MATTHEW W. RUSSO, MD, FAAOS
TOTAL JOINT SURGEON
Dr. Russo is a third-generation orthopedic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ specializing in total hip and knee replacement surgery. Since completing fellowship training and joining his father in practice in 2017, he has performed more than 4,000 joint replacement procedures. Dr. Russo is honored to be recognized by his peers as a PHOENIX magazine “Top Doc” for the fifth consecutive year. He is grateful to continue to serve the Phoenix community as an orthopedic surgeon, following a family tradition of orthopedic care spanning more than 40 years.
Dr. Russo is proud to advance the legacy of the “Russo Knee” approach to total knee replacement as it has evolved over three generations. This distinctive method combines the latest advancements in tendon and muscle-sparing surgical techniques with a personalized kinematic alignment strategy that respects each patient’s unique anatomy and aims to restore the knee as closely as possible to its prearthritic state. This outpatient, tourniquetfree procedure restores native ligament tension and alignment through a medial incision, resulting in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and improved longterm stability and function. He is also one of the only surgeons to utilize a homedelivered, physician monitored exercise bicycle to optimize early progression and range of motion.
Dr. Russo applies a similar patient-centered and muscle-sparing philosophy to hip replacement surgery through the direct anterior approach. This surgical technique is combined with fluoroscopic-guided computer navigation and a controlled automated impaction device to deliver exceptional precision with rapid recovery.
Above all, Dr. Russo believes in listening to his patients and treating them as he would his own family—helping them return to active, fulfilling lives with confidence. All patients benefit from Dr. Russo’s concierge style of care and research in multimodal pain management strategies to provide successful outcomes with minimal to no reliance on narcotic pain medication.
A Family Tradition
Who is your family?
My wife, Caitlin Russo, is a lawyer specializing in anti-trust law and continues to work remotely for the same law firm based in Washington DC. We have three children: Liam, Ciara, and Sienna.
Why did you choose to become an Orthopedic Specialist?
I grew up with incredible role models in my Dad and my Grandfather , both of whom were Orthopedic Surgeons. My Dad continues to practice here in Scottsdale and I have now joined him in practice, sitting in the same office my Grandfather once held.
What is your background?
I attended Brophy College Prep HS here in Phoenix before meeting my wife at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. From there, I came back to Arizona to attend medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. I was fortunate to match at Georgetown University Hospital for an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency. After five years of residency, I completed a fellowship in Adult Joint Reconstruction, specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery close by at the Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic in Alexandria, VA.
What are you passionate about?
I love spending time with my family and being a part of my children’s lives. I am an avid cyclist having completed in multiple century rides over the years. I also enjoy taking photographs, playing the piano and many other outdoor activities.
What sets your practice apart from others?
In the current setting of impersonal and large hospital groups and physician practices where you are never quite sure who you are getting, I am proud to continue a tradition and feel of a more small-town community practice in joining my Dad who has been serving this community’s orthopedic needs for almost 35 years.
Accomplishments?
String of Pearls Resident Teaching Award (April 2013, 2015, 2016): Chosen by Georgetown University Medical Students for “demonstrating an exceptional commitment to teaching students”; First resident to receive the award three times; Hugh H. Hussey Award (May 2016): Awarded to one resident in all surgical sub specialties for demonstrating excellence in medical student teaching ; Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS)-University of Arizona Chapter (May 2010): Select medical students who represent “Humanistic attitudes in medicine”; Junior Class Vice-President, University of Notre Dame (April 2005 to 2006); Mrs. William Henry Brophy Award – Brophy College Prep (May 2003) – Highest award presented to one student, named after the founder.