Accepting New Patients

James Trauger

MD

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Salisbury

Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, Robotic Surgery

About Dr. Trauger

James Trauger, MD, cares for adults with hip and knee conditions at TidalHealth Peninsula Orthopaedic Institute. He treats osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis and congenital deformities.

Dr. Trauger specializes in adult reconstructive surgery of the hip and knee, including primary and revision joint replacement. He develops an individualized treatment plan for each patient based on their age, activity level, lifestyle and personal goals.

Known for taking time to listen, Dr. Trauger partners with patients to help them understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care. He remains closely involved throughout treatment and recovery, providing compassionate support even when challenges arise.

Care philosophy

Dr. Trauger believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to orthopedic care and that every knee replacement should be tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy.

Using kinematic alignment principles and advanced surgical techniques, he works to preserve the knee’s natural ligament balance so the joint can move and function more like it did before arthritis. This approach may help create a more natural-feeling knee, improve range of motion, reduce postoperative pain and support a faster return to activity.

Dr. Trauger combines kinematic alignment with a medial-pivot knee design intended to provide enhanced stability. His goal is to help patients confidently return to the activities they enjoy, including more physically demanding recreational pursuits.

Committed to providing current, evidence-based orthopedic care, Dr. Trauger works closely with each patient to restore function and improve quality of life. He strives to ensure patients feel informed, respected, heard and supported throughout every stage of their care journey.

Outside of his work

Outside of work, Dr. Trauger enjoys building and working on cars, drag racing, cycling, open-water distance swimming, boating and kayaking. He also enjoys spending time with his family and dogs.

Hip and knee osteoarthritis
Inflammatory arthritis
Avascular necrosis
Post-traumatic arthritis
Congenital hip and knee deformities
Primary hip and knee replacement
Revision hip and knee replacement
Adult hip and knee reconstruction

Caliper-verified kinematic alignment
Medial-pivot knee replacement
Primary hip and knee replacement
Revision joint replacement
Advanced adult hip and knee reconstruction

Dr. Trauger is fellowship trained in hip and knee reconstruction and has extensive experience combining caliper-verified kinematic alignment with a medial-pivot knee implant designed specifically for kinematically aligned knee replacement.

Education

Medical School

Tulane University School of Medicine

Training

Residency

St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center

Fellowship

New Mexico Center for Joint Replacement Surgery

Certifications

Board certification in Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Trauger has presented research and educational programs on minimally invasive hip and knee replacement, unicompartmental knee replacement, surgical approaches for total knee replacement and long-term outcomes following joint replacement.

His published research includes studies comparing surgical approaches for total knee replacement and evaluating the indications for lateral retinacular release during knee replacement.