It is with deep sadness that we are sharing the passing of Dr. Kenneth Krackow, who passed away, Friday, January 9, 2026.
We honor the life and legacy of Kenneth A. Krackow, MD (1944–2026), a pioneering orthopaedic surgeon, teacher, and innovator whose work helped shape the modern field of Adult Reconstruction. Dr. Krackow passed away on January 9, 2026, in Buffalo, New York.
Renowned for his foundational contributions to knee arthroplasty, Dr. Krackow’s influence reached far beyond any single procedure. His deep commitment to biomechanics, reproducible technique, and honest evaluation of outcomes guided generations of surgeons in both knee and hip reconstruction. He served as Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University and later at the University at Buffalo, and as Department Chief at Buffalo General Hospital / Kaleida Health.
Dr. Krackow approached arthroplasty from first principles—championing precision, discipline, and consistency over trends or convention. His landmark textbook, The Technique of Total Knee Arthroplasty, remains a defining educational resource. His early leadership in computer-assisted surgery, including one of the first reported computer-assisted joint replacements in the United States, reflected a career rooted in rigor, innovation, and forward thinking.
In recognition of his extraordinary impact, he received The Knee Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Across the arthroplasty community, he will be remembered for his mentorship, clarity of thought, and unwavering dedication to surgical excellence.
Dr. Krackow is survived by his wife, Gretchen; daughters, Sydney and Andrea; and grandson, Gabriel. Details regarding a memorial service will be shared later this spring.
Dr. Krackow was a true pioneer in adult hip and knee reconstruction, including hip and knee replacement surgery. He pioneered the use of computer navigation for knee replacement surgery and performed the first computer assisted total knee arthroplasty outside of Europe at Buffalo General Hospital. This was the first FDA approved TKA procedure done in this country using the Stryker Navigation System, also developed by Dr. Krackow.
Although Dr. Krackow has been retired for some time, his creativity, leadership, dedication, expertise, and innovation left a lasting legacy within the international orthopedic community. His contributions continue to influence the care provided across the world today, and he will be remembered with great respect and appreciation.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and to all whose lives and careers were shaped by his expertise, generosity, and example.
The orthopedic department at UB is raising funds for The Kenneth A. Krackow, MD endowed professorship. This professorship will recognize the impact Dr Krackow had in the field and help continue his legacy of creativity and innovation at the University of Buffalo.
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