Spero Karas Emory Faculty
Spero Karas Emory Faculty

Spero Karas, MD

Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery

4.8 - 751 Ratings

Emory Sports Medicine Complex

1968 Hawks Lane Northeast, Brookhaven, GA 30329
Telehealth Visits Available

Availability within 7 days*

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About

Dr. Karas is the Director of the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program and an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Emory University. Dr. Karas is an internationally recognized expert in the fieldinclude sports medicine, surgery of the shoulder and knee, and arthroscopic surgery.  He has been recognized as one of America’s “Top Orthopaedic Doctors” in Men’s Health Magazine April 2007 and “Top Sports Medicine Specialists for Women” in Women’s Health MagazineAtlanta Magazine has named him “Atlanta’s Most Trusted Sports Medicine Specialist” for the past three years.
He has authored over 200 manuscripts, presentations, and instructional videos and has presented his research at numerous institutions both internationally and throughout the United States. His work has been featured in NBC television, Men’s Health Magazine, Ski Magazine, and numerous internet health services. He works closely with industries in the design of orthopaedic devices and teaches physicians throughout the world in their use.
Dr. Karas came to Emory in 2005, after serving as Chief of the Shoulder Service and team physician at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He currently serves as team physician for the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech Baseball and Lakeside High School, as well as a consulting team physician for Emory University and Georgia Tech athletics, and a physician team member for the Atlanta Braves. He cares for patients and athletes of all levels: professional, collegiate, scholastic, and recreational.

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Emory Healthcare Network
  • Emory Physician Group Practice

Academic Title

  • Associate Professor

Year Started Practicing

  • 1999

Locations

Emory Sports Medicine Complex

1968 Hawks Lane Northeast
Brookhaven, GA 30329

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 overall rating 751 ratings

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

4.8 Provider showed concern
4.8 Provider explained things clearly
4.8 Provider discussed treatment options
4.8 Provider included you in decisions
4.8 Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-26

Dr Karas & staff are very knowledgeable, professional, helpful & caring

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

Great care by Dr Karas and team.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-23

Dr Karas made clear the situation, the work to be done in pre-hab before, during, including informing on the procedure and what to expect after the procedure. Looking forward to it!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-20

Dr Karas is a wonderful surgeon!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-17

Both the trainer and Dr Karas were very helpful

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-05

He spent more time talking about himself and doing his likely well-used shpiel than listening. He asked what's been going on but before I got two sentences out, he launched into what sounded like an oft-used speech, mostly about himself: "I'm the only doctor who will do an arthroscopic procedure on someone with what you have. That's that's why you were referred to me" "I knew, before you even said anything, what this is" "I've done this a long time and I see 10 of these a day". Only when I interrupted him to make a specific point (the steroid injection surprisingly didn't help with me pain this time), did he pause, drop the speech, and then it became a helpful two way conversation. Had I not said that detail, knowing it was atypical, I don't think we would have arrived at the plan we made at the end (for me to see a knee replacement surgeon). It's great he's good at what he does, but the appointment isn't about him (or showing off for his fellow).

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-31

Apreciate the clarity and efficiency of the discussion. Also - a major issue that is very important to me. I am an older woman, still axctive in sports. I do get injured. NO ONE at the Sports Medicine Center has ever tried to tell me I cannot do this or that activity anymore. Instead, they tell me how they willpatch m up and get me back out there. I LOVE that attitude. So many of my female friends who are being treated elsewhere, but who were in no worse shape than I was, were discouraged from those activies. It is so important that we all stay active as best we can. Will I ever get an Olympic medal? No? But will I love being out in nature or in the gym doing my thing, getting stronger or at least staying strong? Yes! Please keep this attitude toward older athletes.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-20

Dr Kara's was kind attentive and a professional of the highest standards. I left feeling confident well informed and cared for on a personal level.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-19

Absolutely the best experience I have had with health professionals.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-12

Dr. Karas and his team are top notch! I would recommend him to everyone

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-08

All good

1 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-01

The physician I saw is without a doubt the worst care provider I have ever encountered. He was rude, demeaning, did not listen to my concerns, actively ridiculed me, attempted to force me to take an optional medication when I didn't want to, made fun of me and was simply a horrendous person to interact with. I have heard he's a great surgeon. Please, confine him to doing what he is good at and do not allow him to ever interact with speaking patients again. Also, he was acting as an instructor to a fellow during our visit-it is shameful for you to put him in the role of teaching others how to act-he is an absolutely terrible person to have an interaction with and no one should ever think of him as someone to learn this aspect of healthcare from.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-28

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-20

Dr. Kara's is the best. Very knowledgeable and helpful. And recommended the md I needed to f/u with.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-07

Trainer did a great job answering questions and explaining Dr Karas always helpful optimistic and caring

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-06

Dr. Karas is great, and listens carefully and gives good suggestions and a realistic future

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-06

His medical opinion regarding g the reading of my MRI is/was the opposite of another sports medicine surgeon who examined me earlier, so I have one remaining appointment with a third on Monday, to see where their analysis falls, before I proceed with a recommended treatment.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-30

Exceptional care was provided to me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-30

Dr. Karas is a great orthopedic surgeon who I would recommend to anyone And I have recommended him to several family and friends.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-23

Dr Karas was exemplary. Thoughtful, probing questions. Effectively explained diagnosis and treatment options, now and potential future. Dynamic communication strengths. Super relatability.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-23

Very impressed.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-17

The shot worked wonders! Thank you for the care I received.

2 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-07

Dr had a schtick. Was unable to deviate from that schtick to answer questions asked until question was repeated twice or 3 times.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-07

Willing to resolve pain issue not directly related to surgery but occurred after surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-07

Very good is not high enough. Dr. Rice and Dr. Karas were both EXCELLENT. Not only are they obviously very knowledgeable in the field of orthopedics and specifically the shoulder issue I have, but they both have a very compassionate bedside manner. They answered all my questions and I left with less anxiety about the torn tendons in my shoulder.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-19

It was very good experience from a Check in to the checkout.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-19

Dr. S. Kararas is one of the best in the world & provides excellence during the entire visit.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-19

Dr Karas is absolutely the best physician! He's attentive, cares about your progress and works to get you back to being fully functional!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-14

Given my shoulder has actually improved in the two years since the clean-out surgery, which I wasn't aware would happen (I was expecting a more immediate, temporary result -- instant relief once the jagged cartilage had been rasped away from the bone), I'm all-in. Dr. Karas said I will need a new shoulder, but that mine can probably be managed for a few years, or possibly even until I'm retired in six years, with occasional injections. Made it a year between injections!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-10

Dr. Spero Karas is a very knowledgeable doctor and always very cheerful but sorry to see me in pain.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-05

A solid 10

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-03

Dr Karas is a true professional and I trust his opinion and advice.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-23

Great experience overall. Each person Interacted with was professional, engaging, and helpful.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-10

I had a knee injury the day before, and after Dr. Kara's examination he did not think I had torn anything-just a bad sprain. We discussed an MRI, but when I was hesitant to get more testing, he agreed it would be fine to give it a week or two and decide if MRI was necessary.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-10

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-08

Love people

1 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-01

This provider was AWFUL. I will never recommend this provider or practice to anyone. He sat on his phone the entire time and never even formed eye contact with me only wanted to pass me off to another doctor. No concern for my issues and called the doctors that referred me to him liars. Also never even examined me to see if my pain was a real problem.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-15

Dr. Karas is an excellent Surgeon with phenomenal bedside manners, awesome empathy and confidence building for the patients. Really fortunate that he was my surgeon for shoulder surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-15

Dr. Karas and team is very good, and they listen to concerns that I have.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-10

Great experience.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-08

Dr. Karas was very knowledgeable about my knee condition and provided helpful recommendations. He speaks quickly and uses a lot of medical terminology, which may be difficult for some patients to follow. Overall, I appreciated his expertise and the clarity of his treatment plan.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-04

Dr Karas listened to me and was able to bring in another doctor who was able to validate my diagnosis

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-19

Great job

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-10

Dr. Karas is awesome with shoulders.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-27

Everyone took their time to answer my questions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-22

Thank you so much

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-16

Dr. Karas has been a pleasure to know and receive treatment! I'm very pleased thus far with the surgery and my one-month progress! He's very informative and patient.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-15

Dr. Karas & staff are excellent!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-25

Excellent doctor experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-25

Dr. Karas is the best! I have the utmost respect for him as a surgeon and as a person. He is so brilliant that I ask his opinion for referals related to other conditions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-23

Very professional and explained everything in detail felt very comfortable

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-22

Felt like doctor cared about my situation

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-18

Very satisfied I was anxious and he makes me fell confortable

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-12

Dr. Karas is always a delight to see

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-27

Dr. Karas and his team are one of the best. I'm very happy with my quality of care and he's an incredible surgeon

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-25

Dr Karros was awesome! Loved his honesty and his approach to my needs for my Shoulder

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-23

The Dr Karas is excellent, above and beyond. Very knowledgable, kind and friendly all the time, explained the situation and next steps. I'm almost fully recovered and grateful to have him taking care of me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-13

Dr. Spero Karas is amazing!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-13

Great communication

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-12

Dr. Karas first touch was directly on my pain point, he explained my x-ray images, and suggested a cortisone shot. We'll re-evaluate if and when the pain resurfaces.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-02

While I didn't' get the results I was hoping for (arthritic knee vs. Meniscus tear), I wasn't surprised and Dr. Karas encouraged me to extend the life of my knee vs. jumping to surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-31

Dr. Karas did an excellent job with my shoulder and my recovery has been so good. I've recommended him to several people.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-30

The Dr was very through and helpful with my concerns.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-21

Great care

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-21

I will always recommend the Keras team although not all members are at the same patient experience/delivery level

2 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-16

There was a long delay to see the Dr and was told they were running 50mns late which might explain the rush. Saw the Dr for barely 4mns or less, no explanations given for my questions abt the protrusion or possible tear mentioned in the CT scan, just told you are okay and you can go all in a very rushed manner.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-13

Dr. Karas and his team always provide exceptional care. The young lady in PT (the tech) who performed my strength test was fantastic!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-09

Excellent visit!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-09

Dr. Karas is great. He was very supportive with my request to keep seeing my physical therapist.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-25

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-23

Dr is v professional thank you

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-12

Excellent amount of time, discussion & information from Dr. Karas. Didn't feel like I was "just another patient" at all. He's great!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-11

Dr. Karas is an exceptional communicator. I left with confidence that he could best treat my injury.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-09

Dr. Karas is the best!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-07

Dr Karas is the best! Answers all questions takes time and thorough care! I would definitely recommend him to others!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-07

Dr. Karas is a consummate professional. I am always satisfied with the medical care received from him.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-06

Dr Speros Karras is not only an outstanding physician, he's an awesome ambassador of Emory Healthcare. Any patient will want to be taken care of by him

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-03

Dr is very good and knowledgeable. He just goes really fast. He does stop and repeat when asked.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-26

Very Excellent

2 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-26

It was disappointing that the doctor did not show me the MRI and take me through the image of my problem. The doctor decided to agree with the previous doctor that I should have a knee replacement. He did not address the problem above my knee (tissue) rather than the kneecap. I was very disappointed and discouraged.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-23

If there are any recommendations for specific exercises or routines for my particular condition, I would appreciate your input and guidance.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-06

The care my son was given was great. There were no bad experiences.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-26

Dr Spero Karas is absolutely the best!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-19

Dr Karas is great . When he asked me questions he paid close attention to my answers. And when I asked questions he gave thorough answers that I completely understood.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-19

I had a great experience with Dr. Karas he explained everything to me and make me comfortable with the surgery to come.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-14

Dr. Karas was very attentive, professional, listened to my concerns and provided a great action plan for a full recovery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-01

Dr. Karas and his team are outstanding!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-31

I have had great experience thus far. I look forward to my follow up after PT,. Thank you Dr.Karas and his team.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-03

Dr Karas is fabulous. Surgery center was fabulous all the way around. Rehab center is very confusing and rude

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-02

This is my second procedure with Dr. Karas. Similar to the first experience, this one was excellent also. I will recommend others to him, enthusiastically

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-01

Dr. Karas is excellent, I just wish it hadn't been such a rushed visit.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-23

Very much appreciate that Dr took my concerns seriously (did not dismiss me as being old and just achy). Doc and assistant and intake person all listened and did not make assumptions based on my age. Felt really good to not be dismissed.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-21

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-15

Clear discussion of options

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-12

We were referred by a family who's daughter was seen and treated. I've been a patient of several Emory physicians and would highly recommend them all to family and friends.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-11

Dr Karas was extremely professional and knowledgeable about my condition. He was very thorough in explaining my condition and appropriate treatment options.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-04

I have nothing to say but good things about Dr Keros and his team. They've all been very professional, and the repair on my shoulder has gone extremely well in my opinion. With a very minimal amount of pain, emphasizing minimal I would recommend Dr Karos to anybody who's got shoulder issues

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-29

Dr. Karras is the best!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-15

Excellent and thorough

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-08

I LOVE DR Karas. The only constructive criticism I would give is that he does this so often and knows what the best course of action should be that he goes a little fast when discussing options. But I love the guy so much!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-03

Dr Karas was pleasant and explained things well and treated my condition and discussed possible future course

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-28

Brooke and Dr. Karas are wonderful. I think they do a terrific job. I am having follow up concerns now though and do not think they are being adequately addressed.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-16

Dr. Karas and his staff are an 11 on a 10 scale. I have visited and used numerous facilities over my almost 77 years and they are off the charts when it comes to their knowledge and the personal care they give.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-16

My entire surgery process was amazing! From my initial appointment, surgery, to my follow up appointments, Dr. Karas and the entire Emory Sports Medicine center staff were professional and provided excellent service. Highly Recommend!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-07

I will definitely recommend this office to other people - a wonderful experience the entire time we were there.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-02

My experience with Dr. Karas and his team has been nothing but excellent from getting the appointment to the surgery to the after care. I'm not sure It could go any smoother. His Team does a great job in all aspects of my total shoulder replacement. I will be doing the other one soon...

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-13

Dr. Karas has been wonderful from the very first time that I met him. He is knowledgable, friendly, and professional. You can tell that he loves what he does and that he cares for his patients.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-10

Excellent Doctor!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-07

Dr Karas is first rate

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-23

I have already recommended Dr. Spero's to several of my friends

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-21

Dr Karas is the best surgeon I have ever work with. I'm retired RN, and his follow up appointment explanation of surgery and his patient with my many questions was impressive. I will highly recommend Dr Karas and also all his staff!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-21

Dr. Karas is an excellent diagnostician/physician. He gets to core of the problem and crafts treatment clearly and completely. All my questions were answered and clear explanations and rationale given

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-07

I was incredibly impressed with Dr Karas and his fellow Eric (not sure his name was Eric?). They were both super kind, really knowledgeable, and very reassuring. I was so grateful for their care and concern.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-02

Dr Karas is a caring person and always shows interest in the individual and providing the best care. Additionally his staff is friendly and knowledgeble as well.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-31

I only wish is that you had a rating above the five because you deserve more

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-23

Everything was perfect

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

All good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

There were two doctors who talked with me, and both were excellent.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-18

Dr. Karas explains things very well, shares his thinking openly, and creates plans that make a lot of sense. He's a superb physician

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-06

The sport trainer was very helpful and asked all the necessary questions. Also the Interns/resident assistants who performed my injections were great and professional. They took time to explain the procedure which was pain free.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-29

Overall, experience was 100 percent.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-17

Dr Karas and his team were extremely friendly and professional. I was amazed at how fast I was able to get through the appointment from X-rays to meeting his PA to meeting him. Dr Karas made me very comfortable and informed me about my knee

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-15

V good and v professional

Credentials

Education

  • Fellowship: Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Sports Medicine, 2000
  • Residency: Duke University Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1999
  • Internship: Duke University Medical Center, General Surgery, 1995
  • Medical Education: Indiana University School of Medicine, MD, 1993

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2008
  • Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2002

Awards

  • "Award Winner" Designation for Instructional Video 
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2001
    "Best Seller" Designation for Instructional Video 
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2004
    Aircast Pacific Rim Traveling Fellowship 
    American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, 2005
     

Professional Memberships

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery
    American College of Sports Medicine
    American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
    American Shoulder and Elbow Society
    Arthroscopy Association of North America
    Southern Orthopaedic Association