About Dr. Johnson

Dr. Derek R. Johnson is a board-certified fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in total and partial knee replacement and knee preservation surgery. Dr. Johnson has helped thousands of patients achieve a better quality of life through his multi-disciplinary approach to knee care.

Dr. Johnson is a highly regarded member of the Denver orthopedic medical community, and frequently appears as an expert on medical topics in the media. As an expert in the most current techniques in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, he also frequently lectures on the topic of total and partial knee replacement surgery.

Dr. Johnson has had years of specialized training in joint replacement therapy and surgery. He particularly focuses his practice on providing minimally invasive care to those suffering from degenerative knee conditions such as osteoarthritis. He offers his patients Conformis Customized Knee Implants, which is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy – offering patients a better fitting knee.

Dr. Johnson works closely with each of his patients to deliver personalized care and to make sure all of their questions are answered. This allows him to consistently deliver outstanding results and the best possible outcomes for his patients.

Knee Care Expertise

Dr. Johnson is an expert in the most up-to-date knee replacement surgical techniques. He has traveled the country as a lecturer and has trained other surgeons looking to perfect their technique. As a highly sought after expert in knee care, Dr. Johnson frequently has other surgeons observe his technique in his own operating room. Watch Dr. Johnson interviewed on Channel 7 News in Denver:


Dr. Johnson is an expert at delivering personalized care utilizing the latest technology, such as the Conformis knee implant system. In his role as the Director of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Parker Adventist Hospital, has helped thousands of patients increase mobility and reduce pain in their knees – and return to an active life.

Education and Background

Dr. Johnson began his medical training as an undergraduate at Central Michigan University where he received a B.S. in biology. He then began his medical training at Michigan State University, where he graduated with the highest academic distinction. Dr. Johnson furthered his medical education at the Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center, where he completed his residency training. He received additional specialized training in joint replacement therapy when he completed a Rocky Mountain Joint Replacement Fellowship in 2009.

Dr. Johnson is also an active member of the medical community as member of the following prestigious organizations:American Medical Association

  • American Medical Association
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Denver Medical Society

When he is not treating his patients, Dr. Johnson spends his time playing sports and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and four children.