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4.95 out of 5

Specialties
Hip Replacement
Knee Replacement
Michael Ruffolo, MD
Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement
Dr. Michael Ruffolo is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and complex hip and knee replacement surgery. He emphasizes minimally invasive techniques and specializes in difficult problems in hips and knee arthroplasty, including complex reconstructions and revision surgery.
Dr. Ruffolo's research has been presented at national meetings and has been published in leading orthopaedic journals. He remains active in these societies and employs the most up-to-date information to take the best care of his patients.
Dr. Ruffolo lives in Cary with his wife and daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys movies, skiing, mountain biking and gardening.
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV
Residency: Carolinas Medical Center/OrthoCarolina, Charlotte, NC,
Fellowship: Rush University, Chicago, IL
Undergraduate: The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Board Certification
- Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- 2023 NC Top Doctor Award
- 2020 NC Top Doctor Award
- Merck Award for Academic Excellence in Clinical Medicine
- Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
- Gold Humanism Honor Society
- American Society of Clinical Pathology Award for Academic Excellence and Achievement
- Dean’s Award Scholarship
- Prescott Award for Academic Excellence
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
The Star Ratings associated with each provider is the average of responses from the “likelihood to recommend” question on our patient experience surveys conducted by Qualtrics. The survey goes to patients seen in both the inpatient and outpatient setting; however, the surveys are different. The comments are actual comments received from patients. The number of responses received varies by provider.
March 2026 I was concerned when I had to change doctors after I moved but I hit the jackpot. I could not be in better hands
March 2026 Great, reputable doctor and staff. Seem to genuinely care about me and my needs to get better.
March 2026 He provided excellent explanations and made us feel well prepared for surgery and beyond.
March 2026 He helped me with my osteoarthritis to the point that I slept better that night than I had in a year.
March 2026 Professional, polite caring advice and manner.
March 2026 As I stated on the first page, I felt i could trust my health to Dr. Ruffolo and the technicians abd staff at the orthopedic clinic at wakemed Garner.
March 2026 Very pleased with Doctor and staff. Dr. Ruffolo is a great doctor!
March 2026 Very thorough in explaining what my medical situation is. Had access to my medical records on my chart and discussed what pain med wasn’t good for me to be taking. Best was that treatment is available before considering surgery. Very personable and have already recommended him to a relative.
March 2026 Dr Ruffolo very detaled prognosis and clearly explained options
March 2026 Dr Ruffolo and his team are the best and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to have successful hip replacement surgery.
March 2026 Dr Ruffalo was very professional and took the time to listen and explain. quality surgery and Doctor
March 2026 Dr Ruffolo is a doctor with integrity. He is great to work with and you can trust what he says.
February 2026 Dr is very caring
January 2026 I think Dr Ruffaloe has been someone who I have been able to trust.
January 2026 Best care, on time appts, staff wonderful, Dr. Ruffalo is amazing
January 2026 Them whole team provided a great experience. I've recommended family and friends already. I will continue to do so.
January 2026 Dr Ruffolo is an exceptional surgeon. He is very personable, and gave me confidence in his treatment recommendations. I stayed overnight at Wake Med Cary. All of the staff were kind, knowledgeable and friendly.
January 2026 Treated respectfully and well.
January 2026 I have only seen Dr Ruffolo 2 times, and I am putting alot of trust in him to help me ...He was highly recommended.
January 2026 I very pleased with the service I received.
January 2026 Because you’re going everything you can to provide a good experience for your patients.
December 2025 Because everything is done to make the experience positive.
December 2025 Everything about my care was explained to me.
December 2025 I can trust the information given to me.
December 2025 Dr Ruffolo was upbeat and did a good job on my knee. I referred someone to him before I left the facility.
October 2025 Dr. Ruffalo is kind, patient & explains why he makes the recommendations he makes.
October 2025 Dr. Ruffolo gives WakeMed its high ratings with his surgical skills in the TKR department. His aftercare and communication is top notch. With patient treatment and care, I rate him a trailblazer in this county. Thank you Dr. Ruffolo for allowing me to be one of your patients.
October 2025 He was referred to me by a friend who I trust and he was very nice in person. he explained things well, he listened to my questions, he didn't rush out and he had a happy and postive attitude about him
October 2025 He is a great orthopedic surgeon he cares about how you feel and explains everything step by step
October 2025 Dr Ruffolo comes highly recommended and I know first hand the quality of doctor he is
October 2025 Dr. Ruffini replaced a hip 7 years ago and it works great. My other hip has deteriorated somewhat and no hurry to replace. The doctor helps locate muscle issues and prescribed and directed me to physical therapy. This has helped.
October 2025 Great care!
October 2025 Dr. Ruffolo answered all my questions. Provides useful information and a thorough
October 2025 He explained everything in detail, gave me good choices, etc
September 2025 Attentive to my concerns and offered several treatment options.
September 2025 I must trust the people and medical facility itself will provide the utmost in care, attention to details and the expertise necessary to take care of my wellbeing. The visits with the team has. Given me the confidence to have the total hip replacement performed there.
September 2025 Very caring He has wonderful bedside manner
September 2025 Dr Ruffolo listened to all my concerns and addressed them all. I did not feel rushed.
September 2025 I trust him for an honest evaluation.
September 2025 Great listener and communicates clearly. I totally trust his judgement.
September 2025 Dr Ruffolo is skilled and patient oriented
September 2025 His demeanor, personality, personability, his explanations of what are/is procedure
September 2025 Knowledge and expertise.
September 2025 Excellent patient service and manners
September 2025 Dr. Rufflao took time to explain things and was very patient
September 2025 Excellent surgeon, friendly, listens, caring, efficient.
September 2025 Dr Ruffalo is caring and knowledgeable. He has provided me with outstanding care for several years.
September 2025 Very pleased with the doctor and his care. He explained things so it was understandable. Just very nice.
September 2025 Straight forward discussion
September 2025 Answered all my quesrions
August 2025 Dr Ruffalo is amazing! His staff is very caring!
August 2025 Dr Ruffolo shows you that you can trust him.
August 2025 It's refreshing to see a doctor that does not push you out the door, and I would hope others that see this review would not hesitate to come to this facility.
August 2025 Dr Ruffolo is an amazing person
August 2025 Dr. M Ruffalo is the best knee doctor I have had and trust me I had many he's really a great doctor I wouldn't trade him for nothing in the world
August 2025 Because of Dr Rufflo and his Staff. They are all Caring Compassionate and Very Helpful in getting all Problems Resolved.
August 2025 I feel at ease from my visit about my upcoming surgery.
August 2025 Extremely professional approach to all aspects of my procedure.
August 2025 Everyone is great!!
August 2025 My excellent care and great doctor.
August 2025 He is scaring Dr , he listens he is proactive in keeping pt comfortable, keep infection’s at bay etc
August 2025 Caring, helpful and professional
August 2025 De. Ruffolo was very honest and thorough with his assessment. He was very kind.
August 2025 Remembered us from a previous surgery.... Provided diagnosis and recommendations well.
August 2025 The experience seeing this provider exceeded my expectations. I had heard excellent reports about Dr Ruffolo and was not disappointed.
August 2025 Dr Ruffalo was very personal and thorough in explaining my situation and my options.
August 2025 Dr. Ruffolo was very passionate and explained the visit thoroughly. All the treatments happened as he said it would. I'm very thankful.
August 2025 Very nice I liked the way I was treated and very knowledgeable and friendly.
August 2025 Top notch, highly skilled, personable. One week post surgery, and my hip felt better than before surgery.
July 2025 Dr. Ruffolo is the best. Third surgery he has performed and all have been successful
July 2025 Very caring and great surgeon.
June 2025 Personable and knows his stuff.
June 2025 If I could rate higher I sure would. He is an awesome caring Doctor.
June 2025 He was excellent! Answered all my questions and was very caring. He got me in for surgery quickly and met all my needs. Highly recommend Dr. Ruffalo!
June 2025 Dr ruffalo was thorough and showed empathy
June 2025 Excellent care, communication and follow up.
June 2025 I would recommend anyone to this facility because they really put their patients first and do their very best to make sure their needs are meet to the best of their abilities
June 2025 Dr. Ruffolo is very thorough in his explanations and care. He takes time to listen to my concerns and offers options to make me feel that I am an integral part in my own health care plan.
June 2025 Warm,caring,listens,excellent surgeon.
June 2025 Dr Ruffalo is the best! He always goes the extra mile for each and everyone .
June 2025 He provided excellent care, actively listens, and provides clear guidance in a caring and respectful way!
June 2025 He's caring, compassionate, and good at what he does
June 2025 Excellent Dr
June 2025 They listen and answer my concerns.
May 2025 Dr Ruffolo explained everything and mostly listened to my concerns and all discomfort I was having with my knees for last year. He made me feel positive I was going to get better.
May 2025 I have seen this doctor for another matter and he does a great job.
May 2025 Dr. Ruffalo’s bed side manner is exemplary. I would recommend him to anyone.
May 2025 He’s very good at his job and has a kind and understanding manner
May 2025 He hasn’t operated yet, but preop protocol very thorough
May 2025 He is the BEST! My whole experience from pre surgery to surgery, recovery and rehab as well as annual check was amazing! Thank you Dr. Ruffolo!
May 2025 Took time to explain treatment recommendations. Was very knowledgeable.
May 2025 He knows his specialty and can communicate with patients. He actually CARES about patients.
May 2025 Efficient, competent, friendly
May 2025 Skill and knowledge.
May 2025 He listened to me explsin about my problem and had an action plan before I left
May 2025 Dr Ruffolo is a professional and concerned doctor for his patients. I've already recommended people to him.
May 2025 Overall attention, service, on time appointments, friendly staff and overall this has been an exceptional service.
May 2025 Michael and his MA Ashleigh possess and show a level of CARE not only in a practice manner …. Yet more importantly in a genuine common sense approach …. Meeting you where you’re “ at”
May 2025 Everything and everyone I encountered was first class
May 2025 Dr. Ruffolo spent time to explain my x-rays and need for knee replacement. I was impressed by his compassion
May 2025 I always feel treated with care and concern. Dr. Ruffolo is very helpful and answers questions quickly.
April 2025 This provider is exceptional. He is thoughtful, thorough, skillful and caring. The surgery he performed on my left knee greatly improved my quality of life and allowed me to return to a more active life style.
April 2025 Due to my deafness, Dr. Ruffolo always make sure that I’m comfortable and accommodated with an sign language interpreter through VRI.
April 2025 It's a professional approach to caring for patients that counts.
April 2025 The practice is professional, timely and kind..
April 2025 Very understanding of my needs
April 2025 Very modern facility and caring staff.
April 2025 All the staff were professional and knowledgeable and courteous
April 2025 The doctor and office staff are the very best!!
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