Dr. Bernard P. Kemker

Director of Joint Replacement Services

Dr. Kemker joined Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, PA in August of 2020. He specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He attended Indiana University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and Psychology. Dr. Kemker did his residency at Michigan State University and completed his Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University.

With more than five years serving as Director of Joint Replacement Services, Dr. Kemker brings advanced techniques in hip and knee replacement, including the muscle-sparing Bikini Anterior Hip Replacement Approach, and complex revision surgery to patients across Eastern North Carolina.

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Dr. Kemker serves as the Director of Joint Replacement Surgery for Carolina Regional Orthopaedics and he works with many area locals near Rocky Mount and across Eastern North Carolina to reduce joint pain and restore mobility.

Dr. Kemker takes pride in returning his patients back to their normal activities, such as sports, working in their gardens, workshops, and regaining their independence from their hip and knee pain. One of his specialties is Bikini Anterior Hip Replacements. He also offers tourniquet-less knee replacement techniques for both total and partial knee replacements, providing patients with reduced postoperative thigh pain, less swelling, and a more comfortable early recovery. Through Dr. Kemker’s training and fellowship he has become focused on the treatment of advanced reconstruction problems, such as fracture repair, infections and wound care, and the failure of hip and knee replacements. As a renowned expert on osteoarthritis of the knee, he recently contributed to the Clinical Practice Guideline on Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (3rd Edition). Dr. Kemker’s goal is to keep expert care close to home.

Dr. Kemker’s Approach to Advanced Knee Replacement Techniques

As Director of Joint Replacement Services at Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, Dr. Kemker utilizes advanced, patient-centered techniques in knee replacement surgery to optimize outcomes and recovery. One key offering is tourniquet-less knee replacement for both total and partial procedures.

This modern approach minimizes or eliminates the use of a traditional tourniquet, resulting in reduced postoperative thigh pain, less swelling, and often a smoother start to physical therapy. By maintaining normal blood flow during surgery, many patients experience greater comfort in the critical early recovery phase while still achieving excellent long-term joint function.

Dr. Kemker tailors each knee replacement, whether total, partial, or tourniquet-less, to the individual’s anatomy, activity level, and health needs. His fellowship training in adult reconstruction and ongoing contributions to clinical guidelines keep his techniques at the forefront of orthopedic care. Patients across Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Eastern North Carolina benefit from this expertise close to home.

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Qualifications

Undergraduate:

Indiana University, Bachelor of Arts – Biology, 06/2010

Medical Studies

Indiana University School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 06/2014
Orthopedic Elective Rotations at Campbell Clinic, Akron General, Indiana University Trauma and Pediatric Orthopedic Teams, Community Orthopedics with Dr. Eaton MD, and Community Orthopedics/Blackfoot Mission Trip with Eby DO

Fellowship

Adult reconstruction fellowship, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA – 08/2019 to 08/2020
Focusing on complex primary, traumatic, and revision total joint arthroplasty

Residency

Orthopedic surgery resident, Michigan State University, Flint, MI – 07/2014 to 07/2019

Research

A sliding hip screw augmented with 2 screws is biomechanically similar to an inverted triad of cannulated screws in the repair of a Pauwels Type-III fracture.
Kemker, B., et al., A sliding hip screw augmented with 2 screws is biomechanically similar to an inverted triad of cannulated screws in the repair of a Pauwels type-III fracture. Injury, 2017. 48(8): p. 1743-1748.
The new surgical technique for improving total knee and hip arthroplasty outcomes: patient selection.
Magone, K., et al., The New Surgical Technique for Improving Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes: Patient Selection. J Arthroplasty, 2017. 32(7): p. 2070-2076.
A biomechanical model to evaluate Pauwels Type-III femoral neck fractures.
Magone K, Kemker B, Owen J, Bloom O, Martin S, Atkinson P: A biomechanical model to evaluate Pauwels Type III femoral neck fractures. Journal of Engineering in Medicine, Conditionally Accepted.

Recent Publications

Hip and Knee Bracing: Categorization, Treatment Algorithm, and Systematic Review Kemker BP, Kankaria R, Patel N, Golladay G. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews. 2021. Read full text (free) | PubMed
Comparing Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Stems at a High-Volume Revision Center Kemker BP, Sowers CB, Seedat R, Satpathy J, Patel NK, Lombardo DJ, Golladay GJ. Frontiers in Surgery. 2022. Read full text (free) | PubMed