Description

Top 10 Orthopedic Doctors in Los Angeles for Knee & Joint Pain
Knee and joint pain can make everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Walking up stairs, standing for long periods, exercising, or even getting out of a chair may become uncomfortable when arthritis, a sports injury, cartilage damage, a meniscus tear, or another orthopedic condition affects the joint.

For people searching for the best orthopedic doctors in Los Angeles for knee pain, the challenge is not simply finding a doctor. Los Angeles has numerous orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians, joint replacement surgeons, and major medical centers, so choosing the right specialist depends heavily on the type and severity of the problem.
Los Angeles is particularly important for orthopedic care because patients can access specialists associated with major academic and medical institutions, including UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai and Keck Medicine of USC, as well as established specialty practices such as Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI).

This guide highlights 10 orthopedic doctors in Los Angeles and the surrounding area who have expertise relevant to knee and joint conditions. The list includes specialists in joint replacement, sports medicine, arthroscopy, cartilage preservation, arthritis care, and complex knee reconstruction.
The goal is not to declare one doctor universally “the best.” Orthopedic treatment is highly individual, and the right physician depends on your diagnosis, age, activity level, previous surgeries, insurance, location, and treatment goals.
 

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Treat?

An orthopedic doctor diagnoses and treats conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
For knee and joint problems, treatment may involve:
* Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
* Knee and hip pain
* Meniscus tears
* ACL and other ligament injuries
* Cartilage injuries
* Sports-related knee injuries
* Patellar disorders
* Joint instability
* Partial or total knee replacement
* Hip and knee replacement revision
* Fractures affecting the knee or surrounding joints
* Post-traumatic arthritis
Treatment isn't always surgical. Depending on the diagnosis, an orthopedic specialist may recommend physical therapy, activity modification, medication, injections, bracing or other conservative treatments before considering surgery.
 

Top 10 Orthopedic Doctors in Los Angeles for Knee & Joint Pain
1. Erik N. Zeegen, MD — UCLA Health

Overview
Dr. Erik N. Zeegen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee orthopedic surgery. UCLA Health identifies him as the Chief of Joint Replacement Surgery. His expertise includes joint replacement, less invasive knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee replacement and complex revision procedures.
His practice makes him a particularly relevant option for patients dealing with advanced arthritis or considering knee replacement. UCLA Health states that he performs knee and hip replacement surgery at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital.
Services Offered
* Knee replacement surgery
* Robotic-assisted knee replacement
* Less-invasive knee replacement
* Hip replacement
* Complex revision knee and hip replacement
* Joint replacement consultation
Why Choose Them
Patients looking for a Los Angeles knee replacement surgeon may find Dr. Zeegen particularly relevant because of his dedicated focus on hip and knee replacement and extensive experience with complex revision procedures.
Location
Santa Monica Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
1225 15th Street, Suite 2100
Santa Monica, CA 90404
He also sees patients in Encino.
Website
UCLA Health
Contact Details
Phone: 310-319-1234
Serving Areas
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* West Los Angeles
* Westwood
* Encino
* Greater Los Angeles
 

2. Alexandra I. Stavrakis, MD — UCLA Health

Overview
Dr. Alexandra I. Stavrakis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint replacement and complex revision joint replacement.
Her clinical focus includes treating hip and knee pain caused by arthritis, as well as hip fractures and lower-extremity trauma. UCLA Health also notes her experience with robotic-assisted joint replacement when clinically appropriate.
Services Offered
* Knee replacement
* Hip replacement
* Complex revision joint replacement
* Robotic-assisted joint replacement
* Arthritis treatment
* Lower-extremity trauma care
Why Choose Them
Dr. Stavrakis can be an option for patients who need specialized care for arthritis-related knee or hip pain, particularly when joint replacement or revision surgery is being considered.
She is also an Associate Professor-in-Residence of Orthopaedic Surgery at UCLA and Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Los Angeles VA.
Location
1225 15th Street, Suite 2100
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website
UCLA Health
Contact Details
Phone: 310-319-1234
Serving Areas
* Santa Monica
* Los Angeles
* Westside
* Westwood
* Greater Los Angeles
 

3. Adam A. Sassoon, MD, MS — UCLA Health

Overview
Dr. Adam A. Sassoon is a dual-fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon whose clinical interests include joint preservation, reconstruction, complex primary and revision arthroplasty, and orthopedic trauma.
UCLA Health lists him as a hip and knee orthopedic specialist and notes his expertise in complex joint replacement procedures.
Services Offered
* Knee and hip joint replacement
* Complex primary arthroplasty
* Revision joint replacement
* Joint preservation
* Reconstruction
* Treatment of orthopedic trauma
Why Choose Them
His combination of joint preservation, reconstruction and replacement expertise can be useful for patients who want to understand both surgical and joint-preserving treatment options.
Location
Santa Monica Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
1225 15th Street, Suite 2100
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website
UCLA Health
Contact Details
Phone: 310-319-1234
Serving Areas
* Santa Monica
* Los Angeles
* West Los Angeles
* Westwood
* Greater Los Angeles
 

4. Daniel A. Oakes, MD — Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Dr. Daniel A. Oakes is Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Director of the USC Joint Replacement Program.
His clinical expertise includes knee and hip replacement and reconstruction, including primary and revision procedures. Keck also highlights his work with computer-assisted navigation and robotic surgery for full and partial knee replacement.
Services Offered
* Total knee replacement
* Partial knee replacement
* Revision knee replacement
* Hip replacement
* Joint reconstruction
* Robotic knee replacement
* Computer-assisted navigation
Why Choose Them
Patients researching knee replacement surgeons in Los Angeles may consider Dr. Oakes because of his dedicated joint replacement practice and involvement in research surrounding robotic and computer-assisted knee surgery.
Location
Keck School of Medicine of USC
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Website
Keck Medicine of USC
Contact Details
Phone: 323-442-6950
Serving Areas
* Downtown Los Angeles
* Los Angeles County
* Southern California
* Greater Los Angeles
 

5. Nathanael Heckmann, MD — Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Dr. Nathanael Heckmann is an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Arthroplasty Research at USC.
His surgical practice focuses on degenerative hip and knee conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. His procedures include total and partial knee replacement, revision surgery and robotic-assisted or computer-navigated arthroplasty.
Services Offered
* Total knee replacement
* Partial knee replacement
* Revision knee replacement
* Robotic-assisted arthroplasty
* Computer-navigated surgery
* Arthritis treatment
* Treatment of failed or infected joint replacements
Why Choose Them
Dr. Heckmann may be particularly relevant for patients with complex arthritis, previous joint replacement problems, or conditions requiring revision surgery.
His academic and research background also focuses heavily on hip and knee arthroplasty outcomes.
Location
Keck School of Medicine of USC
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Website
Keck Medicine of USC
Contact Details
Phone: 323-442-1900
Serving Areas
* Los Angeles
* Downtown LA
* Los Angeles County
* Southern California
 

6. Donald B. Longjohn, MD — Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Dr. Donald B. Longjohn is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at USC. His specialty includes hip and knee replacement and revision surgery, along with arthritis and arthroscopic procedures.
Services Offered
* Knee replacement
* Knee replacement revision
* Hip replacement
* Arthritis treatment
* Rheumatoid arthritis care
* Osteoarthritis treatment
* Arthroscopic surgery
Why Choose Them
Patients with arthritis or those evaluating knee or hip replacement may benefit from a specialist whose practice encompasses both primary and revision joint replacement.
Location
Keck School of Medicine of USC
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Website
Keck Medicine of USC
Contact Details
Phone: 323-442-5860
Serving Areas
* Downtown Los Angeles
* Los Angeles County
* Southern California
 

7. Sean S. Rajaee, MD — Cedars-Sinai

Overview
Dr. Sean S. Rajaee is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. Cedars-Sinai lists him as Chief of Arthroplasty and Director of its Outpatient Hip and Knee Center.
His clinical focus includes hip replacement, joint replacement and knee replacement.
Services Offered
* Knee replacement
* Hip replacement
* Joint replacement
* Arthroplasty
* Outpatient hip and knee procedures
Why Choose Them
For patients considering knee replacement in Los Angeles, Dr. Rajaee is notable for his dedicated arthroplasty focus and leadership role within Cedars-Sinai's joint replacement program.
Cedars-Sinai also offers outpatient hip and knee replacement for appropriately selected patients, with minimally invasive orthopedic surgery and coordinated postoperative care.
Location
Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
444 S San Vicente Boulevard
Mark Goodson Building, Suite 603
Los Angeles, CA 90048
He also sees patients in Tarzana.
Website
Cedars-Sinai
Contact Details
Phone: 310-423-9825
Serving Areas
* Beverly Hills
* Los Angeles
* West Hollywood
* Tarzana
* Westside Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

8. Andrew I. Spitzer, MD — Cedars-Sinai

Overview
Dr. Andrew I. Spitzer is a Cedars-Sinai orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee conditions, joint replacement and knee replacement.
Cedars-Sinai identifies him as Co-Director of its Joint Replacement Program. His education and training include medical school at UCLA, residency at the University of Pennsylvania and fellowship training in adult reconstruction.
Services Offered
* Knee replacement
* Hip replacement
* Joint replacement
* Adult reconstruction
* Arthritis-related joint care
Why Choose Them
Dr. Spitzer may be a strong consideration for patients seeking an orthopedic specialist with a dedicated adult reconstruction and joint replacement background.
Location
Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
444 S San Vicente Boulevard
Mark Goodson Building, Suite 603
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Cedars-Sinai
Contact Details
Phone: 310-423-9217
Serving Areas
* Los Angeles
* Beverly Hills
* West Hollywood
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

9. Sharon L. Hame, MD — UCLA Health

Overview
Dr. Sharon L. Hame is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in sports medicine. Her expertise includes knee ligament injuries, meniscus tears, knee arthroscopy and sports-related injuries.
UCLA Health notes that she has more than two decades of orthopedic sports medicine experience and is an Associate Team Physician for UCLA Athletics.
Services Offered
* Knee injury evaluation
* Meniscus treatment
* Knee arthroscopy
* Ligament injury treatment
* Sports medicine
* Knee reconstruction
* Hip and shoulder arthroscopy
Why Choose Them
If your knee pain comes from a sports injury, ligament problem, meniscus tear or other athletic injury rather than advanced arthritis, a sports medicine specialist such as Dr. Hame may be more appropriate than a joint replacement specialist.
Location
Westwood Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
100 Medical Plaza, Suite 170
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
UCLA Health
Contact Details
Phone: 310-319-1234
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* UCLA area
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

10. Hemant Reddy, MD — Southern California Orthopedic Institute

Overview
Dr. Hemant Reddy is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction. His services include primary hip and knee replacement, partial knee replacement and complex revision surgery.
SCOI also states that he treats conditions including arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, fractures, deformity and post-traumatic arthritis using both surgical and nonsurgical approaches.
Services Offered
* Total knee replacement
* Partial knee replacement
* Knee reconstruction
* Knee replacement revision
* Hip replacement
* Arthritis treatment
* Robotic-assisted surgery
* Nonsurgical orthopedic treatment
Why Choose Them
Dr. Reddy may be particularly relevant for patients looking for knee and hip reconstruction in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
SCOI describes its knee program as providing care from diagnosis through advanced surgical treatment and rehabilitation, including physical therapy, injections, bracing and surgical procedures when appropriate.
Location
SCOI has locations including Burbank, Valencia and Van Nuys.
Website
Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI)
Serving Areas
* San Fernando Valley
* Van Nuys
* Burbank
* Valencia
* Los Angeles
* Santa Clarita Valley
* Greater Southern California
 

How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Doctor in Los Angeles

Choosing an orthopedic doctor should be based on your specific condition rather than simply selecting the most famous name.
1. Identify Your Knee Problem
First determine whether you are dealing with arthritis, a sports injury, meniscus damage, ligament injury, cartilage problems or another condition.
A knee replacement specialist is generally more relevant for severe degenerative joint disease, while a sports medicine or arthroscopy specialist may be better suited to certain ligament, meniscus or cartilage injuries.
2. Look for the Right Subspecialty
Orthopedics is a broad medical field. Search for a doctor whose practice matches your needs.
* Joint replacement specialists for advanced arthritis and replacement surgery
* Sports medicine specialists for athletic injuries
* Arthroscopic surgeons for selected meniscus, ligament and cartilage problems
* Joint preservation specialists when preserving the natural joint is a priority
* Revision specialists when a previous replacement has failed or developed complications
3. Ask About Nonsurgical Options
Surgery isn't necessarily the first step.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include physical therapy, medications, activity modification, injections, bracing or other approaches. SCOI, for example, describes a comprehensive approach that includes both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
4. Consider Surgical Experience
If surgery is recommended, ask how frequently the physician performs the specific procedure you need.
For example, a patient considering robotic knee replacement should ask about the surgeon's experience with robotic-assisted procedures rather than simply choosing a general orthopedic surgeon.
5. Check Hospital and Practice Location
Los Angeles traffic can make frequent appointments challenging. Consider whether the physician is located near your home, workplace or rehabilitation facility.
For patients requiring several physical therapy appointments after surgery, convenience can make a meaningful difference.
6. Verify Insurance
Insurance networks can change, so verify coverage directly with your insurance provider and the physician's office before scheduling.
Also ask about deductibles, copayments, authorization requirements and whether imaging or physical therapy is covered.
7. Consider a Second Opinion
A second opinion can be particularly useful when major surgery such as total knee replacement is recommended.
Two qualified specialists may sometimes offer different approaches based on the patient's age, activity level, imaging, previous surgeries and overall health.
 

Benefits of Seeing a Knee and Joint Specialist

Seeing a physician with specific expertise in your condition can provide several potential benefits.
* More focused evaluation of the knee or joint
* Diagnosis based on medical history, physical examination and imaging
* Access to nonsurgical treatment options
* Specialized surgical planning when surgery is necessary
* Evaluation for partial versus total knee replacement when appropriate
* Access to minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques when clinically indicated
* Coordinated rehabilitation and physical therapy
* Management of complex or revision joint replacement cases
* Treatment plans tailored to activity level and personal goals
The most important benefit is receiving a treatment plan based on your individual diagnosis rather than assuming that every type of knee pain requires the same solution.
 

Knee Pain Treatments You May Discuss With an Orthopedic Doctor
The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, balance and joint function. It may be recommended for arthritis, sports injuries and recovery after surgery.
Medications
Depending on the diagnosis and your medical history, a physician may recommend medications to manage pain or inflammation.
Injections
Some patients may be candidates for joint injections. UCLA Health, for example, offers ultrasound-guided injections for several joints, including the knee, through its sports medicine services.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy uses small incisions and specialized instruments to evaluate or treat selected knee conditions, such as certain meniscus or ligament injuries.
Partial Knee Replacement
When damage is limited to a specific compartment of the knee, partial replacement may be an option for appropriately selected patients.
Total Knee Replacement
For severe joint damage, total knee replacement may be recommended. Cedars-Sinai notes that treatment decisions can involve imaging and consideration of nonsurgical treatment, partial replacement or total replacement depending on the patient's condition.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the best orthopedic doctor for knee pain in Los Angeles?
There is no single best orthopedic doctor for every patient. The appropriate specialist depends on whether the problem involves arthritis, a sports injury, meniscus damage, cartilage injury or advanced joint degeneration. Doctors such as Erik Zeegen, Alexandra Stavrakis, Daniel Oakes, Sean Rajaee and other specialists listed above have focused expertise in different areas of knee and joint care.
2. When should I see an orthopedic doctor for knee pain?
Consider an orthopedic evaluation if knee pain persists, repeatedly returns, interferes with normal activities, follows an injury, causes instability or limits your ability to exercise or work.
3. Do orthopedic doctors treat knee arthritis?
Yes. Orthopedic specialists commonly evaluate and treat knee osteoarthritis. Treatment may range from conservative care to partial or total knee replacement depending on the severity of joint damage.
4. Do I need surgery for knee pain?
Not necessarily. Many knee conditions can initially be managed with nonsurgical treatment. The appropriate approach depends on the diagnosis, severity, previous treatment and your individual goals.
5. What is the difference between a sports medicine doctor and a joint replacement surgeon?
Sports medicine specialists commonly focus on injuries involving muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and joints, while joint replacement surgeons specialize in reconstructing or replacing severely damaged joints. There can be overlap between the two specialties.
6. Is robotic knee replacement available in Los Angeles?
Yes. Several Los Angeles-area orthopedic programs offer robotic-assisted knee replacement for appropriately selected patients. USC and UCLA, among others, describe robotic-assisted knee replacement services, while Cedars-Sinai also discusses robot-assisted techniques within its joint replacement program.
7. How much does knee replacement cost in Los Angeles?
The cost can vary substantially based on the surgeon, hospital, insurance plan, procedure, implant, anesthesia, rehabilitation and whether complications occur. Patients should request an individualized estimate and confirm insurance coverage before scheduling surgery.
8. Should I get a second opinion before knee replacement?
A second opinion can be useful, especially when you are uncertain about surgery, have complex joint damage, have undergone previous knee surgery or are considering a major procedure.
9. What should I bring to my orthopedic appointment?
Bring your medication list, previous medical records, imaging reports, X-rays or MRI scans if available, insurance information and a list of symptoms and questions. If your imaging is available electronically, ask the office whether it can be transferred before your appointment.
 

Conclusion
Finding the right orthopedic doctor in Los Angeles for knee and joint pain starts with understanding what is causing your symptoms. Arthritis, sports injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage damage and severe joint degeneration can require very different treatment strategies.
Los Angeles offers a wide range of orthopedic expertise through major medical centers and specialty practices. UCLA Health provides dedicated hip and knee specialists and sports medicine services, Keck Medicine of USC has an established joint replacement program, Cedars-Sinai offers specialized hip and knee care, and SCOI provides comprehensive orthopedic services across Southern California.
When comparing doctors, focus on the specialist's experience with your particular condition, available treatment options, location, insurance participation, communication style and rehabilitation support.
Most importantly, don't choose a surgeon solely because a website calls someone the “best.” Use this list as a starting point, review each physician's credentials and specialization, and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options directly with a qualified medical professional.

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