Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Israel (2026)

Finding the right specialist is a complex task that requires considering multiple factors, from a doctor’s narrow subspecialty to the specific technologies they employ. In 2026, orthopedics has taken a massive leap forward. Today, the gold standard involves robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive arthroscopy, and biological tissue regeneration.

 

This guide is designed to provide you with clear, structured, and comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision when choosing an orthopedic surgeon in Israel.

 

Quick Facts: Orthopedics in Israel (2026)

 

• Robotics: Over 70% of knee replacement surgeries in top-tier Israeli clinics are now performed using robotic-assisted systems to ensure perfect biomechanical accuracy.

 

• Sports Medicine: The focus has shifted entirely toward joint preservation — repairing and suturing menisci and cartilage rather than removing them.

 

• Conservative Treatment: Orthobiologics (such as advanced PRP and next-generation hyaluronic acid injections) can successfully delay the need for surgery for years in 60% of joint wear cases.

 

How to Choose Your Path: Symptom Navigator

Before diving into doctor profiles, it is crucial to understand which medical approach fits your specific situation. Modern orthopedics is generally divided into two main pathways:

 

1. Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy (Joint Preservation)

• Best for: Active individuals (typically under 50–60 years old).

 

• Primary Issue: Acute trauma, sports injuries (torn meniscus, ACL tears, shoulder dislocations.

 

• Main Goal: Rapid return to high-impact sports and intensive physical activities.

 

• Methods: Minimally invasive procedures through tiny incisions, native tissue repair, and regenerative medicine.

 

2. Joint Reconstruction & Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

• Best for: The older demographic (typically 55–60 years and above).

 

• Primary Issue: Chronic pain, morning stiffness, advanced osteoarthritis (Stage 3–4 cartilage wear) where conservative treatments have failed.

 

• Main Goal: Eliminate walking pain and restore comfort in daily life.

 

• Methods: Partial or total joint replacement using high-tech implants, frequently utilizing robotic surgical assistants.

 

Directory of Leading Doctors by Subspecialty

Modern orthopedics demands a narrow focus. Below is a curated list of Israel’s leading experts, categorized by their specific areas of expertise, so you can find the perfect match for your diagnosis.

 

1. Joint Replacement (Knee & Hip Arthroplasty)

For the treatment of severe osteoarthritis and total or partial joint replacements.

 

• Prof. Michael Drexler (Herzliya): A world-class expert with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in innovative robotic-assisted joint replacements, ensuring maximum implant positioning accuracy and ultra-fast recovery times.

 

• Prof. Yona Kosashvili (Petah Tikva / Tel Aviv): Head of the Orthopedic Department at Beilinson Hospital. Following an elite fellowship in Canada, he is known for a brilliant, analytical approach to highly complex surgical challenges (reflecting his status as an International Chess Grandmaster).

 

• Prof. Dror Lakstein (Rishon LeZion): A leading surgeon specializing not only in primary joint replacements but also in highly complex revision surgeries (replacing old or failed implants). He offers unique, zero-out-of-pocket arrangements for Maccabi HMO members.

 

• Prof. Shmuel Dekel: An Oxford-educated physician (MD, PhD) who brings a profound, holistic approach to treating complex, multi-joint systemic skeletal diseases.

 

2. Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy

Focused on minimally invasive techniques, ligament and tendon reconstruction, and native joint preservation.

 

• Prof. Ehud Rath (Rishon LeZion): A true pioneer of hip arthroscopy in Israel. He heads the Sports Medicine Unit at Ichilov Hospital. His primary objective is to save and preserve the natural joint of young and active patients without resorting to prosthetics.

 

• Dr. Itamar Botser (Tel Aviv): A graduate of elite fellowships at Stanford and in Chicago. He specializes in advanced arthroscopy of the hip, knee, and shoulder, successfully returning professional athletes to peak performance.

 

3. Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

Addressing complex biomechanical joints that require meticulous surgical precision.

 

• Prof. Ehud Atoun: Chairman of the Israeli Shoulder Society. He is a strong advocate for anchorless surgeries, bone-preserving technologies, and pioneering shoulder procedures performed under local anesthesia.

 

• Dr. Yariv Goldstein (Tel Aviv): Head of the Shoulder Unit at Assuta Ashdod. Trained in France under the pioneers of shoulder surgery, he masterfully executes both minimally invasive trauma repairs and total shoulder joint replacements.

 

• Dr. Ofir Uri (Givatayim): A Deputy Department Head providing top-tier solutions for complex upper extremity trauma, as well as authoritative medical-legal and forensic orthopedic opinions.

 

4. Highly Specialized Surgery (Foot, Hand, & Pediatric Orthopedics)

• Prof. Meir Nyska (Kfar Saba): An undisputed authority in foot and ankle surgery. He handles the most complex foot deformities and severe sports-related ankle injuries.

 

• Dr. Victor Feldman (Kfar Saba): Exclusively dedicated to hand and wrist surgery. He expertly treats carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, and intricate finger or wrist fractures.

 

• Dr. Daniel Weigel (Tel Aviv): Head of Pediatric Orthopedics at Schneider Children's Medical Center. He specializes in congenital deformities, hip dysplasia, and neuromuscular conditions (such as Cerebral Palsy) in infants and adolescents.

 

5. Conservative Orthopedics (Non-Surgical Care)

The specialists to consult when the surgeon's scalpel can and should be avoided.

 

• Dr. Semyon Krasnianski (Northern District): Practices biological joint treatments. He utilizes PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), and hyaluronic acid injections to stimulate natural tissue regeneration.

 

• Dr. Albert Koldnov (Tel Aviv): A leading specialist within the Clalit network, providing highly accurate primary diagnostics, proper patient routing, and effective chronic pain management.

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is robotic joint replacement, and why is it the new standard? The robot does not perform the surgery itself — it assists the surgeon. Based on a preoperative 3D model of your joint, the system calculates the ideal bone-cut angles and prevents the surgical tool from deviating even a millimeter. This eliminates human error, guarantees perfect biomechanics for the new joint, and significantly shortens rehabilitation time.

 

How long does recovery take after meniscus arthroscopy? Because the surgery is performed through tiny 3-5 mm incisions, patients are often allowed to bear primary weight on the leg on the very day of the surgery. A full return to athletic activities typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, provided a proper physical therapy program is followed.

 

Should I agree to surgery if there are conservative alternatives? In modern orthopedics, the paradigm has shifted. Leading doctors will always explore conservative and biological methods first (injections, laser therapy, physiotherapy). Surgery is only recommended when irreversible structural damage (e.g., complete cartilage loss in Stage 4 osteoarthritis) renders conservative treatments entirely ineffective.

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