Dr. Kraekel is a hip and knee specialist. His goal is to help patients stay mobile, active and independent. When surgery is indicated, he uses minimally invasive techniques, cutting-edge technology, multimodal pain control, and enhanced recovery protocols to help his patients recover faster.
In his free time, Dr. Kraekel enjoys spending time with his family and their dog Moneypenny. When not working, he enjoys being outdoors – either running, fishing, crabbing, hiking, snorkel/scuba diving or exploring a new travel destination.
As a hip and knee specialist, Dr. Kraekel finds it incredibly rewarding to help patients improve their quality of life and regain mobility. Regardless of our physical fitness level, achy joints limit our ability to do what we enjoy. When movement causes pain daily activity drops and medical problems arise. Joint replacement can reverse that process and help people become more active again.
Dr. Kraekel believes in taking the time to get to know his patients to fully understand their current circumstances and goals. He works with his patients to develop a personalized plan that will help them meet those goals while minimizing pain and downtime. He is thrilled if a patient can achieve the level of activity and independence they desire without surgery. Sometimes, though, surgery is the best option and he enjoys coaching and caring for patients throughout that process.
Before surgery, Dr. Kraekel enjoys teaching about the planned procedure and steps we can take to reduce the chances of a complication. During surgery, he employs minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that his patients have the best outcomes. After surgery, he utilizes multimodal (opioid-sparing) pain management regimens and comprehensive enhanced recovery protocols to help patients reach their goals even faster.
Dr. Kraekel is honored each day by the trust and confidence patients place in him as he performs procedures ranging from in-office injections to large complex revision joint replacements. He feels truly blessed to have found a career that allows him to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.
Education & Training
Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction Fellowship, 2019
The George Washington University, Orthopedic Surgery Residency, 2018
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Doctor of Medicine, 2013
The George Washington University, Bachelors in Biology, 2009
Certifications
Board-certified in orthopedic surgery
Hospital & Team Affiliations
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Inova Franconia Springfield Surgery Center
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
McLean Tysons Orthopedic Surgery Center
Office operatory
Reston Hospital Center
Virginia Hospital Center
Organizations & Awards
Distinguished Fellow – Adult Reconstruction, Florida Orthopaedic Institute
The George Washington University Medical Alumni Association Award
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Phi Beta Kappa
Montgomery County Maryland Fire and Rescue – Richard B. Thompson Emergency Care Award
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Patient Testimonials
“I was extraordinarily impressed with my doctor, Dr. Kraekel. He gave me multiple options regarding my care and took the time to explain each option! He also provided me with an enormous amount of information – information that I had never received from previous doctors!”
“Dr. Kraekel had clearly studied my medical history prior to this first meeting… he knew most of what he felt he needed to know coming in, and he asked careful and probing questions as needed to fill any gaps. Husband and I were both very impressed, both with him and with the practice. We decided on the spot to entrust my medical care to him.”
“Dr. Kraekel was simply amazing. He was compassionate, professional. He provided outstanding information to answer all my questions and alleviate my doubts and was very, very helpful. I appreciated his bedside manner, compassion, professionalism, and courtesy.”
“Dr. Kraekel was very knowledgeable regarding the condition of my knees . He took his time to explain various options for care and treatment. When I decided on moving forward with a surgical approach he shared in detail, information about the surgery pre and post op care and gave time and attention to any questions I had. Overall this was a very positive experience raising my comfort and trust level with my upcoming surgery.”
“Dr. Kraekel took his time and did not dismiss me, but listened and also asked questions. I appreciate that very much, and that I did not feel rushed. I will follow his instructions and guidance.”
Treatments
Anterior approach total hip replacement
Cartilage injury treatments
Computer assisted orthopedic surgery (hip)
Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty
Computer navigated joint replacement
Core decompression
Minimally invasive total hip replacement
Minimally invasive total knee replacement
Non-operative knee arthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment
Partial (unicondylar) knee replacement
Patellofemoral knee replacement
Periprosthetic fracture care
Revision hip surgery
Revision knee surgery
Robotic arm assisted joint replacement
Robotic arm assisted knee replacement (Makoplasty)
Total hip replacement
Total joint replacement
Total knee replacement
Video: Get to Know Dr. Kraekel
Video: Considering Joint Replacement? Steps to Take Before Surgery
Video: When to Get a Joint Replacement
As a hip and knee specialist, Dr. Kraekel finds it incredibly rewarding to help patients improve their quality of life and regain mobility. Regardless of our physical fitness level, achy joints limit our ability to do what we enjoy. When movement causes pain daily activity drops and medical problems arise. Joint replacement can reverse that process and help people become more active again.
Dr. Kraekel believes in taking the time to get to know his patients to fully understand their current circumstances and goals. He works with his patients to develop a personalized plan that will help them meet those goals while minimizing pain and downtime. He is thrilled if a patient can achieve the level of activity and independence they desire without surgery. Sometimes, though, surgery is the best option and he enjoys coaching and caring for patients throughout that process.
Before surgery, Dr. Kraekel enjoys teaching about the planned procedure and steps we can take to reduce the chances of a complication. During surgery, he employs minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that his patients have the best outcomes. After surgery, he utilizes multimodal (opioid-sparing) pain management regimens and comprehensive enhanced recovery protocols to help patients reach their goals even faster.
Dr. Kraekel is honored each day by the trust and confidence patients place in him as he performs procedures ranging from in-office injections to large complex revision joint replacements. He feels truly blessed to have found a career that allows him to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.
Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction Fellowship, 2019
The George Washington University, Orthopedic Surgery Residency, 2018
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Doctor of Medicine, 2013
The George Washington University, Bachelors in Biology, 2009
Certifications
Board-certified in orthopedic surgery
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Inova Franconia Springfield Surgery Center
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
McLean Tysons Orthopedic Surgery Center
Office operatory
Reston Hospital Center
Virginia Hospital Center
Distinguished Fellow – Adult Reconstruction, Florida Orthopaedic Institute
The George Washington University Medical Alumni Association Award
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Phi Beta Kappa
Montgomery County Maryland Fire and Rescue – Richard B. Thompson Emergency Care Award
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
“I was extraordinarily impressed with my doctor, Dr. Kraekel. He gave me multiple options regarding my care and took the time to explain each option! He also provided me with an enormous amount of information – information that I had never received from previous doctors!”
“Dr. Kraekel had clearly studied my medical history prior to this first meeting… he knew most of what he felt he needed to know coming in, and he asked careful and probing questions as needed to fill any gaps. Husband and I were both very impressed, both with him and with the practice. We decided on the spot to entrust my medical care to him.”
“Dr. Kraekel was simply amazing. He was compassionate, professional. He provided outstanding information to answer all my questions and alleviate my doubts and was very, very helpful. I appreciated his bedside manner, compassion, professionalism, and courtesy.”
“Dr. Kraekel was very knowledgeable regarding the condition of my knees . He took his time to explain various options for care and treatment. When I decided on moving forward with a surgical approach he shared in detail, information about the surgery pre and post op care and gave time and attention to any questions I had. Overall this was a very positive experience raising my comfort and trust level with my upcoming surgery.”
“Dr. Kraekel took his time and did not dismiss me, but listened and also asked questions. I appreciate that very much, and that I did not feel rushed. I will follow his instructions and guidance.”
Anterior approach total hip replacement
Cartilage injury treatments
Computer assisted orthopedic surgery (hip)
Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty
Computer navigated joint replacement
Core decompression
Minimally invasive total hip replacement
Minimally invasive total knee replacement
Non-operative knee arthritis treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment
Partial (unicondylar) knee replacement
Patellofemoral knee replacement
Periprosthetic fracture care
Revision hip surgery
Revision knee surgery
Robotic arm assisted joint replacement
Robotic arm assisted knee replacement (Makoplasty)
