Dr. Joel Andrew Virkler, DO

Dr Virkler replaced my right hip 6 weeks ago. I chose him for the surgery due to his experience with and enthusiasm for the anterior approach. I had my other hip replaced 14 years ago by a highly experienced surgeon who accessed the joint posteriorly. Recovery then was lengthy, brutal, and to this day there are issues unresolved. I am most pleased to report that this time around I have already been released from PT and the whole procedure is nearly a mere memory. I can not recommend Dr Virkler highly enough.

After a couple years of periodic steroid injections, I had both my knees replaced by Dr. Virkler. Post-op, I was in the hospital for 3 days, inpatient rehab for 4, walking without assistive device by day 7, driving in 2 weeks, back to work in 1 month. Dr. Virkler did a great job, had an excellent bedside manner - didn't seem rushed, impatient, or like he was talking down to a patient. At first, I wasn't sure about doing both knees at once, but after discussion with him, I felt that was the best option for me. It worked!

Dr. Virkler did an outstanding job of taking care of me before, during, and after my surgery. I had my left hip replaced in early 2018. He was very kind, easy to speak with, and very understanding of what I was going through before my surgery. He explained what would happen throughout the whole process. He would listen to my questions and concerns and answered them very well. He was still very concerned of my care afterwards, during my office visits. I am very satisfied with my hip replacement.

I was very pleased to have Dr. Virkler as the surgeon for my bilateral anterior hip replacement. He did a great job of explaining his approach to the surgery, the risks involved and what to expect before during and after surgery. He was patient to listen and wanted to make sure all of our questions were answered. I felt very confident on the day of surgery that he would be doing his best and that I would have the best recovery possible. His medical and office staff at Unity were professional, helpful and friendly. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Virkler.

Dr. Virkler did a bilateral knee replacement for me in Jan. 2018. Three months later I am back to riding my bicycle pain free and am able to resume all of my activities without the pain that I experienced on a daily basis before the surgery. Dr. Virkler was very attentive to my personal needs. I was prescribed therapy before and after surgery to facilitate full healing. I would recommend Dr. Virkler to anyone who would need his services.

I spent 2.5 years with knee pain that had curtailed my activity. I saw Dr. Virkler for evaluation for a total knee replacement. On my first visit, he reviewed my MRI and radiographs, then he explained my condition and showed me the implant and what were the advantages of the implant he uses. He sent me home with some reading material and told me to call if I had questions. I returned for a second appointment to discuss my questions and concerns. Dr. Virkler took his time answering my questions and concerns. He did not rush me and answered all my questions and concerns. We set a date for the surgery at that visit. His nurse Rebecca worked with me when questions came up about insurance. On the day of surgery, Dr. Virkler, checked in with me in pre-surgery room. He also asked to pray with me. This was very comforting to me. He checked with me the following morning and said I would be able to go home that afternoon. On my recheck visits, Dr. Virkler always took his time and never rushed me when I had questions. He treated me with compassion and respect. At my final recheck, Dr. Virkler told me I would not need a recheck for another 5 years, but if I had any problems, to contact the office at any time. My recovery is going well 5 months out. I hope I will not need a replacement for my other knee, but if I do, I will want Dr. Virkler to perform the surgery.

Replaced both my knees thankyou Doc you and your staff are just Awesome, you did a great job I can finally live life again.

I suffered a rupture of my Achilles in August. Dr. Virkler handled my case from the beginning and was terrific. He was available at all hours to provide advice/coordinate care in emergent situations leading up to the surgery. He provided a correct assessment of the tear and recommended immediate surgery. His office handled all of the insurance issues in a quick and efficient manner which allowed me to have the surgery without delay. The surgery was successful and my recovery has been moving forward with no issues and ahead of schedule. I am very grateful for the way that Dr. Virkler and his staff handled this situation for me. He is an outstanding professional and I would recommend him and his office to anyone.

Dr. Virkler performed the surgery for my total knee replacement. At my initial appointment He spent time educating me about the procedure, recovery, and answering my questions. He and his staff made an extra effort working with my insurance so I could have the surgery during my early requested time frame. He personally called me to confirm the surgery schedule and that the insurance had been approved. After a successful surgery, I went home the next day, but not before he talked with me about pain level, general overall feelings, medical devices to assist in recovery, and physical therapy. Throughout the process, Dr. Virkler treated me as if I was the most important patient. He was compassionate and caring. I knew that I could and can still call their office anytime with questions. It’s wonderful to have mobility again. I highly recommend him. Hoping that I won’t need the other knee or any hips replaced, but if it happens, I will go to Dr. Virkler.

I was so fortunate Dr. Virkler was "on call"when I broke the radius and ulna in my left arm. He personally called me at home that evening to set up surgery the next day. When I met with him, he carefully explained the surgery and placement of the radial head, plate, and screws. Dr. Virkler was very caring, concerned, and compassionate, as well as knowledgeable. Due to his excellent care and surgical skill, I have regained the use and mobility of my arm. I highly recommend Dr. Virkler!

Dr. Virkler did a partial knee replacement on my right knee he did an outstanding job !! I highly recommend him to everyone

Right hip joint replacement anterior method and I can walk again pain free! Dr. Virkler was very concerned about getting me back to being able to enjoy my family and retirement life style.

Would definitely recommend Dr. Virkler.

With increasing pain in my right hip, and x-rays ordered by my primary care physician, I was referred to Dr. Virkler. At my initial office visit with him, he took time to explain to me what was going on with my hip and all of the options that were available for me to try. Together we decided that the hip replacement was the best option for me. I was impressed with the amount of time he spent with me on this first office visit, and before I left that day, all of the appointments needed to prepare me for the hip replacement surgery were in place. I was told that if I had any questions or concerns after thinking more about my decision for the surgery, to not hesitate to call to talk to Dr. Virkler or his wonderful surgery tech Jennifer. Dr. Virkler performed my right hip surgery using anterior approach replacement. This approach spares cutting any of the muscles in the hip area, shortens the recovery process and requires no restrictions on the movement of the hip during recovery. My hospital stay was approximately 48 hours. I was able to return to work 3 weeks post-surgery and am now 6 weeks post-surgery and have completed my physical therapy regimen and will continue with strengthening exercises on my own. Once again at my 6 week follow up visit with Dr. Virkler, I appreciated his attention and how he made me feel I was his most important patient at that time. He is a caring, compassionate, skilled surgeon that I would highly recommend to everyone. How wonderful that Lafayette now has the latest surgical techniques available for hip replacements

Compassionate and caring, and a great surgeon. Would highly recommend him. We Appreciated his skill, kindness and prayer.

My wife was visiting her spine surgeon on a follow up and he determined that the pain that she was still experiencing was actually in her hip. He called Dr. Virkler and asked if she could see him on such short notice and Dr. Virkler agreed. He not only saw her that day but stayed late to discuss the total hip replacement that she needed. He is a very knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated doctor. Her surgery and post-operative care has been of the highest standards. We would recommend Dr. Virkler to anyone with no reservations. We are happy that we made the 100 mile trip to Lafayette to have her procedure done.

I would just like to thank Dr. Virkler for his care, concern and professionalism during my recent surgery for a broken arm...He came in on a Saturday afternoon to perform the necessary surgery on my arm. Before my surgery, Dr. Virkler explained the procedure in a way that I could understand. When my surgery was over, I was released to go home rather than spend the night in the hospital, which was a great! The next day, Dr. Virkler called me at home to see how I was progressing and to ask if I needed anything or had any questions. It was very comforting to have the surgeon show concern for my well being. Dr. Virkler was also present for my 2 week follow-up visit to the Orthopedic doctor. He stayed in the exam room with the doctor to check on my progress and to answer any questions I had at that point in my recovery. It has been about 4 months now, and my arm is almost back to 100%. I feel very fortunate that Dr. Virkler was there to perform my surgery that Saturday afternoon..I would very highly recommend Dr. Virkler. He is knowledgeable, professional and he showed genuine concern for me as his patient.