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Michael P. Ast
Orthopedic Surgeon

Michael P. Ast

MD — Orthopedic Surgeon
Hospital for Special Surgery
Knee Replacement ACL Reconstruction Meniscus Repair Knee Arthroscopy Cartilage Restoration
Orthopedic
Specialty
5
Procedures
Verified
Address
541 E 71ST ST, The Pavilion
New York, NY 10021

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About

About Michael P. Ast

Serving the New York, NY community, Michael P. Ast is a MD specializing in Knee Replacement, ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus Repair, Knee Arthroscopy, Cartilage Restoration. Michael evaluates and treats patients with knee injuries, arthritis, and conditions requiring surgical or non-surgical management. Dr. Michael P. Ast is Chief of the Knee Service, Chief Medical Innovation Officer, and Director of Ambulatory Surgery Center Strategy at Hospital for Special Surgery — the #1 ranked orthopedic hospital in the United States. He specializes in partial and total knee replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, and rapid-recovery outpatient joint replacement. Dr. Ast holds the John N. Insall Chair in Knee Surgery at HSS.

Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeons are specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of knee conditions. With 5 years of residency training and often additional fellowship specialization, they perform knee replacements, ligament reconstructions, meniscus repairs, and minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures.

Considering knee replacement? Call (201) 599-8056 to book a consultation with Michael P. Ast in New York, NY.

Procedures

Procedures Offered

Knee Replacement ACL Surgery Meniscus Arthroscopy Cartilage

Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) replaces damaged cartilage and bone with metal and plastic components. The procedure relieves chronic pain and restores mobility for patients with severe arthritis or injury. Modern implants last 20-25 years with a 95%+ success rate.

Success rate: 95%+ | Implant lifespan: 20-25 years | Recovery: 3-6 months

ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction replaces a torn anterior cruciate ligament using a tissue graft from the patient or donor. This arthroscopic procedure restores knee stability and allows return to sports and active lifestyles. Most patients return to full activity within 6-9 months.

Success rate: 90-95% | Return to sport: 6-9 months | Technique: Arthroscopic

Meniscus Repair

Meniscus surgery treats tears in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Depending on the tear type and location, surgeons may repair the meniscus with sutures or remove damaged tissue (meniscectomy). Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is minimally invasive with quick recovery.

Repair recovery: 3-6 months | Meniscectomy recovery: 3-6 weeks | Technique: Arthroscopic

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure using a tiny camera and instruments through small incisions. It can diagnose and treat multiple conditions including cartilage damage, loose bodies, and inflammation. Patients typically go home the same day.

Incision size: 5mm | Outpatient: Yes | Recovery: 1-6 weeks depending on procedure

Cartilage Restoration

Cartilage restoration procedures regenerate or replace damaged knee cartilage to prevent or delay joint replacement. Options include microfracture, OATS (osteochondral autograft), ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation), and newer scaffold-based techniques.

Best for: Active patients under 50 | Recovery: 4-9 months | Goal: Delay replacement

Website & Social

Content & Media

Office Hours

Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday (Today)8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Insurance & Payment Plans

Accepted Insurance
Blue Cross Blue ShieldAetnaUnitedHealthcareCignaOxfordMedicareEmblem HealthAnthem
Financing Options
Payment Plans AvailableOut-of-Network Benefits May Apply

Pricing

Procedure Price
Total Knee Replacement undefined
Partial Knee Replacement undefined
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement undefined
Knee Arthroscopy undefined

Prices shown are provided by the practice and may vary. Contact the office directly for a personalized quote.

Parking & Accessibility

Garage parking available on-site at 525 E 71st St. Valet parking available.
♿ Wheelchair accessible
🚇 Public transit nearby

Doctors & Staff

Michael P. Ast, MD
Michael P. Ast, MD
Chief of Knee Service — Orthopedic Surgeon
Fellowship-trained at HSS. Board-certified (ABOS). Associate Professor at Weill Cornell. Performs 600+ joint replacements annually using robotic and computer-assisted techniques. John N. Insall Chair in Knee Surgery.
Surgical PA Team
Physician Assistants
Dr. Ast works with a dedicated team of physician assistants who assist in surgery and manage pre/post-operative care for all knee replacement patients.
HSS Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation Team
HSS has the largest rehabilitation department of any orthopedic hospital. Patients begin physical therapy the same day as surgery under the rapid-recovery protocol.

Languages Spoken

English
Patient Reviews

Google Reviews

4.4
★★★★
28 reviews on Google
M
Maria T.
November 2025
★★★★★

Dr. Ast performed my total knee replacement and I had an excellent recovery. I never once needed opioid pain medications — just Tylenol. His rapid-recovery protocol is incredible. I was walking the same day.

R
Robert K.
September 2025
★★★★★

After a 7 AM surgery, I was home and walking up 15 steps to my condo by 3:30 the same afternoon. Within 9 days there was no pain, no swelling, and no limp. Dr. Ast and his team at HSS are truly world-class.

S
Susan M.
July 2025
★★★★★

I was walking 5 miles within weeks of my knee replacement. Dr. Ast explained every step of the process clearly before surgery and his team at HSS was outstanding from pre-op to physical therapy. Could not recommend him more highly.

J
James H.
May 2025
★★★★★

As someone who was terrified of knee surgery, Dr. Ast put me completely at ease. He uses the latest robotic technology and the precision showed in my results. I am back to playing golf in 3 months. The man is a genius at what he does.

P
Patricia D.
March 2025
★★★★

Excellent surgical outcome — my knee feels better than it has in years. The only downside was the wait time for appointments, but given he is Chief of the Knee Service at HSS and one of the busiest surgeons in the country, that is totally understandable. Worth every minute of the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dr. Ast different from other knee surgeons?
Dr. Ast is Chief of the Knee Service at HSS, the #1 orthopedic hospital in the US. He performs over 600 joint replacements annually using robotic-assisted and computer-navigated techniques for greater precision and faster recovery.
Does Dr. Ast perform robotic knee replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ast specializes in robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement, as well as robotic-assisted hip replacement. These techniques allow for greater precision in implant positioning.
Can I get outpatient knee replacement with Dr. Ast?
Yes. Dr. Ast is a pioneer in rapid-recovery and outpatient joint replacement. Many of his patients go home the same day as their surgery.
What insurance does Dr. Ast accept?
Dr. Ast accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Oxford, Medicare, Emblem Health, and Anthem. Out-of-network benefits may also apply.
How many knee replacements does Dr. Ast perform per year?
Dr. Ast performs over 600 joint replacement procedures annually, making him one of the highest-volume knee surgeons in the country.
What is the recovery time for knee replacement at HSS?
With Dr. Ast rapid-recovery protocols, many patients walk the same day, go home within 1-2 days, and return to daily activities within 3-6 weeks.
Cost Guide

Knee Surgery Costs in New York, NY

ProcedureCost Range (Before Insurance)
Total knee replacement$40,000 – $70,000
Partial knee replacement$25,000 – $45,000
ACL reconstruction$20,000 – $50,000
Meniscus repair$8,000 – $20,000
Knee arthroscopy$5,000 – $15,000

Average knee replacement in New York: $50,000 vs national average $45,000

Costs vary by provider, insurance, and case complexity. Contact Michael P. Ast at (201) 599-8056 for a consultation.

Related
About Michael P. Ast

General Information

What procedures does Michael P. Ast offer?
Michael P. Ast offers Knee Replacement, ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus Repair, Knee Arthroscopy, Cartilage Restoration in New York, NY. As a Orthopedic Surgeon, Ast specializes in these procedures with advanced training and experience.
Where is Michael P. Ast located?
Michael P. Ast is located at 541 E 71ST ST, The Pavilion, New York, NY 10021.
How do I schedule an appointment with Michael P. Ast?
Call Michael P. Ast directly at (201) 599-8056 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit their website at https://www.hss.edu/profiles/doctors/michael-ast.
What is a Orthopedic Surgeon?
An Orthopedic Surgeon completes a 5-year surgical residency after medical school, specializing in the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They diagnose and treat knee injuries and conditions through both surgical and non-surgical methods, including total knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, and arthroscopic procedures.
How much does knee replacement surgery cost in New York?
Total knee replacement in New York typically costs $40,000 to $70,000 before insurance. Partial knee replacement runs $25,000 to $45,000. ACL reconstruction costs $20,000 to $50,000. Contact Michael P. Ast at (201) 599-8056 for a consultation.
Does Michael P. Ast accept insurance?
Contact Michael P. Ast at (201) 599-8056 to verify insurance acceptance and discuss payment options. They accept: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Oxford, Medicare, Emblem Health, Anthem.