Stephen M. Howell, M.D.

Pioneer of Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Replacement

Dr. Howell is a retired board-certified orthopedic surgeon who practiced in Sacramento and Lodi until 2025. He joined Adventist Health Lodi Memorial with more than three decades of experience as a clinician, researcher, and innovator in total knee replacement (TKR), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and meniscal surgery. He has since handed his practice over to Dr. Nedopil, at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial.

Dr. Howell continues to train physicians across five continents and works together with industry experts to offer the innovative approach to total knee replacement (TKR) called kinematic alignment. This alignment method for TKR was a technique he developed in 2005 to improve placement of the orthopedic implants that form the new knee, resulting in more consistency and reliability in patient outcomes. Importantly, this approach allowed for shorter lengths of stay and quicker return to prior function. According to ProPublica, Dr. Howell’s readmission, complication, and infection rates after total knee replacement were among the lowest in the nation, and he was considered among the Top 3% of California knee replacement surgeons.

In the field of ACL reconstruction, Dr. Howell designed the 65° Tibial Guide and EZLoc/WasherLoc anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction system for Zimmer Biomet Sports Medicine. This advanced procedure enabled patients to rapidly recover motion and function without bracing and return to sports and other activities just four to five months after ACL reconstruction. He also served as a consultant for Biomet Sports Medicine and developed instrumentation, implants, and educational materials for ACL reconstruction, which were used nationally and internationally.

For over 25 years, Dr. Howell studied the biomechanics of the knee at the University of California, Davis as an Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering in collaboration with Distinguished Professor Maury Hull, PhD. These investigations led to the publication of more than 140 scientific articles that advanced the understanding and treatment of patients with degenerative arthritis of the knee and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci.

Truly a leader in his field, Dr. Howell was known for his professional manner and care for his patients. He completed his medical degree at Northwestern University and then completed his orthopedic residency at Thomas Jefferson University. He was a retired military professional who served our country during such critical times as Operation Desert Storm.

Dr. Howell has been married for over 40 years to Lydia Pleotis Howell, M.D., who is the chairperson of the Department of Pathology at UC Davis. They have two daughters, Stephanie and Stacey. In retirement, Dr. Howell enjoys fly-fishing and playing a bit of golf while walking, swimming, and cycling.