Orthopedic Surgery

Why Choose UCLA Health for Orthopedic Surgery

At UCLA Health, you receive care from some of the top orthopedic surgeons in the nation. Fueled by research and a mission to provide the highest quality care, our surgeons deliver orthopedic services that help you achieve your goals. 

Highlights of our services include:

Recognized excellence: Our orthopedic surgeons are consistently named among the “Best Doctors in America,” reflecting their deep expertise and trusted reputation. Our Joint Replacement Center is a Blue Distinction Center® for Hip and Knee Replacement, reflecting our commitment to meeting or exceeding national standards for safety and outcomes.

Advanced techniques: At UCLA Health, sophisticated technologies and surgical methods inform the standard of care. When possible, we use minimally invasive approaches to reduce pain and support a quicker recovery. Surgeons also use techniques that preserve natural joint movement. Before surgery begins, 3D imaging helps us plan every detail with greater precision.

Coordinated care: Every step of your care is connected, from your first appointment through preoperative services, surgery and recovery. These efforts often start early. If you visited the Santa Monica Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic, surgeons use information from that visit to guide your care. They may also work with sports medicine doctors, therapists and other providers to keep your treatment on track.

Research that drives better results: UCLA Health orthopedic surgeons are exploring new methods for improving surgical techniques, recovery times and outcomes. You benefit from the latest discoveries before they become widely available. 

Thoughtful approach: We take time to understand your diagnosis and goals. Our team considers every appropriate treatment option, including nonsurgical therapies. When surgery is the right choice, you can feel confident knowing you’re in the hands of a team that successfully treats some of the most complex cases.

The Team Behind Top Athletes

We are the official medical partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, Sparks and Chargers. We also provide care for USA Basketball and UCLA Athletics. Our orthopedic surgeons help professional athletes recover quickly and return to the highest levels of competition. This same expertise is available to you no matter what type of orthopedic procedure you need.

Our Areas of Care

You’ll find our orthopedic surgeons in specialized programs throughout UCLA Health, including:

Foot and ankle surgery

Foot and ankle conditions often arise from arthritis, instability or problems with ligaments or tendons. Our specialists perform inpatient and outpatient surgeries, prioritizing pain control techniques that minimize opioid use. Learn more about foot and ankle surgery.

Hand surgery

In collaboration with our plastic surgery team, we specialize in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of hand injuries and disorders. This close care coordination promotes better outcomes and efficiency. Find out more about hand surgery.

Joint replacement surgery

Since our first joint replacement surgery in 1969, UCLA Health has remained a leader in total joint replacements. Our program is a Blue Shield of California Blue Distinction Center® for Hip and Knee Replacement, recognizing our commitment to high-quality care. Read more about the Joint Replacement Center.

Pediatric orthopedic surgery

In our pediatric orthopedic program, specialists treat newborns, children and teens with common injuries and complex musculoskeletal conditions. As one of the nation’s busiest programs, we address everything from broken bones and sports-related injuries to scoliosis, cerebral palsy and clubfoot. Learn more about pediatric orthopedics.

Shoulder and elbow surgery

We have physicians specializing in caring for conditions and injuries affecting the shoulder and elbow. We provide the entire spectrum of care for shoulder and elbow injuries, including nonsurgical, minimally invasive and open surgical treatments. Learn more about shoulder and elbow surgery.

Spine surgery

If you are living with persistent back pain or a complex spinal disorder, surgery at UCLA Health can help you achieve lasting relief. Our experts specialize in minimally invasive techniques that reduce pain and speed recovery. Get more information about our Spine Center.

Sports medicine surgery

We blend nonsurgical care with advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgeries to treat sports-related injuries. This integrated approach keeps your recovery focused on restoring function and performance. Find out more about our Sports Medicine Center.

Musculoskeletal Conditions We Treat

No matter the complexity of your condition, our orthopedic surgeons can help. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder): Stiffness and limited range of motion in your shoulder joint
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear: A partial or complete tear of the band of tissue connecting your thigh bone to your shinbone
• Arthritis: Joint inflammation, swelling, stiffness or tenderness
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning near your joints (bursae)
• Tendonitis: Inflammation in the tissues connecting muscles to bones (tendons)
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Inflammation in the tendon connecting your elbow to your forearm muscle
• Rotator cuff tear: A tear in the tissues connecting muscles and bones in your shoulder joint

Through our Spine Center, we also offer surgeries for spine conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, herniated disc, osteomyelitis, scoliosis and spinal stenosis.

Orthopedic Surgeries We Offer

We use the latest surgical techniques and treatment options. Some of our treatments include:

• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: Removing a damaged disc to relieve pressure on the spine and neck
• Arthrodesis: Immobilizing a joint by fusing two or more bones
• Arthroscopy: Using a narrow, long tool with a camera (arthroscope) to diagnose or treat joint problems
• Discectomy: Removing portions of a damaged or herniated spinal disc
• Joint replacement: Removing damaged portions of a joint, such as the hip, knee, shoulder or ankle, and replacing them with artificial ones (prosthesis)
• Microdiscectomy: A discectomy technique using tiny tools and cameras to operate through small incisions