James J. Rubano, M.D., MBA

Biography

James J. Rubano is Board-Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a partner in Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists (DOS), performing the most Same-Day, Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacements in the state of Delaware. He is also one of the largest volume joint replacement surgeons in the Philadelphia Metro Area (8th largest metro region in US) performing over 700 joint replacements per year.

Dr. Rubano attended Villanova University graduating first in his class with a 3.99 GPA in Biology. While at Villanova, he received numerous academic scholarships and awards including induction into Phi Beta Kappa which was awarded to the top 2% of his class. After college, Dr. Rubano obtained his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine where he graduated in the top 3% with Alpha Omega Alpha induction.

Upon completion of medical school, Dr. Rubano entered orthopaedic surgical residency at Duke University Medical Center. During residency, Dr. Rubano scored in the 99th percentile multiple times on the yearly Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE). Following residency, he accepted the prestigious Otto E. Aufranc Fellowship in hip and knee replacement surgery at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, MA. During fellowship, he received extensive training in both primary and complex/revision joint replacement surgery.

Devoted to continuing education, Dr. Rubano completed a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Villanova University School of Business in 2020. He is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS), Eastern Orthopaedic Association (EOA), Duke Arthroplasty Club (DAC), and the Piedmont Orthopaedic Society (Duke Orthopaedic Alumni).

Throughout his career, he has participated in orthopaedic research and contributed to medical textbooks and continues to serve as a guest lecturer at meetings and conferences for orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, students, and patients. In 2023, he took part in a medical brigade to Honduras performing over 50 joint replacement surgeries on the poor, underprivileged population. He acts as a consultant to orthopaedic industry in various areas, such as joint replacement implant design and the development and implementation of ambulatory surgery center pathways.

Along with his fellow joint replacement surgeons at DOS, Dr. Rubano is a founding member of Restore Orthopaedic Surgical Institute (ROSI) in Chadds Ford, Pa. which is a Hyper-Specialized Joint Replacement ASC. He strives to provide the highest quality, state-of-the-art care by concentrating on same-day surgery, minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted methods, and pain mitigation protocols (including the use of Cryoneurolysis [Iovera] for knee replacements). ROSI is one of the leading Outpatient Joint Replacement Centers in the Delaware Valley currently performing approximately 1000 cases per year with patient satisfaction scores and complication rates which rank amongst the best nation’s best.

Dr. Rubano lives in Wilmington with his wife, 3 children, and 2 dogs. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events (especially Villanova Basketball), going to the beach, and golfing.

Honors

  • Top Doctor by Delaware Today: 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
  • High Volume Joint Replacement Specialist in Philly Metro Region
  • Highest Volume Same-Day, ASC, Robotic-Assisted Surgeon in Delaware

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement (RA-TKR)

Dr. Rubano performs Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Replacement (RA-TKR) for qualified DOS patients.

TKR is a highly successful operation that improves patients’ quality of life and functionality. However, up to 15-20% of TKA patients remain unsatisfied with the functional outcomes. RA-TKR has gained increased attention and popularity in order to improve patient satisfaction and implant survivorship by increasing accuracy and precision of component implantation.

Significant research has been performed comparing RA-TKR to Traditional/Manual TKR.

Potential Advantages based on some of the current studies available:

  • Less Pain
  • Less Invasive
  • Faster Recovery
  • More Accurate and Precise
  • Better Alignment
  • Better Balancing
  • Improved Preservation of Bone
  • Better Functional Outcome
  • Longer Implant Survival

Pre-Operative Cryoneurolyisis for TKR

Dr. Rubano also performs Cryoneurolysis prior to TKR in qualified patients.

Cryoneurolysis (Iovera) before TKR has been shown in studies to potentially reduce pain and opioid/narcotic use post-operatively along with improved range of motion.


Dr. Rubano's Staff


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Patient Testimonials

  • Amazing experience - start to finish!

    This has been an amazing experience start to finish. Every person in every capacity has been efficient, thorough, knowledgeable, professional, and prompt. The entire process has been seamless. Each procedure has been executed with technical and personal excellence. Calls, texts, messages, and office communication have been exemplary. Dr. Rubano is top shelf and has developed an amazing staff and organization. I can not recommend them highly enough.

    - John B.
  • Kind and professional

    Dr Rubano replaced my hip 10 years ago. I was healed and up and about in no time! I just went back to him thinking I had a problem with my other hip, but it was not a need for replacement. He was kind professional and understanding. I would recommend him to anyone who has a hip problem!

    - Grace M.
  • Professional, kind & supportive!

    Dr. Rubano is an exceptional surgeon. A privilege to find a doctor who takes time with his patients. I felt comfortable asking questions (but I didn't have any for the doctor because Tom his assistant had already answered all of my questions.) All Staff are very professional, kind, supportive, and compassionate. The Restore Surgery Center is very clean & accommodating. Would definitely return in the future - if I need additional surgery. Thank you Dr. Rubano and Staff for a great surgical experience!!!

    - Carole
  • This is the way to go!

    It’s hard to imagine a procedure of this nature (hip replacement) going any more smoothly. From the preop visits in the office, to clear instructions on all of the clearances needed and ESPECIALLY the surgery center experience, everything went perfectly. All of the employees, in the office and the surgical center were kind and helpful. All of this has resulted in a smooth recovery. I especially liked the online Force app. It helped keep me on track with my recovery process. All in all, if you have to have a surgery , this is the way to go.

    - Dan S.
  • Very satisfied!

    Very satisfied with Dr Rubano and his staff. They are very knowledgeable and responsive to my questions. The new surgical center in Glen Mills is very clean and comforting.

    - Bob P.
  • The best possible care!

    Today I had TKR of my left knee. I was pleasantly surprised with Dr. Rubano and his staff in the Newark as well as his surgical center in PA.

    From the beginning of my visits until the surgery today (8/19/25), I received the best possible care. Their facilities are clean and comfortable. They have great communication system. I was notified of my appointment times and dates by text and email which was very helpful. I was given an app to perform exercises that would help me have great results pre and post-op.

    I can honestly say they were the best by far with any surgeries I’ve had. I would highly recommend DOS to anyone who asks about it. Specifically, Dr Rubano, who also performed my (THR) Total Hip Replacement in 2018.

    - Christine F.
  • Took the time to answer questions

    Dr Rubano was very personable for my first visit with him. I really liked the way he explained the procedure that I need to have done for my knee. He took the time to answer a few questions that I had regarding knee replacement.

    - Theresa C.
  • Feeling confident

    Dr. Rubano and Tom are always patient and specific in their descriptions of procedures and results. I have confidence in their diagnoses and abilities to keep my body healthy.

    - Mary M.
  • High level professional!

    Dr. Rubano and his team are amazing. I feel very fortunate to have access to this high level of professionalism and kindness.

    - Richard G.
  • Very professional!

    The office staff was very professional & nice. Dr Rubano was also very professional & took time to explain what was going on with my hips.

    - Cindy M.
  • Thoroughly discussed treatment plan!

    Dr. Rubano was EXTREMELY knowledgeable, compassionate, and detailed. While this was an initial consultation, I found his ‘chairside’ manners to be very comforting. His explanations made sense and diagnosis and options for treatment were thoroughly discussed. I would highly recommend him!

    - Greg H.
  • Walking with no cane!

    Dr. James Rubano did my total hip replacement on September 16th and I am so pleased with my recovery. It has been 2 weeks today and I can walk (small steps) without the cane. I highly recommend Dr. Rubano and his whole team at Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists! Thank you so much.

    - Kathy K.
  • Very welcoming!

    Dr. Rubano and the staff at Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists are great. Always knowledgeable, professional, welcoming and caring. Dr Rubano walked me through my knee xrays explaining everything, making sure that I understood the issue and my options.

    - Karole M.
  • Highly recommend!

    After having chronic knee pain and unable to do everything I wanted I am finally free of pain. Dr. Rubano did a knee replacement for me and I am sorry I did not have it done sooner. I would highly recommend him!

    - Bernadette T.
  • Excellent surgeon!

    Dr. Rubano and staff at DOS are very kind and considerate about your feelings about any surgery you may have to get. They let you choose what you want rather them doing it. I have been a patient for about 4yrs and everything you walk into the office the staff greets you and it's a comfortable environment and it's always clean. I love Dr. Rubano because he's a excellent surgeon and he treats you as a person and not just another patient. Keep up the great work DOS, you rock. Thank you all for keeping all of the patients in your care safe.

    - Vanessa H.
  • Very positive experience!

    Dr. Rubano is an outstanding physician. He took the time to listen to all my concerns, provided thorough explanations of my treatment plan, and performed my surgery with great skill. I’m now in recovery and doing well. He arranged for me to stay at a short-term rehabilitation center, which was an excellent facility that helped me get back on my feet in just two weeks. Overall, this has been a very positive experience. I’m now looking forward to my second knee replacement. I highly recommend Dr. Rubano, he is an exceptional doctor!

    - Monu I.
  • Phenomenal practice

    The Dr’s and staff are very attentive and professional. The amount of care and support they provide their patients is just phenomenal. Would definitely recommend this practice.

    - Nicole H.
  • Thrilled with the results!

    Dr. Rubano correctly diagnosed my arthritic hip. He and his team at DOS prepared me well for surgery weeks in advance. On the day of surgery at the ROSI center on Concord Pike I received absolutely first-class professional treatment from start to finish. I walked out several hours later on my own. Recovery was almost completely painless and very quick. After only six PT sessions I was literally good-to-go. Follow-up appointments were excellent. 2 months out I am walking multiple miles again and thrilled with the results.

    - David F.
  • VERY KIND AND SENSITIVE

    I want to thank Dr. Rubano and his team for everything they’ve done for me. I am able to walk properly because of you. You are an excellent doctor and I cannot thank you enough. My experience for both my knee operations have been positive. You are very kind and sensitive. My heartfelt thanks to you and everyone who was on your team. Competent and sensitive physicians like you are the prize and asset to the medical profession.

    - D. C.
  • THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL

    Dr. Rubano, you certainly have a God given talent in doing what you do. I am so thankful and grateful that I had my hip replacement. You did good!

    - Linda M.
  • VERY MANAGEABLE AND COMFORTABLE

    I recently ran the Tokyo Marathon and although I have the typical physical issues that go along with a race, the major concerns with my knees had absolutely no impact or posed any challenge to the race. I had no pain at all in my knees, not even the more severe left knee. My hips had minimal discomfort at best. As a Masters Distance runner, I believe our HCP’s are partners in our training and an integral part of an athlete’s success and Dr. Rubano is an excellent example of that partner. For this last race in Japan, he helped make a very challenging course very manageable and comfortable. So thank you!

    - Neil G.
  • Getting Around and Doing Well

    Thank you to Dr. Rubano for my Mom’s first hip surgery in the spring. We drove to the top of the mountain and she made a short walk to the peak with her Rollatur! Thank you for making it possible. She is getting around and doing well. I cannot thank you enough!

    - Anonymous
  • Very Manageable and Comfortable

    I recently ran the Tokyo Marathon and although I have the typical physical issues that go along with a race, the major concerns with my knees had absolutely no impact or posed any challenge to the race. I had no pain at all in my knees, not even the more severe left knee. My hips had minimal discomfort at best. As a Masters Distance runner, I believe our HCP’s are partners in our training and an integral part of an athlete’s success and Dr. Rubano is an excellent example of that partner. For this last race in Japan, he helped make a very challenging course very manageable and comfortable. So thank you!

    - Neil G.