Dr. Vasili Karas, MD, Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Vasili Karas, MD

Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon

1611 W. Harrison St.
Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60612

+1 more location

Overall rating

Top reviews

As an extremely active 65 year old female who does HIIT classes, plays tennis and pickleball it was shocking to suddenly in one day be unable to do these things. Dr. Verma at Midwest Orthopedics at RUSH 18 years ago fixed my torn Show moreACL off the bone and I returned to full activities then after a short rehab and came back stronger than before. Dr. Karas reassured me that I could now do the same with my knee replacement. My surgery was a little more complicated having had a previous knee surgery and more arthritis but I was so excited to be able to walk basically unassisted immediately! The knee feels so smooth and glides so nicely… I am just a little more than 3 weeks post surgery and can not wait to see what I can do 6 months from now. Dr Karas is a wonderful doctor who really listens, communicates well and gives great advice to his patients! Please set up an appointment with him if you need a knee replacement as he is a superb surgeon! Also, his entire team is fantastic as well.

Jennifer S. • April 23, 2026

Dr Vasili is one of the best orthopaedic doctor around. I was recommended to him from a friend, and I couldn’t be happier to be his patient for the past 2 years for my hip and knee problems. He is very attentive, polite, and alwayShow mores takes time to listen and answer questions. Also, never rushes you into to one way treatment, and gives you all possible options for treatment. I trust his decision making on all the options of a treatment he offers. Also, I can’t say enough for his assistants, Madison and Deana! They are the best! Very knowledgeable, sweet, with excellent bed side manners and wonderful listening skills. Thank you for all you do Dr Karas and team!

Elena P. • June 12, 2026

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About Dr. Vasili Karas, MD

Vasili Karas, MD, MS, is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and rapid recovery hip and knee replacements, as well as complex revision joint surgeries. He is committed to empowering his patients to overcome their pain and resume the activities they love.

A Chicagoland native with the goal of giving back to his community, Dr. Karas earned his medical degree at Rush University’s Medical College in Chicago. He then went to North Carolina to complete his residency training at Duke University Medical Center. After that, he returned to Chicago to finish his fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery at Rush University Medical Center.  

Dr. Karas’ approach to medicine involves spending time with his patients, fostering good communication, and offering the latest advances in medical technology. He has over 40 peer reviewed publications and is a committee member of the American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). Through physical therapy, joint injections, and surgical procedures, he strives to get patients back on their feet as quickly as possible without compromising technique. He works closely with patients throughout their road to recovery and is highly skilled in addressing the full spectrum of concerns when it comes to hip or knee joints.

Whether a patient is continuing to have pain after a previous joint replacement, needs a second opinion, or is seeking the best surgeon to perform a knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis, Dr. Karas feels privileged to care for his patients whether they be Chicago natives or come from anywhere in the world.

Practice Emphasis

Dr. Karas specializes in rapid recovery surgery but also is happy to take on complex cases and revision, or re-do joint replacements. Whether it be surgical approach, length of stay, use of technology, or any special needs you may have, Dr. Karas is committed to offering patients the options they need to have an excellent patient experience and a successful joint replacement.

Areas of Expertise:

Dr. Karas is recognized for his expertise in:

  • Minimally Invasive Total Hip and Knee Replacements 
  • Outpatient & Same-Day Joint Replacement
  • Partial Knee Replacements
  • Complex joint reconstruction, revision surgery, infection surgery
  • Robotic assisted hip and knee replacement, Computer navigation assisted hip and knee replacement
  • Second opinion for existing painful total joints
  • Non-operative and conservative treatment for hip and knee pain

Research Interests

  • Biomechanics of the knee and of joint replacement
  • Sports and activity after joint replacement
  • Advanced surgical technology in joint replacement

Education, Certifications & Training

  • Assistant Professor - Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago IL
  • Fellowship - Adult Reconstruction, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
  • Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC
  • Medical School - Rush University Medical College, Chicago IL
  • Bachelors of Science - University of Notre Dame, South Bend IN

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Greek (Fluent)

Disclosures

None


Services, Conditions and Procedures

Hip Replacement

Knee Replacement

Osteoarthritis

Painful Joint Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement

Second Opinion


Locations (2)

Vasili Karas, Board Certified MD, MS

1611 W. Harrison St.
Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60612

1625 N. Harlem Ave
(Corner of North & Harlem – Within Rush Outpatient Center)
Galewood, IL, 60707


More About Dr. Vasili Karas, MD

NPI Number

1063778413

Provider's Gender

Male


Reviews

4.88
1577 Reviews

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Monica G. • June 18, 2026

Dr. Karas came highly recommended to me by my daughter who is a PT and i could not be more pleased with my outcomes! The attention to detail via the texts as well as his PA and support staff have all been great.

Patti C. • June 18, 2026

FINALLY somebody listened to me!! FINALLY I have hope to live a more active lifestyle. FINALLY there may be NO PAIN! Thank you Dr Karas

Barbara H. • June 17, 2026

Dr. Karas and his staff are amazing…They acknowledge the importance of your injury and provide you with the right treatment and diagnosis…I would recommend him and his staff to any and everyone

Stefen F. • June 17, 2026

Very professional and personal Thank you

Kathryn S. • June 17, 2026

I really like Dr.Karas.He is a great surgeon and doctor.He did my hip replacement.I feel alot better now, and can walk better too.He is very caring and helpful doctor. I really like Dr.Karas. Valerie Johnson

Valerie J. • June 17, 2026

Excellent experience. Very thorough, informative and transparent. Also good post op contact giving advice and encouragement.

Richard C. • June 17, 2026

Dr Karas is excellent, as is his entire team. They were able to fit me in last minute on a trip to Chicago which made something that could have been very difficult very easy! Great advice and initial treatment as we finalize what’s next Thanks so much

Fergus R. • June 17, 2026

My experience was par excellence. Dr Kara’s was very thorough, very knowledgeable and very detailed His office staff is indeed very helpful

Rajeev N. • June 13, 2026

Dr Vasili is one of the best orthopaedic doctor around. I was recommended to him from a friend, and I couldn’t be happier to be his patient for the past 2 years for my hip and knee problems. He is very attentive, polite, and always takes time to listen and answer questions. Also, never rushes you into to one way treatment, and gives you all possible options for treatment. I trust his decision making on all the options of a treatment he offers. Also, I can’t say enough for his assistants, Madison and Deana! They are the best! Very knowledgeable, sweet, with excellent bed side manners and wonderful listening skills. Thank you for all you do Dr Karas and team!

Elena P. • June 12, 2026

MOR in general is the best for your bone health. Dr. Karas and team a well oiled machine are the best of the best when it comes to knee care. I had aTKR done with Dr Karas today 8 months into it I am rowing, weightlifting soon to be jumping rope effortlessly. Thank you Dr Karas for treating me as a patient and not a case!

Raed T. • June 12, 2026

This was my initial visit and he was pleasant, friendly and informative.

Karen S. • June 12, 2026

Dr. Karas and his staff are always very professional and through. Three years ago Dr. Karas did a Left Hip replacement and Left Knee Replacement six months after the Hip and I am very happy with the results.

Marie B. • June 07, 2026

Great DR. he doesn’t recommend anything you don’t need. Explains everything thoroughly. I travel 150 miles one to see him.

Karen R. • June 05, 2026

I had my first visit with Dr Karas to review my right knee. He and his staff walked through everything with me and made me feel better about taking the next step towards a knee replacement. He let me know he was with me through this journey which also made me feel more at ease.

Sheralyn W. • June 04, 2026

Awesome

Conrad F. • June 04, 2026

App't time was as scheduled and my concerns were addressed. Dr karas was very pleasant and personable.

Margot R. • June 04, 2026

I’ve had both of my knees replaced by Dr. Kara’s. They both turned out great. I’d highly recommend him.

Susan L. • June 03, 2026

Today 6/3/26 I had my 2 year follow up on my knee(right). Dr. Karas has excellent bedside manner, goes over the X-rays that were done today explaining the findings. After listening to me about my knee he approaches the problem at hand making recommendations. Before he left he shook my hand and expressed to reach out if the treatment he suggested is working if not by email. I would recommend him and his staff to friends and family.

Michele C. • June 03, 2026

I went to 1611 Harrison today to get my x-rays in a timely manner. They have a great plan worked out for me for all my doctor appointments prior to my surgery for September 4. They have excellent team there to get me through the workshops and a training for knee replacement.

Lenise A. • May 29, 2026

Everyone was very professional and my visit was accomplished in a timely manner as my appointment time suggested. All my questions were answered so I was able to understand the procedures that I had. I would highly recommend doctor Karis and his staff.

Michael C. • May 28, 2026

Dr Kara’s and his team are the best! They listened to my concerns, adjusted my medications when things weren’t suiting me, and the quality of th work is excellent.

Alan C. • May 28, 2026

Super is the only word needed

James M. • May 27, 2026

Dr Karas did both of my knee replacements. My recovery after each one has gone without incident. It is so great to have knees that no longer crunch. I can walk as far as I want. I look forward to getting stronger.

Cynthia K. • May 22, 2026

Dr”s are awesome

Marybeth T. • May 21, 2026

I was content Alexa and Dr. Karas evaluation of my right 2 1/2 weeks post surgery. They answered all of my questions. The only negative is that I had to wait 1/2 hour for a nurse to remove my stitches. It must have a busy day for the nurse.

Javier G. • May 07, 2026

Very hands-on with you! I’m extremely happy with the outcome of my surgery. I would recommend to every patient to have two months of PT before surgery. I only use my walker for five days and didn’t use anything else after that.

Eileen T. • May 07, 2026

Kind, compassionate, caring and professional. I felt surrounded by focused and interested staff who were genuinely interested in my well-being .

Jackie R. • May 07, 2026

Great very professional

Marrico M. • May 07, 2026

Very satisfied with the service from the front desk to the doctors visit. Doctor explained everything very thorough and also his assistant Would highly recommend

Ernest B. • May 07, 2026

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