Dr. Christopher Klifto, MD

I met Dr. Klifto 5 years ago. I was in my fifties with arthritis pain in my left shoulder. I'd been lifting weights since my early twenties. It became a time when my left shoulder couldn't be as reliable during my workouts, so I relied on Dr. Klifto and his P.A. Katherine Batten.On several occasions, I explained the mental aspect of my lifting weights. I had many chronic diseases, beginning at age eleven with type 1 diabetes. It was important for me to not appear as sick as I was, so I kept my body in above average condition.The initial surgery went well until I began lifting again. The second surgery was the reverse rotator cuff. The afterward, appearance was depressing. My shoulder looks deformed, and I still look unbalanced in all of my shirts. I would've prioritized what was important to the patient, so I assumed she would too. I assumed wrong and I'll have to live with it.

Referred to Dr. Klifto after a sports injury left my pinky and thumb fractured. They had to marry an ulnar gutter with a thumb spica cast to create the ugly but effective love child that healed my left hand. He was so positive and uplifting as a caregiver. So many kudos to the resident whose name I forgot (he assisted with that cast and he was so sweet--please make sure he sees this) who had empathized with me over the thumb spica bit. I have been a nurse for 28 years, and whenever I have unfortunately been on the receiving end of care, I am reminded why my job is important. We are the folks people turn to when they are scared and hurting. Thank you Dr. Klifto and that sweet resident who made me feel taken care of.

A very professional and great shoulder doctor. I'm very pleased with his expertise when it came to my shoulder problem.

Dr. Klifto was everything I expected in a doctor and more. He was referred to me by my initial orthopedic, who rescheduled my surgery to a later date. I had endured a torn rotator cuff for about 4 months because it was initially diagnosed as only dislocated. Dr. Klifto and his assistant, Katie, took care of everything with competence and compassion. He did what I asked my initial doctor to do without me having to ask him. He turned an unfortunate situation into a blessing. In my opinion, he's deserving of six out of five stars.

I had a torn rotator cuff. He explained options clearly. I elected Replacement. He and his team explained what they would do, and executed the plan effectively. Therapy and follow up care has gone well. Dr Klifto and his team exceeded my expectations for the replacement experience. I highly recommend him.

Dr. Klifto operated on my fractured humerus with great success. He is easy to talk to and will answer your questions. I highly recommend him. He is an excellent surgeon.

Dr. Klifto performed a shoulder surgery for me in May 2019. He made sure I understood what to expect and that all of my questions were answered. He made me feel comfortable, which wasn't easy. I had two (2) separate shoulder surgeries previously by two (2) different surgeons, but neither one (1) of them fixed my problems or relieved my pain. I went to see Dr. Klifto, discussed my situation with him, and he made me feel very comfortable with his surgical plan and I felt that I could trust him, which I did and which he earned. My surgery went well and I was extremely impressed with the results and recovery. Dr. Klifto fixed my problem, which I wasn't sure could be done. I may need another surgery in the future and I am grateful that he is the one (1) that will be performing it. He was professional, understanding, patient, knowledgeable and compassionate. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone.

I Had shoulder replacement on July 29 2019. It has been six weeks and I have not had any pain and have not had to use oxycodone for pain. I have had surgery and the Heart Inst and Eisenhower in Rancho Mirage Ca. and Duke and have never had such an easy surgery. Dr Klifto is so knowledgeable for what he does. Dr Klifto has a great sense of humor. He is the best and also is the best dressed doctor. Talk to him and you will be impressed with his knowledge and check his credentials you will be impressed. If I had to do surgery I would not have any reservations using Dr Klifto again. And he has a terrific staff.

Dr. Klfto solved my finger problem. I would gladly see him again should the need arise, and Am happy to recommend him to others

My husband, John Terry fell 7-18-2019 at Duke Hospital and was admitted to the ER. It was determined he had several fractures to the left shoulder. I scheduled him with Dr. Klifto on the 7-19th and it was determined he would need a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement. This surgery was performed on 7-29th with discharge on 8-2 to Hillcrest Rehab. The surgery went great! Lots of good PT/OT at Duke. Was transported to Hillcrest Rehab on 8-2. Everyone is amzed at the lack of pain he has had!! I saw the xray and it looks wonderful. I am so thinkful to the professional job he has done for my husband. He is also very caring and personable.

Dr. is an AWESOME surgeon! He operated on my finger in March and there is no evidence at all that I had surgery. He is such a compassionate doctor - actually, his entire staff is! I had surgery on a Thursday and he is the FIRST doctor that called me on a Sunday to see how I was doing and if I was in any pain. I know have to have foot surgery and I truly wish he could perform that surgery, but unfortunately he can't. He was never in a rush and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend Dr. Klifto!!!!

I am extremely impressed with Dr. Klifto. He is very professional in his demeanor and his work as an orthopedic surgeon is outstanding. His character goes above and beyond in every way possible. He is very assuring and has a smile that shows 100% confidence in his area of expertise. When I severely injured my left hand and had to be transported by ambulance to the hospital, the warm and reassuring smile on his face made me feel confident and thankful to the Creator for giving me a warm, honest, and sincere doctor who exemplified excellent character and honesty in his work. i left his office with high esteem and tears in my eyes. He definitely is a blessing to cherish and reflect upon for years to come. I sincerely wanted to thank him with all honesty and respect for a superb surgical job well performed.

I broke my wrist while traveling abroad and had to return home for surgery. Dr. Klifto worked me into his busy schedule, and he has been fantastic every step of the way. Six months later, there is little evidence of surgery. The scar is practically invisible, and range of motion and strength are excellent. In addition to being a skilled surgeon, he is a genuinely nice guy and has been reassuring and encouraging throughout. Highly recommend!

It was not blind luck, but more like Divine Selection that I had the great fortune to have Dr. Christopher Klifto as my surgeon for my Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement on my right shoulder. It has been almost a year (July 6, 2018), and I can do everything I want to do. At 70 years old, almost 71, I have never graciously accepted that I had multiple reasons to be concerned for having a sore back, muscles, and other more serious issues, such as type II diabetes and prostate cancer (from exposure to Agent Orange). I go about life with humor every day, and, in my mind, I'm still the kid who never grew up. While I've heard that some people have had pain from this surgery, I am pain free. I can't heal myself, so it has to be this Orthpaedic Surgeon named Christopher Klifto. He was given this special ability and talent from Heaven, along with his amazing intelligence, and I'm not alone. There are veterans and general patients who are functional again, because he cares. I am one.

If you're looking for a good orthopaedic guy, your search is over. Dr. Klifto is one of the best and most caring physicians I've ever met. His positive manner and compassion for his patients is unparalleled; his willingness to go to whatever lengths necessary to provide the proper care – or to exhibit sympathy toward one's condition, and encourage a positive attitude – far exceed the most hoped-for expectations. In short, if he isn't the best, he's crowding out those who claim to be.

Excellent care from an excellent doctor! Dr. Klifto thoroughly explained my injury and the surgery that was needed. He addressed my fears and concerns of surgery which made the process less stressful. His care and concern for my well being was very genuine. My surgery was a success and his follow up care has been superior. I can not say enough good things about Dr. Klifto and my experience under his care.He is a great addition to the Duke Health family.