. The following year, he taught human anatomy at the Stanford University School of Medicine and pursued further surgical training at Stanford University.
Dr. Roberts’ residency training in orthopedic surgery was completed at the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Program in Boston, Massachusetts. After the completion of his residency, he served as chief resident in orthopedic surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He subsequently concluded a fellowship in sports medicine with Dr. Arthur Boland, the team physician for Harvard University. While in Boston, Dr. Roberts and his wife, Barbara, served as Resident Tutors in Cabot House at Harvard University.
Upon leaving Harvard in 1986, Dr. Roberts came to the Portland area to join Rebound. Since coming to the Northwest, Dr. Roberts has pursued the advancement of orthopedic surgery and surgery of the knee. He has taught knee anatomy at Stanford University, has served as a consultant reviewer and an associate editor of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, and has initiated research projects on the technique and outcome of total knee replacements, particularly with regard to patellar resurfacing and implant wear.
Being certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Currently, Dr. Roberts lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife, Barbara, and has four children, Emily, Molly, Heather, and Allen. As a family, they enjoy river rafting, fishing, tennis, hiking, traveling, and reading.
Dr. Roberts offers sports-related care and knee surgery, including joint replacement and revision. He sees patients at Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery in Vancouver at Salmon Creek, in Portland at Rose Quarter, and in Lake Oswego.
Credentials
Education & Training
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Doctor of Medicine: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Orthopedic Surgery Internship: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Sports Medicine Fellowship: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons, Fellow
- Clark County Medical Society
- Washington State Medical Association
Team Affiliations
- Portland Trail Blazers
- USA Basketball
Hospital Affiliations
- PeaceHeath Southwest Medical Center
- Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
Awards
- Best Doctors in America: 2015 – 2016, 2017 – 2018
- Portland Monthly Top Doctors: 2012, 2015, 2018, 2020
Locations
Clinic Address:
One North Center Court Street, Suite 110
Portland, OR 97227Parking Address:
100 North Drexler Drive
Portland, OR 97227Medical Office Building A
2121 Northeast 139th Street, Suite 300
Vancouver, WA 98686
Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and Physiatry: Suite 300
Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy: Suite 3254811 Meadows Road, Suite 101
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Testimonials
-Dennis
Carol standing victoriously on her two new knees over Hell Roaring Lake near Sun Valley, ID
I have suffered from osteoarthritis in my knees for several years. I stopped running in my twenties, and in recent years cut back on hiking and biking. I stopped skiing in 2009. My knees just couldn't take the pain any more.Four years ago I met Rebound's Dr. Don Roberts, who replaced both of my husband Dennis's knees in 2008. We knew the minute we met Dr. Roberts that we had found the best surgeon for the job. Once Dennis' recovery was complete, and I saw my husband able to pursue his passion, skiing, I knew there was hope for me.Following in Dennis' footsteps, I, too, had both knees replaced. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary since my bi-lateral total joint replacement surgery. I can't believe the strength I've gained with my new knees- I'm even dancing again -in Zumba class! Of course I modify the bouncing a little, but I truly feel like I've gotten a second shot at living my life fully, actively and happily.Thanks to Dr. Roberts and his amazing Rebound team, I look forward to standing on top of the mountain and skiing down with my husband. Our new knees are four reasons to believe there's hope for anyone whose knees have aged sooner than their spirits.
-Carol
Dennis during Ride Around WA (RAW)
Dennis during RAW up Hwy 20
My primary goal for both joint replacements was to get back on my bike. I reached my goals. I ride one week long and a few weekend rides during the dry season.I want to value the fine folks who assisted Dr. Roberts, like Lori, whom I always looked forward to see, and Kyle, who also provided care and directly assisted Dr. Roberts. Then there were the pre-op folks that got me ready and nursing and OT staff who took care of me while I was on the ward. And, lastly, there is that most important person who provided care before, during and after the cutting and replacements, that would be Sharon. She helped me get back to my bike. Thanks Sharon!It does take a village, doesn't it?
-Dennis
I was living with bone on bone in both knees due to a 30 year history of RA and acouple of skiing accidents. Dr. Roberts performed bilateral total knee replacement on January 25,2016. My recovery has been really remarkable. I've completed PT and am back in the gym and back to work. Still some stiffness but all in all I'm feeling really well. I'd also like to thank the Dr. Roberts team: Kyle Pirtle, PAC, Lori Ma and Dani Ma. Also "Thanks" to the great Surgery and recovery staff at Legacy Salmon Creek.
-Donald B.
It all started out by me tearing my meniscus in my left knee-while doing NOTHING mind you, except taking about five steps, and SNAP! Down I went, in very bad pain. I went to a local orthopedic and was told I tore my meniscus and recommended surgery to repair it. Four months later, they did the surgery. Unfortunately, it never got better, only WORSE. I put up with it for over TWO years until the pain got so bad, I couldn't stand it any longer. I got three different orthopedic surgeons opinions, all different, and because of his great record, went with Dr. Roberts at the Rebound Clinic. He is my absolute HERO, and I told him so, more than once! It's been less than 5 months, and I am almost totally pain free-and NO MORE LIMPING!!! He's a miracle worker and I can't say enough good things about his professionalism, expertise and genuine caring about his patients. The same goes for his entire staff, especially his assistant, Kyle. The hospital at Legacy Salmon Creek is also top notch! Thank you Dr. Roberts and your Team for giving me my life back! I would and HAVE recommended Dr. Roberts to anyone who needs an orthopedic surgeon-especially knee surgery!
-Colleen R.
Treatments
Treatments
Patient Reviews
Additional Patient Reviews
To view more patient reviews and ratings for Dr. Roberts, please click below.
Physician Assistant(s)
I wouldn't recommend this any more than Dr. Roberts would. But, I had bi-lateral total knee replacement surgery in 2008. Last year I skied more than one hundred days! I also mountain biked for another thirty or forty days.
My wife, Carol, participated throughout the planning and preparation as well as the recovery from surgery, which was crucial. We both developed enormous respect for Dr. Roberts as a person and as a surgeon. His integrity and wisdom were evidenced throughout the process and was reflected by the attitudes and standards of his staff.
Miracles happened twice with Dr. Roberts in our lives. One year ago my wife had bilateral total knee replacement surgery. And with her drive and the inspiration of Dr. Roberts and his staff, she is raring to go too. She will be back skiing with me this year.
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Roberts for total knee replacement. I encourage anyone wanting to reclaim their life to make a commitment to themselves to come back strong to do the things they love.