Eric Schafer, MD
Eric Schafer, MD
Joint Replacement, Hip & Knee
Patient Ratings
4.9 Star review based on 245 patient ratings
Office Locations
Lexington - Richmond Road Campus A
3480 Yorkshire Medical Park
Lexington, KY 40509
P: 859-904-5046
Biography
Hip, Knee & Total Joint Specialist
Restoring mobility and relieving pain for patients with hip and knee problems.
For Dr. Eric Schafer, the most rewarding part of being an orthopedic surgeon is helping patients from across Kentucky regain the ability to move freely and live without pain. He was drawn to joint replacement early in his training after seeing the profound impact it has on people’s lives, restoring independence, comfort, and joy in everyday movement. Patients often describe him as kind, thorough, and easy to talk to, with a calm, honest approach that helps them feel confident and cared for.
His Approach to Care
Dr. Schafer believes in treating each patient as a partner in their care. He takes time to listen, explain, and ensure that patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options. While his expertise includes advanced surgical techniques, surgery is never his first recommendation. He often begins with non-surgical solutions such as physical therapy or joint injections to relieve pain and improve function.
When surgery is necessary, Dr. Schafer offers the latest advancements in joint replacement, including minimally invasive approaches and MAKO robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement, which enhance precision, preserve healthy tissue, and promote faster recovery. He also performs complex revision surgeries for patients experiencing pain or complications from prior joint replacements.
Dr. Schafer’s goal is for every patient to feel completely confident and informed throughout their care journey, from the first appointment through recovery.
Conditions He Treats
Many of Dr. Schafer’s patients come to him with symptoms such as:
- Hip or knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Stiffness or swelling that limits range of motion
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- Grinding, catching, or instability in the hip or knee
- A prior joint replacement that feels painful or unstable
These symptoms are often linked to arthritis, cartilage or ligament injury, or loosening from a previous joint replacement. Dr. Schafer specializes in diagnosing the root cause of these concerns and developing personalized treatment plans to help patients return to their daily lives with comfort and mobility.
Education & Expertise
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Schafer earned his undergraduate degree in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame before earning his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Michigan, followed by fellowship training in Hip and Knee Reconstruction at New England Baptist Hospital, one of the nation’s leading centers for joint replacement care.
Dr. Schafer is board certified and fellowship trained in orthopedic surgery, specializing in total and partial knee replacement, total hip replacement, and complex revision procedures. His background in engineering gives him a unique perspective on precision, mechanics, and innovation in joint reconstruction.
Beyond The Operating Room
Outside of medicine, Dr. Schafer enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, four children, and two dogs. He stays active through running and other outdoor activities, and values the balance of family, fitness, and time in nature.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re struggling with hip or knee pain, it’s important to get seen sooner rather than later to avoid further pain. Dr. Schafer is here to help you find answers and get you back to what moves you. To discuss your options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Schafer by calling (859) 263-5140. For non-emergent sudden injuries, we offer same day appointments and walk-in visits at any of our BGONow Orthopedic Urgent care locations throughout Kentucky.
Patient Testimonials
Very Comfortable Experience
Dr. Schafer was recommended highly from Dr. D'Angelo when I had a fall and Dr. Schafer was very informative and showed me my scans and recommended a partial knee replacement. He also did a total hip replacement on my mother and she has done great with it. We feel that BGO doctors, nurses and physical therapist all work well to make the most uncomfortable situation a very comfortable experience mentally, physically and emotionally. Thank you for taking such good care of us.
Definitely Recommended
Our experience was very positive… I am a new patient & didn’t know what to expect. But the wait was short, the staff were efficient & nice, and Dr. Schafer was exceptional! He was relaxed, friendly, kind, informative, again, efficient and his exam was thorough. He was honest in what could & couldn’t be done for my pain. However his treatment did decrease the pain!