Richard L. Illgen II, MD
Orthopedics
Summary

Dr. Illgen is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and has completed specialized training in adult reconstructive surgery (hip and knee replacement at Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital). He currently serves as co-director of the Arthritis and Joint Replacement Program at The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Dr. Illgen is nationally and internationally regarded as an expert, thought leader, and innovator in robotic assisted hip replacement, knee replacement, and partial knee replacement surgery. Early studies have demonstrated improved outcomes after robotic-assisted surgery compared with traditional techniques (see below). Dr. Illgen has been instrumental in developing and implementing this technology in the United States, and travels across the world teaching orthopedic surgeons best practices and the latest techniques.

Dr. Illgen's practice includes primary and revision hip and knee replacements, as well as partial knee replacements (unicompartmental knees). He has particular expertise and experience regarding the care of young patients with hip and knee arthritis and offers care including joint preservation and joint replacement for this high demand group of individuals. These interests reflect a treatment philosophy that emphasizes the application of scientific analysis and innovative techniques to optimize care for patients requiring hip and knee replacement.

Clinical Interests
  • Robotic assisted total hip replacement
  • Robotic assisted total knee replacement
  • Robotic assisted partial knee replacement
  • Primary and revision total hip replacement
  • Primary and revision total knee replacement
  • Partial knee replacement
Research Interests
  • Director of Research for the American Joint Replacement Registry
  • Robotic assisted joint replacement
  • Outcome studies after joint replacement
  • Accelerated outcomes after joint replacement
  • Improving accuracy and outcomes after joint replacement
  • Failed metal-on-metal joint replacement
Clinical Resources

Visit hipknee.aahks.org for patient resources on hip replacement or knee replacement surgery, including:

  • How to decide if you need a joint replacement
  • Setting expectations
  • Resources to supplement discussions with your surgeon
  • Videos
  • Living with a new joint replacement
Education
  • Fellowship
    Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 1999-2000
  • Residency
    Harvard University Combined Orthopedic Program, Boston, MA, 1993-1999
  • Internship
    Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 1993-1994
  • Medical Doctorate
    University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1993
  • Bachelor of Science
    University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, 1989
Honors & Awards
  • The Van Prohaska Award for “Outstanding potential in teaching, research, and clinical medicine” (University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine); Graduated with Highest Honors, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, 1993
  • Selected for Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, 1992
  • Calvin Fentress Research Fellowship Award - A competitive award that recognized top senior medical students at The University of Chicago for completing outstanding research, 1992
  • Teaching assistant, Clinical Pathophysiology (top 10% of students), 1992
  • Achievement Award for College Scientists (two students selected per year from The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine), 1992
  • The Kosciuszko Society Scholarship, 1991/1992
  • The Polish Women’s Civic Club Scholarship, 1991/1992
  • Outstanding Award from The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Project, 1990
  • Phi Beta Kappa, 1989
  • L.H. Baldinger Award of Distinction - The University of Notre Dame, given to the “outstanding pre-professional student demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, exemplary behavior, and professional awareness towards the healing arts”, 1989
  • President, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, the national pre-medical honor society, 1989
  • Certificate of Commendation - The National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1987
  • Distinguished Summer Student Award - The NIH, 1986
  • Honors group, The Westinghouse Science Talent Search, 1985
  • Illinois State Medical Society Award for best medically-related project in the state, 1985
  • Bauch and Lomb Award for top state Science project, 1985
  • Exceptional Illinois Physics Student Award, The National Fermi Laboratory, 1985
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View CV
Video
Locations

1 S. Park St. Medical Center

Phone: (608) 287-2000

East Madison Hospital

Phone: (608) 263-7540

Science Dr Medical Center

Phone: (608) 265-8303

University Hospital

Phone: (608) 263-6400

Request an Appointment
Administrative Assistant
Aspen Foy