Chris Boone, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Bellevue, WA & Redmond, WA
Dr. Christopher R. Boone, MD, is a knee pain specialist serving patients in Bellevue and Redmond, WA. He diagnoses and treats the full range of knee pain causes, from sports injuries and meniscal tears to osteoarthritis and ligament damage. Treatment usually begins with conservative options, physical therapy, injections, and activity modification, and advances to partial or total robot-assisted knee replacement only when non-surgical care has not provided lasting relief.
When Should You See a Knee Pain Specialist?
Most knee pain does not require surgery, but some symptoms do need prompt evaluation from a specialist. Book a consultation with Dr. Boone if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Knee pain that has lasted more than a few weeks and has not improved with rest
- Swelling, stiffness, or warmth around the joint
- A locking, catching, or giving-way sensation in the knee
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bearing weight
- A previous knee injury that has not healed fully
- Knee pain that limits your daily activities or keeps you from doing what you enjoy
Dr. Boone sees patients from Bellevue, Redmond, and across the greater Eastside. Early evaluation typically leads to faster recovery and a wider range of treatment options.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain can result from a sudden injury, an overuse condition, or the gradual breakdown of joint tissue over time. The most common causes Dr. Boone treats include:
- Osteoarthritis — the most common cause in adults over 50, resulting from cartilage loss
- Meniscal tears — damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint
- ACL injuries — ligament tears from sudden stops, pivots, or impact
- Tendon tears and patellar tendonitis — often seen in active patients
- Kneecap dislocation or fracture
- Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
Your knees carry the full weight of your body during walking, running, and activity. That load makes them particularly susceptible to both acute injuries and long-term wear.
Knee Pain Treatment in Bellevue, WA
Dr. Boone takes a conservative-first approach to knee pain. The goal is always to relieve your pain and restore your mobility using the least invasive method that works.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For most patients, Dr. Boone begins with non-surgical care, which may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint stability
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to support natural tissue healing
- Activity modification and guided rest
Surgical Treatment
When conservative care has not provided lasting relief, or when structural damage requires surgical repair, Dr. Boone offers the following:
- Partial knee replacement — for patients whose osteoarthritis has affected only one compartment of the knee
- Total knee replacement — for more extensive joint damage across multiple compartments
- XR knee replacement (total ligament sparing) — an advanced option for suitable candidates
- Knee arthroscopy — a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and repairing soft tissue injuries
If your pain is caused by a fracture or a structural injury such as a torn meniscus, surgical repair may be recommended as the first line of treatment rather than conservative care.
Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
The right surgical option depends on how much of the knee is affected and the condition of your ligaments. Dr. Boone will assess your imaging and symptoms to determine the most appropriate plan.
| Partial Knee Replacement | Total Knee Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Damage in one compartment of the knee | Damage across multiple compartments |
| Bone removed | Smaller portion — more natural knee preserved | Full resurfacing of the joint |
| Recovery | Typically faster, with a smaller incision | Longer recovery, broader pain relief |
| Ligament requirement | Intact ligaments required | The XR option preserves all ligaments where possible |
| Technology used | Stryker Mako or Smith & Nephew NAVIO | Stryker Mako or Smith & Nephew NAVIO |
Not sure which option applies to you? Book a consultation, and Dr. Boone will review your imaging, assess your joint, and walk you through the options that fit your situation.
Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement in Bellevue
Dr. Christopher R. Boone, MD, performs partial and total knee replacements using two leading robotic systems: the Stryker Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology and the Smith & Nephew NAVIO Surgical System. Both systems are surgeon-controlled and use real-time 3D imaging to plan and guide the procedure, resulting in more precise implant placement and better alignment with your natural anatomy.
Dr. Boone has performed over 500 hip and knee replacements and over 200 revision procedures. Both robotic systems are available at his Bellevue and Redmond locations.
About Dr. Christopher R. Boone, MD — Knee Pain Specialist, Bellevue, WA
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon — Stanford University trauma, hip, and pelvis fellowship
- Board-certified in orthopedic surgery, earning his certificate in 2014
- Over 500 knee and hip replacements have been performed in the past year
- Over 200 complex revision procedures
- Affiliated with Proliance Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Practice locations: Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah, WA
Dr. Boone specializes in robotic knee and hip replacement surgery, complex hip disorders, minimally invasive anterior hip replacement, and knee arthroscopy. He sees patients with both acute injuries and long-term joint conditions.
Knee Pain Q & A
What Does a Knee Pain Specialist Do?
A knee pain specialist is an orthopedic surgeon who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the knee joint, including injuries, arthritis, and ligament damage. Dr. Christopher R. Boone evaluates each patient’s symptoms and imaging before recommending a treatment plan that ranges from physical therapy and injections to partial or total knee replacement surgery.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Knee Replacement?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure and the patient’s overall health. Most patients undergoing partial knee replacement can walk on the same day and begin outpatient rehabilitation within a few days. Total knee replacement typically involves a hospital stay of one to two days followed by several weeks of physical therapy. Most patients resume driving within four to six weeks and return to full activity within three to six months.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed On an Outpatient Basis?
Some knee replacement procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day. This depends on the type of procedure, the patient’s health, and the surgical plan. Dr. Boone will discuss whether you qualify for outpatient surgery during your consultation.
What Is The Difference Between PRP and Cortisone Injections For Knee Pain?
Cortisone injections are steroid-based and work by reducing inflammation quickly, providing short-term pain relief. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections use concentrated growth factors from your own blood to support tissue healing and reduce inflammation over a longer period. Dr. Boone will recommend the most appropriate injection type based on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition.
When Is Knee Replacement Recommended Over Other Treatments?
Knee replacement is considered when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, injections, and activity modification, have not relieved pain or restored mobility after a sustained period. It is most commonly recommended for patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis that limits daily function. Dr. Boone usually starts with non-surgical options and moves to replacement only when it is the right decision for the patient’s long-term quality of life.
Do You Accept New Knee Pain Patients in Bellevue, WA?
Yes. Dr. Christopher R. Boone welcomes new patients at his Bellevue and Redmond locations. You can book a consultation by calling (425) 455-3600 or by using the online appointment request form.
