APPOINTMENTS:
(505) 768-7507

CARE TEAM:

Keith Kotecki, DO

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-Trained in Total Joint Replacement

Dr. Keith Kotecki is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery. He is passionate about helping patients feel better and return to the activities they love. Whether through surgical or non-surgical treatment, his greatest joy is seeing patients regain mobility, independence, and confidence so they can enjoy a better quality of life with less pain and greater freedom of movement.

Dr. Kotecki has a particular focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic-assisted joint replacement. His expertise includes the muscle-sparing direct anterior hip replacement, bikini incision anterior hip replacement, muscle-sparing (quadriceps-sparing) total knee replacement, outpatient joint replacement, partial knee replacement, and complex revision surgery.

Known for his compassionate and personalized approach, Dr. Kotecki takes the time to carefully listen to each patient’s concerns, fully understand their goals, and develop treatment plans tailored to their individual needs. He believes the best outcomes are achieved through strong physician-patient relationships and shared decision-making, ensuring patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout every step of their care.

Committed to using the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Kotecki incorporates rapid recovery protocols and advanced pain management strategies designed to help patients recover comfortably while eliminating the need for intravenous narcotics after surgery.

Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Kotecki worked as a Mechanical Engineer for five years. His engineering background continues to shape his detail-oriented and biomechanics-focused approach to joint replacement surgery, allowing him to combine technical precision with compassionate care.

Dr. Kotecki loves spending time with family, including his wife and two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, snowboarding, traveling, auto maintenance and modification, and is a craft beer connoisseur.

Undergraduate Degree

University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

Medical School

Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV

Residency

Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV

Fellowship

Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

Hospital Affiliations

New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center
Presbyterian Hospital
Lovelace Medical Center

Professional Affiliations

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Kotecki treats the following:

Learn more about Dr. Kotecki’s specialized approaches to hip and knee replacement.

Muscle-Sparing Knee Replacement

Anterior Hip Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

Surgery Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Joint Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

Medical and Dental Clearance

Surgery Instructions

Muscle-Sparing (Quadriceps-Sparing) Knee Replacement

At New Mexico Orthopaedics, Dr. Keith Kotecki provides advanced, personalized care for patients suffering from knee arthritis and other conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and primary and revision hip and knee replacement, Dr. Kotecki performs muscle-sparing surgical techniques and robotic-assisted technology for primary total knee replacement.

The goal of knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain, restore function, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Kotecki combines a muscle-sparing surgical approach with robotic assistance to develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy, condition, and goals.

What Is Muscle-Sparing (Quadriceps-Sparing) Knee Replacement?

Muscle-sparing, or quadriceps-sparing, knee replacement is a surgical approach designed to minimize disruption of the quadriceps mechanism and surrounding soft tissues during total knee replacement.

The quadriceps muscle and tendon are important parts of the knee’s supporting system. They help straighten the knee and play a critical role in walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, and performing other everyday activities.

Traditional knee replacement commonly involves an incision through the quadriceps tendon to access the joint. A muscle-sparing approach uses a different pathway intended to minimize disruption of the quadriceps tendon, muscle, and surrounding tissues.

By limiting unnecessary soft-tissue disruption, this approach may facilitate early mobility and participation in rehabilitation while still providing the exposure necessary to perform a successful knee replacement.

Potential Benefits of a Muscle-Sparing Approach

Every patient and recovery is different. Potential early-recovery benefits of a muscle-sparing approach may include:

Minimized disruption of the quadriceps mechanism and surrounding soft tissues
Potentially less pain and swelling during early recovery
Earlier mobility following surgery
Easier participation in physical therapy and rehabilitation
Earlier progression to walking and everyday activities
Potentially faster early functional recovery

These potential benefits cannot be guaranteed. Recovery after knee replacement depends on many factors, including the patient’s overall health, physical condition before surgery, severity of arthritis, implant positioning, knee stability, rehabilitation, and commitment to postoperative exercises.

A muscle-sparing approach may not be appropriate in every situation. The surgical approach used will depend on the patient’s anatomy, diagnosis, previous operations, deformity, bone quality, and other surgical considerations.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement

Dr. Kotecki uses robotic-assisted technology when performing primary total knee replacement. This technology combines the experience and judgment of the surgeon with advanced tools that assist with personalized planning, bone preparation, implant positioning, and assessment of knee balance.

Before and during surgery, the robotic system provides detailed information about the patient’s individual knee anatomy. Dr. Kotecki uses this information to develop and execute a personalized surgical plan.

Robotic-assisted technology may help with:

Personalized planning based on the patient’s anatomy
Precise bone preparation and implant positioning
Individualized implant alignment and orientation
Real-time assessment of knee alignment
Assessment of ligament balance and knee stability
Preservation of healthy bone and soft tissue when possible

The robotic system does not perform the operation independently. Dr. Kotecki remains in control throughout the procedure and uses the technology as a tool to guide each step of the surgery.

Combining a Muscle-Sparing Approach With Robotic Assistance

Muscle-sparing surgery and robotic assistance are separate but complementary parts of primary total knee replacement.

The muscle-sparing approach describes how Dr. Kotecki accesses the knee while minimizing disruption of the quadriceps mechanism and surrounding soft tissues. Robotic assistance is a technology used to plan the procedure and guide bone preparation and implant positioning.

By combining these techniques, Dr. Kotecki provides a personalized approach to primary total knee replacement that is designed to:

Minimize unnecessary disruption to healthy tissues
Account for the patient’s individual anatomy
Assist with accurate implant positioning
Evaluate alignment, ligament balance, and knee stability during surgery
Support early mobility and rehabilitation

Revision knee replacement is more complex and may require a different surgical approach, specialized implants, or different technology. The surgical plan for a revision procedure is determined by the existing implants, available bone, condition of the ligaments, reason for revision, and the patient’s individual needs.

Is Muscle-Sparing Knee Replacement Right for You?

If you have persistent knee pain, stiffness, or difficulty with everyday activities due to osteoarthritis or another degenerative knee condition, total knee replacement may help relieve pain and improve function.

Symptoms that may indicate it is time to consider a knee replacement consultation include:

Persistent knee pain that interferes with everyday activities
Pain that limits walking, exercise, work, or recreational activities
Knee stiffness or loss of motion
Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
Pain that is no longer adequately controlled with nonsurgical treatment
Progressive bowing, knock-knee deformity, or instability
Pain that interferes with sleep or quality of life

Knee replacement is generally considered after nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. These treatments may include activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, injections, physical therapy, weight management, or the use of a brace or walking aid.

During your consultation, Dr. Kotecki will evaluate your symptoms, examine your knee, review your imaging, and discuss your activity level and goals. Together, you will determine whether knee replacement is appropriate and which surgical plan is best suited to your needs.

Advanced Knee Replacement Care in Albuquerque

Dr. Keith Kotecki is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction, with a focus on primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery. He is committed to providing individualized care and using advanced surgical techniques and technology to address each patient’s specific needs.

If knee pain is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, you do not have to simply live with it. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotecki at New Mexico Orthopaedics to learn whether muscle-sparing, robotic-assisted total knee replacement or another treatment option may be right for you.

Anterior Hip Replacement

At New Mexico Orthopaedics, Dr. Keith Kotecki provides advanced, personalized care for patients suffering from hip arthritis and other conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and primary and revision hip and knee replacement, Dr. Kotecki performs anterior hip replacement using muscle-sparing surgical techniques.

The goal of hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Kotecki tailors the surgical approach and technology to each patient’s anatomy, condition, and individual goals.

What Is Anterior Hip Replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is an approach used to perform total hip replacement through an incision at the front of the hip.

Unlike traditional posterior approaches, which may require detachment of certain muscles or tendons to access the hip, the anterior approach utilizes a pathway between muscles and soft tissues. This muscle-sparing approach is designed to provide access to the hip joint while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.

During a total hip replacement, the damaged portions of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components designed to restore the function of the hip and relieve pain.

The anterior approach is one of several approaches available for hip replacement. The most appropriate approach depends on the patient’s anatomy, medical history, previous operations, diagnosis, and specific surgical needs.

Potential Early-Recovery Benefits

Every patient is different, and recovery varies from person to person. Potential early-recovery benefits of the anterior approach may include:

A muscle-sparing pathway to the hip joint
Reduced disruption of surrounding muscles and soft tissues
Potentially less pain during early recovery
Earlier mobility following surgery
Easier participation in physical therapy and rehabilitation
Earlier return to walking and everyday activities
Potentially faster early functional recovery

These potential benefits cannot be guaranteed. Recovery after hip replacement depends on many factors, including the patient’s overall health, physical condition before surgery, severity of arthritis, implant positioning, and participation in postoperative rehabilitation.

Although the anterior approach may offer advantages for appropriately selected patients, it may not be the most appropriate approach in every situation. Dr. Kotecki will evaluate your condition and discuss the surgical approach best suited to your individual needs.

Robotic-Assisted Anterior Hip Replacement

Dr. Kotecki performs anterior hip replacement with or without robotic-assisted technology. The anterior approach describes how the hip joint is accessed, while robotic assistance is an optional tool that may be incorporated into the surgical plan.

When utilized, robotic-assisted technology provides detailed information about the patient’s anatomy and assists Dr. Kotecki with planning and positioning the hip replacement components.

Potential uses of robotic assistance include:

Personalized surgical planning
Detailed assessment of the patient’s hip anatomy
Assistance with implant positioning and component orientation
Individualized component placement based on the patient’s anatomy
Assessment of leg length, hip stability, and overall hip mechanics

The robotic system does not perform the operation independently or replace the surgeon’s experience and judgment. Dr. Kotecki remains in control throughout the procedure.

The decision to use robotic assistance is made individually based on the patient’s anatomy, diagnosis, and surgical plan. Whether performed with or without robotic assistance, the goal is a carefully planned anterior hip replacement tailored to the patient’s needs.

Is Anterior Hip Replacement Right for You?

If hip pain is interfering with your daily activities, exercise, sleep, or quality of life, it may be time to consider whether hip replacement surgery is appropriate.

Symptoms commonly associated with advanced hip arthritis and other degenerative hip conditions include:

Persistent hip or groin pain
Pain with walking or standing
Difficulty putting on shoes or socks
Difficulty getting into or out of a car or chair
Stiffness or loss of hip motion
Pain that interferes with sleep
Difficulty participating in exercise or recreational activities
Pain that is no longer adequately controlled with nonsurgical treatment

Hip replacement is generally considered after nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. These treatments may include activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, injections, physical therapy, weight management, or the use of a walking aid.

During your consultation, Dr. Kotecki will review your symptoms and medical history, examine your hip, and evaluate your imaging studies. He will discuss your treatment options and help determine whether hip replacement is appropriate for you.

If surgery is recommended, Dr. Kotecki will explain the surgical approach, expected recovery, and treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Advanced Hip Replacement Care in Albuquerque

If hip pain is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, you do not have to simply live with it. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotecki at New Mexico Orthopaedics to learn whether anterior hip replacement or another treatment option may be right for you.

Partial Knee Replacement

At New Mexico Orthopaedics, Dr. Keith Kotecki provides advanced, personalized care for patients suffering from knee arthritis and other conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction and primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement, Dr. Kotecki performs partial knee replacement for appropriately selected patients whose arthritis is limited to a specific area of the knee.

Partial knee replacement treats only the damaged portion of the joint while preserving healthy bone, cartilage, ligaments, and other structures whenever possible. For the right patient, it may provide a less invasive alternative to total knee replacement and result in a more natural-feeling knee.

What Is Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement is a procedure used to treat arthritis limited to one area, or compartment, of the knee. Depending on the location of the arthritis, this may include a medial or lateral unicompartmental knee replacement or a patellofemoral replacement.

The knee has three compartments:

Medial compartment: The inner portion of the knee
Lateral compartment: The outer portion of the knee
Patellofemoral compartment: The area between the kneecap and thighbone

When arthritis is isolated to one compartment and the remaining portions of the knee are sufficiently healthy, partial knee replacement may be an option.

During surgery, only the damaged portion of the knee is resurfaced with artificial components. Healthy bone, cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues in the unaffected areas are preserved whenever possible.

In contrast, total knee replacement addresses more extensive arthritis involving multiple areas of the knee or other conditions that make partial knee replacement less appropriate.

Potential Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement

For appropriately selected patients, partial knee replacement may offer potential advantages compared with total knee replacement, including:

A smaller surgical incision
Less disruption of healthy bone and soft tissues
Preservation of the unaffected areas of the knee
Preservation of important knee ligaments when appropriate
Potentially less pain and swelling during early recovery
Faster early functional recovery
Earlier return to walking and everyday activities
A potentially more natural-feeling knee
Preservation of bone for possible future surgery

These potential benefits cannot be guaranteed. Recovery and long-term results depend on many factors, including the location and extent of arthritis, ligament function, knee alignment and stability, implant positioning, overall health, activity level, and participation in postoperative rehabilitation.

Partial knee replacement is not appropriate for everyone. Successful treatment depends on careful patient selection and an accurate assessment of the entire knee.

Robotic-Assisted Partial Knee Replacement

Dr. Kotecki performs partial knee replacement with or without robotic-assisted technology. Robotic assistance is an optional tool that may be incorporated into the surgical plan.

When utilized, robotic-assisted technology provides detailed information about the patient’s anatomy and assists Dr. Kotecki with planning, preparing the damaged compartment, and positioning the partial knee replacement components.

Potential uses of robotic assistance include:

Personalized surgical planning
Detailed assessment of the patient’s knee anatomy
Assistance with bone preparation and implant positioning
Individualized component alignment
Assessment of ligament balance and knee stability
Preservation of healthy bone and tissue when possible

The robotic system does not perform the operation independently or replace the surgeon’s experience and judgment. Dr. Kotecki remains in control throughout the procedure.

The decision to use robotic assistance is made individually based on the patient’s anatomy, diagnosis, and surgical plan. Whether performed with or without robotic assistance, the goal is a carefully planned partial knee replacement that preserves the healthy portions of the knee whenever possible.

Who Is a Candidate for Partial Knee Replacement?

Partial knee replacement may be considered when arthritis is primarily confined to one compartment of the knee and the remaining portions of the joint are sufficiently healthy.

Patients who may be candidates typically have:

Arthritis primarily limited to one compartment
Healthy or well-preserved cartilage in the remaining compartments
Appropriate ligament function and knee stability
Knee alignment that is suitable for partial replacement
Pain that corresponds to the affected compartment
Symptoms that have not adequately improved with nonsurgical treatment

The decision to perform partial knee replacement requires a detailed evaluation of the entire knee. Dr. Kotecki will review your symptoms, examine your knee, and evaluate your X-rays. When needed, additional imaging may be obtained to evaluate the cartilage and other structures throughout the knee and help determine whether partial or total knee replacement is more appropriate.

The final condition of the knee is also assessed during surgery. If more extensive arthritis or other problems are identified, total knee replacement may be more appropriate.

Partial Knee Replacement vs. Total Knee Replacement

The choice between partial and total knee replacement depends on the extent and location of arthritis, the condition of the knee’s cartilage and ligaments, alignment, stability, activity level, and other individual factors.

Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment while preserving the healthy portions of the knee whenever possible. It may be considered when arthritis is isolated to the medial, lateral, or patellofemoral compartment.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement resurfaces the damaged portions of the femur and tibia across the knee joint. The underside of the kneecap may also be resurfaced when appropriate. Total knee replacement is generally recommended when arthritis affects multiple compartments or when ligament, alignment, or other factors make partial replacement less suitable.

When a patient is a good candidate for partial knee replacement, preserving the healthy portions of the joint may provide meaningful advantages. When arthritis is more widespread, total knee replacement may offer the more appropriate and reliable treatment.

Dr. Kotecki will carefully evaluate your knee before recommending the option best suited to your individual condition and goals.

What to Expect After Partial Knee Replacement

Because partial knee replacement treats only the damaged compartment, recovery may be faster for some patients compared with total knee replacement.

Many patients begin walking shortly after surgery and gradually increase their activity as strength and mobility improve. The timing of recovery varies and depends on overall health, physical condition before surgery, surgical findings, and individual response to treatment.

The goals of rehabilitation are to restore knee motion, strength, stability, and function so you can gradually return to everyday and recreational activities.

Is Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?

If persistent knee pain is limiting your ability to walk, exercise, work, or participate in activities you enjoy, partial knee replacement may be an option when the arthritis is confined to one portion of the knee.

During your consultation, Dr. Kotecki will review your symptoms and medical history, examine your knee, and evaluate your imaging studies. He will discuss your treatment options and determine whether partial knee replacement, total knee replacement, or another treatment is most appropriate for your needs.