Wellington, FL · Conservative-first orthopedic care
Stop Living With Pain. Start Moving Again.
Wellington's conservative-first board-certified orthopedic surgeon — surgery is always the last resort. Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO helps patients explore every appropriate option before an operation is considered.
Board Certified35+ YearsFormer Chief of SurgeryTelemedicine Available
Trusted byWellington Regional Medical CenterLake Erie College of MedicineAmerican Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
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35+ YearsExperience
Board CertifiedABOS
FormerChief of Surgery
TelemedicineAll of Florida
What We Treat
Orthopedic Care in Wellington, FL — Conservative First, Surgery Last
Every patient gets a complete, personalized evaluation — starting with the most conservative approach possible before surgery is ever considered.
Orthopedic Surgery
Most PopularInsurance Accepted
Conservative & Surgical Care
World-class Palm Beach County orthopedic surgery from a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 35+ years of expertise — total joint replacement, sports medicine, and the full spectrum of general orthopedics. Conservative-first always; elite surgical precision when it's needed.
Total Knee ReplacementTotal Hip ReplacementShoulder SurgerySports MedicineACL & MeniscusRotator CuffFracture CareSecond Opinions
Regenerative Medicine
Cash Pay Available
PRP & Stem Cell Therapy
For patients searching PRP injection Palm Beach options, harness your body's own healing response to support repair of damaged joints, cartilage, and tendons — a meaningful alternative for many patients considering surgery.
PRP TherapyStem CellHA InjectionsCartilage Support
Medical Weight Loss
Telemedicine AvailableCash Pay Available
GLP-1 & Weight Optimization
Physician-supervised weight loss programs using evidence-based approaches. Telemedicine orthopedic Florida consultations available throughout Florida. Qualifying patients only — physician evaluation required.
Personalized protocols to support accelerated healing, improved energy, and recovery performance — supervised by a board-certified physician via telemedicine.
Recovery ProtocolsVitalityPerformanceTelemedicine
Peptides & Longevity
Cash Pay AvailableTelemedicine
Peptide Consultations
Physician-supervised peptide and longevity consultations based on your health history, goals, labs, and current legal availability of appropriate protocols.
Patients choose Wellington Orthopedic Institute for conservative orthopedic care South Florida families can rely on, plus surgical expertise when it is truly needed.
35+ Years of Orthopedic ExcellenceDecades of clinical judgment across joint replacement, sports medicine, and general orthopedics.
Conservative-First PhilosophySurgery is always the last resort after appropriate non-surgical options are considered.
Board Certified by ABOSCare led by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
Former Chief of SurgeryFormer Chief of Surgery at Wellington Regional Medical Center.
Telemedicine Throughout FloridaTelemedicine orthopedic Florida appointments are available for appropriate visits.
Same-Week Appointments AvailableNew patient appointments available for patients seeking timely evaluation.
Conservative First
Conservative Orthopedic Care in South Florida
Too many patients are rushed toward surgery before every option has been explored. At Wellington Orthopedic Institute, we believe the operating room should only be entered when everything else has genuinely been tried.
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Listen & Diagnose Thoroughly
We spend real time with every patient — reviewing imaging, understanding your goals, and building a complete picture before recommending anything.
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Exhaust Every Non-Surgical Option
Physical therapy, targeted injections, PRP, stem cell therapy, bracing — every appropriate alternative is explored before surgery is discussed.
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World-Class Surgery When It's Needed
When surgery is truly the right answer, Dr. Mikolajczak brings cutting-edge techniques — anterior total hips, custom knee surgery tailored to you, advanced shoulder reconstruction — to every procedure.
Conservative-first care means surgery is discussed only after appropriate non-surgical options have been considered.
— Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO
Related Services
PRP · Stem Cell · HA · Biologics · Ultrasound-Guided
PRP & Regenerative Medicine in Palm Beach County
Most patients have already tried cortisone or PT. If that hasn't been enough — regenerative medicine may be the next step before surgery is ever considered.
Most patients who come to us have already tried anti-inflammatories, cortisone shots, or physical therapy. If those haven't worked — or haven't worked well enough — regenerative medicine may be the next step before surgery is ever considered.
Step 1 · Evaluation
Imaging, history, goals
Dr. Mike reviews your imaging, prior treatments, medical history, pain pattern, and activity goals before any injection is recommended.
Step 2 · Individualized Protocol
No one-size-fits-all injection
Not every patient needs the same treatment. The plan may involve PRP, HA, bracing, therapy, weight-loss support, or surgery when that is the honest answer.
Step 3 · Ultrasound Guidance
Precision matters
Every injection is ultrasound-guided for precision, helping Dr. Mikolajczak place treatment exactly where it is intended.
In-Office Biologic
Cash pay
PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma
What it is: PRP uses a small sample of your own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate platelets, then injected into a targeted joint, tendon, or soft-tissue area to support your body's natural healing response.
Best for: mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, selected rotator cuff and shoulder problems, tennis elbow/golfer's elbow, tendon irritation, and some hip or soft-tissue conditions after physician evaluation.
Evidence: Published research covering 18 randomized controlled trials and 1,995 patients found PRP exceeded the minimum clinically important difference for knee osteoarthritis pain at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Clinical studies in rotator cuff repair have associated PRP with approximately 38% lower retear rates versus control.
What to expect: Most appointments take about 45–60 minutes. Many patients start with one injection, while some conditions may require a series. Temporary soreness can occur; improvement, when it happens, is usually gradual over weeks to months.
Knee ArthritisRotator CuffElbow & TendonHip
PRP is typically not covered by insurance. Individual results vary; evaluation required.
Advanced Biologic Consultation
Cash pay
Stem Cell / MSC Therapy Consultation
What it is: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is discussed as an advanced biologic option using cells and signaling pathways involved in tissue repair. In orthopedics, the conversation is usually about cartilage support, tendon problems, and joint pain in carefully selected patients.
Honest evidence framing: Early research is promising, but promising does not mean guaranteed. No stem cell or MSC therapy is currently FDA-approved for orthopedic joint conditions. Dr. Mike offers consultation because some patients want to understand every appropriate option, and we are transparent about where the evidence is and where it is still developing. We don't oversell. We explain.
Evaluation process: A recommendation requires a thorough visit, imaging review, medical history review, and labs when appropriate. If your joint is too damaged or your goals are better served by surgery, Dr. Mikolajczak will tell you directly.
What to expect: Timelines and recovery vary by protocol and diagnosis. Pricing is cash pay and discussed only after physician evaluation confirms whether the option is even appropriate.
Knee OACartilageHipShoulder
Not FDA-approved for orthopedic joints. Cash pay. Individual results vary; physician evaluation required.
In-Office · Non-Surgical
Insurance may cover
Viscosupplementation (HA Injections)
What it is: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring lubricant in healthy joints. In knee osteoarthritis, the joint fluid can become thinner and less protective. HA injections are designed to improve lubrication and reduce friction inside the joint.
Best for: mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, especially for patients who want to delay surgery or who are not ready for joint replacement.
Evidence: Published clinical studies support symptom benefits up to 6 months in appropriate candidates, and published data suggests HA may delay total knee replacement by approximately 4 years for some patients.
What to expect: HA is typically performed as a series of 1–3 injections depending on the product, diagnosis, and insurance plan. Unlike PRP, HA is covered by many insurance plans for knee osteoarthritis when medical criteria are met.
Knee OAMild–Moderate ArthritisDelay Surgery
Insurance may cover knee OA when criteria are met. Individual results vary.
Cartilage Restoration
Cartilage Restoration (ACI / MACI)
What it is: Cartilage restoration uses a patient's own cartilage cells or advanced repair techniques to address specific cartilage defects, most often in the knee.
Best for: focal cartilage injuries in patients whose joint is otherwise reasonably preserved. It is different from treating end-stage arthritis.
What to expect: This is usually a surgical or staged procedure, not a quick office injection. Insurance may apply depending on diagnosis, imaging, and plan authorization.
Knee CartilageJoint Surface Repair
Insurance may apply. Patient evaluation required. Individual results vary.
Biologic Growth Factors
Growth Factor Injections
What it is: Growth factors are bioactive proteins involved in tissue signaling and repair. In orthopedics, they may be discussed in very specific surgical and bone-healing settings.
Best for: selected fracture, fusion, and bone-healing scenarios when medically appropriate — not a generic injection for every painful joint.
What to expect: These options are considered only after diagnosis, imaging, and treatment context are clear. Insurance may apply in approved surgical indications.
SpineBone HealingFracture Repair
Insurance may apply for approved indications. Individual results vary.
Surgical Biologic Support
Bone Grafting & Biologic Scaffolds
What it is: Natural or synthetic scaffold materials provide a framework for new bone growth when the body needs additional structural support.
Best for: selected fracture repair, spinal fusion, and joint reconstruction scenarios where biology and structure both matter.
What to expect: This is typically used in a surgical context. The exact material and approach depend on diagnosis, bone quality, imaging, and insurance authorization.
Spinal FusionFracture RepairJoint Reconstruction
Used in surgical context. Insurance may apply. Individual results vary.
Precision Injection
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
What it is: Real-time ultrasound imaging lets Dr. Mikolajczak see the joint, tendon, bursa, or soft-tissue target during the procedure.
Best for: PRP, HA, corticosteroid, and selected biologic injections where precise delivery matters.
What to expect: The procedure is performed in-office. Most patients leave the same day with instructions tailored to the injection type and diagnosis.
PRP DeliveryHA InjectionPain Management
Insurance or cash pay depends on injection type. Individual results vary.
Anti-Inflammatory · In-Office
Corticosteroid Injections
What it is: A targeted anti-inflammatory injection that can calm a painful flare and help patients participate in therapy or daily activity.
Best for: arthritis flare-ups, bursitis, tendon irritation, and inflammatory pain when rapid relief is the short-term goal.
What to expect: This is not regenerative medicine, but it can be a useful bridge. Frequency and appropriateness are determined by physician evaluation.
ArthritisBursitisTendonitisInflammation
Insurance may cover when criteria are met. Individual results vary.
Decision Guidance
Regenerative vs Surgery — When We Recommend Each
Factor
Good candidate for regenerative
Better candidate for surgery
Joint damage level
Mild to moderate arthritis, focal tendon or cartilage problems, preserved joint space
Severe bone-on-bone arthritis, major structural collapse, or mechanical failure
Age/activity level
Active patients trying to maintain function, delay surgery, or recover from soft-tissue injury
Patients whose pain and disability are no longer manageable with conservative care
Prior treatment history
Physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections helped incompletely or temporarily
Appropriate conservative options have failed and imaging supports operative treatment
Recovery time available
You prefer minimal downtime and can allow gradual improvement over weeks to months
You can commit to a surgical recovery and rehabilitation plan
Insurance considerations
HA may be covered for knee OA; PRP and MSC options are commonly cash pay
Medically necessary surgery is often processed through insurance after authorization
This table is general education, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Individual results vary and candidacy requires evaluation.
From Dr. Mikolajczak
Why Regenerative Medicine First
Hear Dr. Mike explain his conservative-first philosophy and how regenerative therapies help many patients evaluate options before surgery is considered.
Important medical disclaimer: Regenerative treatments are medical procedures and are not appropriate for every patient or every condition. PRP is not FDA-approved for all orthopedic indications and is commonly cash pay. No stem cell or MSC therapy is currently FDA-approved for orthopedic joint conditions. HA coverage depends on diagnosis, insurance plan, and medical necessity. This page is informational only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary.
Not sure if regenerative medicine is right for you?
Schedule a consultation — Dr. Mikolajczak will give you an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
Individual results vary. Candidacy depends on diagnosis, imaging, health history, and goals.
Regenerative Medicine FAQ
Does PRP therapy actually work?
Published research covering 18 randomized controlled trials and 1,995 patients found PRP exceeded the minimum clinically important difference for knee osteoarthritis pain at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results vary by patient, diagnosis, and severity.
How many PRP injections do I need?
Most patients start with one injection, while some conditions may involve a series. Dr. Mikolajczak evaluates each patient individually to determine the appropriate protocol.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP is typically considered experimental by most insurance carriers and is generally a cash-pay procedure. We discuss pricing during your consultation.
Is HA different from PRP?
Yes. HA is a joint lubricant and is often covered by insurance for knee osteoarthritis when criteria are met. PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood and is commonly cash pay.
Are stem cell or MSC injections FDA-approved for joints?
No. Stem cell and MSC therapies are not currently FDA-approved for orthopedic joint conditions. Dr. Mikolajczak discusses the evidence honestly and only after a physician evaluation.
Related Services
Medical Weight Loss · GLP-1 · Telemedicine
Medical Weight Loss Programs in Wellington, FL — GLP-1 & Telemedicine
Physician-supervised weight loss — not an app or a questionnaire. A real board-certified doctor who reviews your history and builds a plan around your body and your goals.
GLP-1 evaluation for qualifying patients
Telemedicine orthopedic Florida consultations — available throughout Florida
GLP-1 medications are available only to qualifying patients following a physician evaluation. Results vary. This is not a guarantee of treatment eligibility.
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Physician-Supervised
Dr. Mikolajczak reviews every patient personally. No algorithms, no automated approvals.
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Telemedicine Convenient
Consult from home. Follow-ups built in. Prescriptions sent electronically where appropriate.
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Comprehensive Plan
Medication where appropriate, plus nutrition guidance and a structured 90-day monitoring schedule.
Medical Weight Loss FAQ
Am I a candidate for GLP-1 therapy?
GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition. A physician evaluation is required.
Can I get GLP-1 prescriptions via telemedicine in Florida?
Yes. Wellington Orthopedic Institute offers telemedicine consultations throughout Florida for qualifying patients.
Related Services
Recovery · Vitality · Optimization · Telemedicine
Healing & Wellness Telemedicine in Florida
Advanced recovery and personalized wellness protocols — supervised by a board-certified physician — to help you feel and function at your best.
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Accelerated Recovery
Support your body's healing processes following injury, surgery, or periods of intense physical demand.
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Energy & Vitality
Addressing root-cause contributors to fatigue and declining performance — not just managing symptoms.
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Longevity Protocols
Science-informed approaches to supporting long-term health, resilience, and healthy aging.
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Performance Optimization
For athletes, active professionals, and anyone wanting to maximize what their body is capable of.
"Tell us what you're working on or hoping to improve — we'll build a plan around you."
Peptide Consultations for Recovery, Energy & Healthy Aging in Florida
If you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and you are training, recovering, managing joint pain, or simply trying to stay strong longer, peptide medicine should be approached medically — with real supervision, labs, and clear legal boundaries.
What Is a Physician-Supervised Peptide Program?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. In clinical practice, certain legally available peptide protocols may be considered for patients pursuing recovery support, body composition, hormone pathway support, or healthy-aging goals.
At Wellington Orthopedic Institute, the service is not a menu of molecules. It is a physician consultation. Dr. Michael Mikolajczak reviews your health history, medications, labs, orthopedic goals, and current FDA/compounding guidance before discussing what is legally available and medically appropriate.
Sermorelin — a physician-prescribed peptide used in clinical practice since 1997 — supports the body's natural growth hormone pathways. Unlike synthetic HGH, sermorelin works with your body's own feedback mechanisms. It still requires medical evaluation, documentation, and monitoring.
Recovery Support
Orthopedic Recovery Protocols
Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery or sports injury often ask about protocols to support tissue healing. Physician-supervised recovery programs may include peptide protocols as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy.
Not a substitute for rehab, surgery follow-up, or medical treatment. Results vary.
Metabolic / Body Composition
Strength, Weight & Mobility Goals
For patients working on body composition alongside an orthopedic recovery, physician-supervised metabolic programs address both goals in one care plan.
May involve labs, nutrition, activity planning, and medication review. Results vary.
Hormone Support
Sermorelin Consultations
Sermorelin — a physician-prescribed peptide used in clinical practice since 1997 — supports the body's natural growth hormone pathways. Unlike synthetic HGH, sermorelin works with your body's own feedback mechanisms.
Medical necessity, labs, and physician monitoring are required.
Longevity & Healthy Aging
Evidence-Guided Optimization
Emerging research continues to explore peptide applications in healthy aging. Dr. Mikolajczak reviews the current evidence at your consultation to discuss what is legally available and scientifically supported.
Available options change with current FDA and compounding guidance.
Why WOI
What Makes Our Peptide Program Different
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon supervisingThis is not a wellness spa. Dr. Mikolajczak brings 35+ years of physician judgment to recovery, mobility, and health optimization decisions.
Only legal and compoundable optionsWe only prescribe what is currently legal and compoundable under applicable FDA/PCAC and pharmacy guidelines.
Monthly monitoring built inFollow-up, response review, and lab monitoring when appropriate are part of the program — not an afterthought.
Telemedicine throughout FloridaInitial and follow-up consultations are available via telemedicine for appropriate Florida patients.
What a Peptide Consultation Looks Like
1
Medical Evaluation
Dr. Mike reviews your full health history, current labs, symptoms, medications, contraindications, and goals.
2
Individualized Protocol
If appropriate, a personalized plan is designed using only legally available, physician-prescribed compounds.
3
Monthly Monitoring
Follow-ups and lab reviews are built in so the protocol can be stopped, continued, or adjusted based on your response.
Peptide Program FAQ
Are peptides legal?
Some are, some aren't. Dr. Mike only uses legally compoundable peptides under current FDA/PCAC guidelines. Your consultation includes a full review of what's appropriate for you.
How is this different from a peptide clinic?
Dr. Mikolajczak is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 35+ years of experience, not a wellness spa. Every protocol is medically supervised with proper monitoring.
Can I do this via telemedicine?
Yes. Initial and follow-up consultations are available via telemedicine throughout Florida for appropriate patients.
How much does it cost?
Peptide consultations are cash-pay. Pricing is discussed during your evaluation after Dr. Mikolajczak determines what type of consultation and monitoring are appropriate.
Is Sermorelin the same as synthetic HGH?
No. Sermorelin supports the body's natural growth hormone pathways and works with normal feedback mechanisms. It is still prescription-only and requires medical evaluation and monitoring.
Important: Peptide consultations at Wellington Orthopedic Institute are medical evaluations, not guaranteed prescriptions. Some peptides are legally available and compoundable; others are not. Dr. Mikolajczak only discusses or prescribes options that are currently legal, clinically appropriate, and available through appropriate pharmacy channels. Peptide therapies may be off-label, are not FDA-approved for the treatment of any specific disease unless otherwise stated, and are subject to evolving FDA, PCAC, and compounding pharmacy rules. Physician evaluation, monitoring, and medical necessity documentation may be required. Results vary. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Related Services
Patient Videos
Patient Video Testimonials from Wellington Orthopedic Institute
Real patients sharing their experience at Wellington Orthopedic Institute. Individual results vary.
Verified patient video testimonial. Individual results vary.
Verified patient video testimonial. Individual results vary.
Related Services
Have a Patient Story to Share?
With your permission, patient stories help others make informed decisions about their care.
Conservative-first care, advanced surgical judgment when needed, and physician-supervised wellness options.
— Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO — Orthopedic Surgeon Wellington FL
A board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 35+ years of experience, Dr. Mikolajczak is an orthopedic surgeon Wellington FL patients can consult for complex joint pain. Dr. Mikolajczak is a former Chief of Surgery and former Chief of Staff at Wellington Regional Medical Center and has earned a reputation throughout Palm Beach County as a Palm Beach County orthopedic leader for combining surgical precision with a genuine conservative-first commitment to patient care.
His surgical expertise spans total joint replacement, sports medicine, and general orthopedics — from complex knee and hip replacements to rotator cuff repairs and fracture management. When surgery is the right answer, Dr. Mikolajczak employs the most advanced techniques available — from anterior approach total hip replacement to custom knee surgery tailored to your anatomy, and advanced shoulder reconstruction.
For patients comparing conservative orthopedic care South Florida options, what truly sets him apart is his philosophy: explore every appropriate alternative first, then consider surgery only when it is truly the right answer for the patient.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Mike
Conservative-first decisionsEvery appropriate non-surgical option is considered before surgery is recommended.
Decades of judgment35+ years in practice helps patients weigh options with clarity, not pressure.
Whole-person optionsOrthopedics, regenerative medicine, weight loss, peptides, and telemedicine under physician supervision.
Board CertifiedAmerican Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)
Former Chief of Surgery + Chief of StaffWellington Regional Medical Center
Total Joint ReplacementKnee, Hip & Shoulder Replacement
General OrthopedicsFull spectrum — shoulder, elbow, hand, foot
35+ Years ExperienceMedical practice since 1987
Associate ProfessorLake Erie College of Medicine
Regenerative MedicinePRP, Stem Cell & HA Therapies
Credential Timeline
1987Medical graduationA.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
LeadershipChief of SurgeryWellington Regional Medical Center
LeadershipChief of StaffWellington Regional Medical Center
PresentWellington Orthopedic InstituteConservative-first orthopedic care
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Book an Appointment
Book an Orthopedic Consultation in Wellington, FL
No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation with Dr. Mike's team about what you're dealing with and what your options are. We'll call you within 2 business hours.
Dr. Mikolajczak sees a limited number of new patients each month. Secure your consultation today.
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Related Services
When Surgery Is the Answer
Board-Certified Joint Replacement Surgeon in Wellington, Florida
Dr. Mikolajczak's conservative-first philosophy means surgery is reserved for patients who truly need it. When that time comes, he brings the most advanced surgical approaches available today.
Anterior Total Hip Replacement
The anterior approach allows Dr. Mikolajczak to replace the hip joint through the front of the hip rather than the side or back — without cutting through major muscles. This means less pain, faster recovery, and a lower dislocation risk compared to traditional approaches.
Also offered: Bikini Incision Approach — the same muscle-sparing technique with the incision placed along the natural bikini line for improved cosmetic outcomes.
Custom Knee Replacement Wellington Florida — Tailored to You
No two knees are the same. For knee replacement Wellington Florida patients, Dr. Mikolajczak plans every knee replacement around your specific anatomy — so the surgery is built for you, not adapted from a generic template. The result is better alignment, a more natural feel, and a knee that moves the way yours is supposed to.
Built for Your AnatomyNatural Feel & MovementPrecision AlignmentTailored to You
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Dr. Mikolajczak performs reverse total shoulder replacement for patients with severe arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, or failed previous shoulder surgery. He also offers the full spectrum of arthroscopic shoulder care — rotator cuff repair, labral reconstruction, and impingement treatment.
ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, labral surgery, and more — using arthroscopic techniques that minimize incision size, preserve healthy tissue, and get athletes and active patients back to full function faster.
ACL · Meniscus · Labrum · Arthroscopic
General Orthopedic Surgery
Fracture management, elbow, wrist, hand, foot and ankle conditions — the full breadth of orthopedic surgical care delivered with the same precision and conservative philosophy that defines every procedure at Wellington Orthopedic Institute.
Fractures · Elbow · Hand · Foot & Ankle
Revision Hip & Knee Surgery
When a prior joint replacement has failed, worn out, or become painful, Dr. Mikolajczak performs complex revision arthroplasty — replacing or refining the original implant to restore function and relieve pain.
When surgery is the right answer, you want a surgeon with decades of judgment — and Dr. Mikolajczak brings 35+ years of orthopedic experience to every recommendation and procedure.
The surgical procedures described above reflect the general scope of Dr. Mikolajczak's practice. Specific techniques, implant selection, and surgical approach are determined on a patient-by-patient basis following thorough evaluation. Individual outcomes vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Joint Replacement FAQ
How long does knee replacement recovery take?
Most patients resume basic activities in 3–6 weeks, while full recovery often takes 3–6 months. Our conservative-first approach means we explore appropriate options before surgery.
What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement?
Total knee replacement replaces all three compartments of the knee. Partial, or unicompartmental, knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartment and may offer faster recovery and a more natural feel for appropriate candidates.
Is anterior hip replacement better?
The anterior approach has been associated with shorter hospital stay, lower blood transfusion rates, and better early function at 3 months compared with posterior approaches in published comparisons. Candidacy depends on individual anatomy and diagnosis.
Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon?
No referral is needed at Wellington Orthopedic Institute. Call 561-670-2010 to book directly.
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Procedure Guides
Orthopedic Procedure Information for Wellington, FL Patients
Knee Replacement Wellington Florida
Patients researching knee replacement Wellington Florida options often want to know whether surgery is truly necessary, what recovery looks like, and how to choose the right surgeon. At Wellington Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO begins with a conservative-first evaluation that reviews imaging, symptoms, activity goals, prior treatment, and non-surgical alternatives. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 35+ years of experience, he recommends knee replacement only when arthritis, deformity, instability, or loss of function makes surgery the most appropriate path.
When knee replacement is indicated, the procedure is planned around the patient’s anatomy and long-term mobility goals. Some patients may be candidates for partial knee replacement when damage is limited to one compartment; others require total knee replacement for more advanced disease. Dr. Mikolajczak discusses implant choices, expected hospital or surgery-center workflow, pain control, physical therapy, and return-to-activity milestones so patients can make an informed decision. The goal is not simply to replace a joint, but to restore practical function with a plan that fits the person.
Wellington Orthopedic Institute serves Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and surrounding Palm Beach County communities. If knee pain is limiting walking, stairs, golf, tennis, work, or sleep, schedule a consultation to review your options.
Hip Replacement Wellington FL
Hip arthritis can make ordinary activities feel exhausting: getting out of a chair, walking across a parking lot, sleeping comfortably, or returning to exercise. For patients seeking hip replacement Wellington FL care, Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO offers evaluation by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who emphasizes conservative treatment before surgery. Medication, activity modification, injections, physical therapy, and regenerative options may be discussed when appropriate, but advanced hip degeneration sometimes requires joint replacement to reliably restore mobility and reduce pain.
Dr. Mikolajczak offers anterior approach total hip replacement for appropriate candidates. The anterior approach accesses the joint from the front of the hip and is designed to work between muscles rather than cutting through major muscle groups. Surgical approach, implant selection, and recovery planning are individualized after examination and imaging review. Patients receive clear guidance on what to expect before surgery, immediately after surgery, during early walking, and throughout rehabilitation. Every case is different, so the consultation focuses on realistic goals rather than generic promises.
Wellington Orthopedic Institute provides Palm Beach County orthopedic care for hip pain, hip arthritis, failed conservative care, and second opinions. If hip pain is changing how you move, work, or sleep, call 561-670-2010 or request a consultation.
PRP Therapy Palm Beach County
PRP therapy uses a patient’s own blood, processed to concentrate platelets, then injected into a targeted area to support the body’s natural healing response. Patients searching for PRP injection Palm Beach options often have knee arthritis, tendon pain, rotator cuff problems, elbow pain, hip pain, or sports-related injuries and want to know whether a non-surgical approach could help. At Wellington Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Mikolajczak evaluates whether PRP is medically appropriate based on diagnosis, severity, imaging findings, prior treatments, and patient goals.
PRP is performed in-office and may be delivered with ultrasound guidance for precision. Most patients receive a customized recommendation rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol. The number of injections, expected recovery window, activity restrictions, and cash-pay pricing are discussed during consultation. PRP is typically considered experimental by many insurance carriers, so the team reviews financial expectations before treatment. Results vary by patient and condition, and PRP is not a guarantee that surgery can be avoided.
For Palm Beach County patients comparing regenerative medicine options, Wellington Orthopedic Institute offers conservative orthopedic care South Florida patients can discuss directly with a physician. A PRP injection Palm Beach consultation may include review of arthritis severity, tendon symptoms, medications, activity goals, and whether additional imaging is needed before treatment. Call 561-670-2010 or request a PRP consultation.
Shoulder Replacement Wellington FL
Severe shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, prior failed surgery, or complex joint degeneration can cause pain, weakness, stiffness, and loss of overhead function. Patients considering shoulder replacement Wellington FL care need a careful diagnosis because shoulder pain can also come from rotator cuff tears, impingement, instability, labral injuries, fractures, or neck-related causes. Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO evaluates the full shoulder, reviews imaging, and discusses conservative treatment before recommending replacement surgery.
When shoulder replacement is appropriate, Dr. Mikolajczak performs reverse total shoulder replacement — the procedure he specializes in — which is particularly effective for patients with rotator cuff deficiency, arthropathy, or complex shoulder conditions. Dr. Mikolajczak also offers arthroscopic shoulder procedures, including rotator cuff repair and labral reconstruction, when replacement is not the best choice. The consultation includes a discussion of expected pain control, sling use, therapy progression, and practical timelines for daily activities.
Wellington Orthopedic Institute serves active adults, workers, retirees, and athletes throughout Wellington and Palm Beach County. Patients receive practical guidance on when injections, therapy, activity modification, regenerative options, arthroscopy, or replacement should be considered. If shoulder pain is limiting sleep, reaching, lifting, work, or sport, schedule an evaluation with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
Medical Weight Loss Wellington FL
Medical weight loss at Wellington Orthopedic Institute is physician-supervised, not an automated questionnaire. Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO evaluates each patient’s history, goals, medications, risk factors, and eligibility for treatment options that may include GLP-1 therapy for qualifying adults. Patients seeking medical weight loss Wellington FL programs often want a plan that connects weight, joint pain, mobility, metabolic health, and long-term function rather than focusing only on the number on a scale.
GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related condition, and require physician evaluation. Telemedicine consultations are available throughout Florida for appropriate patients, with follow-up monitoring built into the program. Medication may be part of the plan when clinically appropriate, but nutrition guidance, progress review, side-effect monitoring, and realistic goal setting are essential parts of care.
For orthopedic patients, reducing weight can lower stress on painful joints and may improve readiness for activity or surgery when surgery becomes necessary. Because care is supervised by a physician, the program can account for orthopedic limitations, mobility goals, medication history, and safety monitoring. Call 561-670-2010 or request a telemedicine evaluation to see whether you may qualify.
