Michael E. Higgins, M.D.
Hip & Knee Replacement
Muscle-Sparing Joint Replacement Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Michael E. Higgins is a board‑certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement and has been with Tidewater Orthopaedics since 2006. Fellowship‑trained by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Higgins is dedicated to providing comprehensive joint replacement care. He believes that practicing orthopaedic surgery and serving patients is a privilege—a philosophy shaped by mentors throughout his training.
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Higgins earned his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo before attending medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, followed by an additional year of specialized training in complex hip and knee replacement at Roanoke Orthopaedic Center in Roanoke, Virginia.
Dr. Higgins finds the most rewarding aspect of his practice to be repairing and reconstructing orthopaedic conditions—ranging from straightforward to highly complex—and restoring mobility so patients can continue to live active, fulfilling lives. His approach focuses on thoughtful evaluation, precise surgical technique, and individualized treatment planning.
Dr. Higgins sees patients in Hampton, Suffolk, and Williamsburg, Virginia, where he provides joint replacement and revision surgery for a wide range of hip and knee conditions.
He lives in North Suffolk, Virginia with his wife and two sons. Outside of work, Dr. Higgins enjoys spending time with his family, collecting and restoring classic muscle cars, following professional and fantasy football, water and snow skiing, saltwater fishing, playing golf, and perfecting his barbecue skills.
Education
- 2005 – 2006
Roanoke Orthopaedic Center
Roanoke, VA
Joint Replacement and Lower Extremity Reconstruction Fellowship under Dr. Joseph T. Moskal - 2001 – 2005
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency - 2000 – 2001
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
General Surgery Internship - 1996 – 2000
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor of Medicine - 1992 – 1996
State University of New York at Geneseo
Geneseo, NY
Bachelor of Science
Professional Societies
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Resident Member, 2001 – Current
- Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Associated Fellow, 2005 – Current
- American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Fellow, 2011 – Current
Hospital Affiliations
- Orthopaedic Hospital at Sentara CarePlex
- CarePlex Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center (COASC)
Awards and Appointments
- US News and World Report “Top Doctor”, June 2011
Research and Publications
- Type III Acetabular Defect Revision with Bilobed Components – Five Year Results Moskal JT; Higgins ME; Shen J Clinical Orthopaedics and related Research (466): 691-95; 2008 June
- When Computer Assisted Surgery is the Only Option Virginia Orthopaedic Society – Presentation, Norfolk, VA, 5/14/2006
- The Use of Bilobed Porous-Coated Acetabular Components Without Structural Bone Graft for Type III Acetabular Defects in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Virginia Orthopaedic Society – Presentation, Norfolk, VA, 5/14/2006
- Surgical Pearls for Your Learning Curve with Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty, Norfolk. VA, 4/15/10
- Long Term Outcome Following Surgical Resection of Lumbar Juxtafacet Cysts, Higgins ME; Lifeso RE; Kowalski J
- Effect of End Cutting Intramedullary Reamers on Host-Allograft Contact Area: A Laboratory Investigation Higgins ME; McGrath BE; Mihalko W
- Biomechanical Analysis of Humeral Diaphyseal Segmental Defect Fixation Henry JC; Dameron TA; Weiner MM; Higgins ME; Werner FW; Sim FH Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (396): 231-9; 2002 March
Outpatient Total Hip Replacement
- Discussing Outpatient Mako Hip Replacement with Dr. Colin Kingston
- Jiffy Hip with Dr. Michael Higgins
- Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Knee Replacement
- Get Back to Life after a Knee Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Robotic Knee Replacement Reduces Recovery Time
Same Day Appointments
Hip
Professional Licenses and Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2008
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Fellow, 2009
- Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medical License to Practice Medicine and Surgery (#0101237682)