Christopher S. Raffo, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist
Recognition & awards
About
Dr. Christopher S. Raffo is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with more than 21 years of experience treating shoulder and knee injuries. He serves patients throughout Montgomery County at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists' Bethesda and Germantown offices.
His clinical practice focuses on arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, including primary and revision rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability and labral repair, ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and cartilage restoration. He also provides nonoperative treatment—including physical therapy, injections, and activity modification—when surgery is not the best first step.
High-volume rotator cuff surgery
For patients with complex or previously unsuccessful rotator cuff repairs, Dr. Raffo brings the perspective of a high-volume shoulder surgeon experienced in both primary and revision procedures.
Professional, collegiate, and high-school sports medicine experience
Dr. Raffo completed advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery at New England Baptist Hospital. His sports medicine experience includes treating athletes at the professional, collegiate, and high-school levels, with former team-physician roles involving the Boston Celtics, Washington Football Team, Georgetown University, Tufts University, Catholic University, and Quince Orchard High School.
Professional leadership
Dr. Raffo is President and a founding member of the Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center, which opened in March 2026. The center expands access to outpatient orthopedic surgery for patients in Montgomery County and the surrounding region.
Dr. Raffo sees patients at the Bethesda and Germantown offices and is currently accepting new patients.
Training & qualifications
Education & training
- Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN — 1995 Bachelor of Science in Physics, cum laude
- Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine — 1999, Doctor of Medicine with Honors
- Residency: Georgetown University School of Medicine — 1999-2004
Fellowships
- New England Baptist Hospital — Sports Medicine: Advanced Arthroscopic Techniques for Shoulder and Knee Surgery (2005)
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2007)
- ABOS Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (2007)
Professional societies & affiliations
- Former head team physician — Catholic University
- Former head team physician — Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg, MD
- Former assistant team physician — Boston Celtics, Tufts University, Georgetown University Hoyas, Washington Football Team
Professional affiliations
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
Hospital & surgical facilities
- Shady Grove Adventist Medical Center
- Watkins Mill Ambulatory Surgery Center, Gaithersburg, MD
- Surgery Center of Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase, MD
Notable techniques
- All-arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs
- Regeneten bioinductive implant (rotator cuff augmentation)
- Quadriceps autograft ACL reconstruction
- BPTB (bone-patellar-tendon-bone) autograft ACL reconstruction
- Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) augmentation for ACL reconstruction
- OCA (Osteochondral Allograft) for cartilage repair
- MACI (Matrix Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) for cartilage repair
- Meniscal repair
- Meniscal root repair
- Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and labral repair (SLAP, Bankart)
- Arthroscopic remplissage
- Robotic MAKO total knee arthroplasty
- Robotic MAKO partial knee replacement
- CORI robotic total knee arthroplasty
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and biologic injections
With Maryland Orthopedic Specialists since 2005
Patient reviews
Based on 613 verified patient reviews
“Dr. Raffo is the best. There is no one else you should ever go to for any orthopedic problem. He is super smart, thorough, thoughtful, efficient, direct, & a nice guy. He clearly explains what’s going on, what the options are, the pros & cons, and his recommendations.”
“Doctor Raffo and the staff was all very great and helpful. And give the help I needed.”
“Courteous staff, wait was short, both in waiting room and in exam room, Dr Raffo, was thorough and reasuring”
“Dr Ruffo is the best. He is not only a master of his craft as an outstanding surgeon but he is a caring, kind, warm human being understanding your fears in your present situation. He took his time explaining so clearly all the complicated issues regarding my upcoming surgery to save my severely shattered shoulder and arm. Dr. Raffo never gives you the feeling he might be in a rush, and he succeeds instilling confidence and hope in his patients. Fast forward - My surgery was successful and I have full mobility and strength in my arm and shoulder thanks to Dr. Ruffo and I highly recommend him as a gifted surgeon.”
“Dr Raffo is wonderful! I truly appreciate his help getting me back to walking normally again!”
“Very efficient and friendly appointment. The office staff and doctor(s) make you feel cared for and heard. Great experience. Highly recommend Dr. Raffo and his team!”
“Great bedside manner. He listened carefully about my issue and then worked quickly to identify the best course of treatment.”
“We thought the diagnosis was well founded based on the imaging and physical examination. Th advice going forward was very helpful.”
“Dr. Raffo is great. Very friendly and efficient. He has helped me tremendously over many years.”
“I was very happy with the treatment and explanations I received . I would highly recommend Dr Raffo.”