Menu

15 Best Orthopedic Specialists in San Diego

Choosing an orthopedic specialist in San Diego starts with matching the appointment to the problem: joint replacement, hand and wrist symptoms, sports injuries, or a possible surgical need. Some practices also coordinate evaluation, imaging, and recovery support.

Bring a concise symptom history and any prior scans, then ask who will handle each stage of care. Availability, the specific procedure offered, and the plan for physical therapy can matter as much as the initial consultation.

Our method for this guide

A reputation that holds up over time, real focus on this service and a clear account of how they work: that is how this guide to orthopedic specialists in San Diego was built and ordered.

No business can pay to be included. Those already in the guide may buy extra visibility, and it is always shown.

Top 3Complete listMapHow to pick one

Browse 15 local options

Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group, San Diego#1

Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group

4.91,699 reviews
5565 Grossmont Center Dr #256, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States
Recommended for
Patients seeking orthopedic evaluation or surgeryPatients needing coordinated post-operative physical therapy

Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group is a San Diego orthopedic clinic focused on evaluation, procedures, surgery, and rehabilitation support for musculoskeletal conditions. Care is presented with detailed explanations and a patient, attentive manner, helping people understand their treatment plan and what to expect at each stage.

The practice’s affiliated physical therapy services work closely with its orthopedic surgeons and understand procedure-specific recovery protocols. Therapy visits can include clear explanations of each step, attention to comfort, and discussion of movement goals and progress. Appointments are required and recommended, making advance scheduling important for a first consultation or follow-up visit.

John Andrew Grotting, MD, San Diego#2

John Andrew Grotting, MD

5.0211 reviews
4910 Directors Pl Unit 350, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Recommended for
Sports injuries and return-to-activity planningKnee or shoulder arthroscopy consultations

John Andrew Grotting, MD, brings an orthopedic and sports medicine focus to San Diego, with services spanning knee and shoulder arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, fracture care, joint replacement, and nerve decompression. Knee ligament injuries and reconstruction are a particularly recognizable part of his clinical profile.

His approach combines technical treatment with careful explanation and a broader view of the patient’s activity goals. Appointments are required, making advance scheduling important for athletes, active adults, and families seeking orthopedic care across age groups.

San Diego Hand Specialists#3

San Diego Hand Specialists

4.9410 reviews
8008 Frost St Ste 403, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
Recommended for
Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and tendonitis evaluations

San Diego Hand Specialists concentrates on conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity, including carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, tendonitis, and related orthopedic injuries. The practice describes physician-led care throughout the treatment process, including non-operative management and continuity before and after surgery.

A patient-centered consultation style is part of the appeal: treatment options are explained carefully, questions are addressed, and the clinical team keeps the process organized. Appointments are required, so this is best approached as a scheduled specialist visit rather than a walk-in service.

DLocal business
#4

Dr. David W. Fabi

4.9490 reviews
4060 Fourth Ave 7th floor, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Recommended for
Hip or knee replacement consultations

Dr. David W. Fabi focuses on hip and knee care, with particular expertise in arthroscopy, customized knee replacement, revision joint replacement, and adult joint reconstruction. His consultations are especially centered on explaining the treatment path, potential outcomes, and next steps in straightforward language.

The office serves San Diego and requires appointments, with advance booking recommended. Patients considering knee or hip surgery may appreciate a consultation style that leaves room for detailed questions and discussion of longer-term mobility goals.

Scott Tanaka, MD, San Diego#5

Scott Tanaka, MD

4.9341 reviews
4060 Fourth Ave #700, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Recommended for
Hand and wrist consultations involving trigger finger

Scott Tanaka, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with a strong focus on hand and wrist concerns, including trigger finger and Dupuytren’s contracture treatment. His consultation style is direct and practical, with attention to explaining the condition and laying out a treatment plan.

The office operates by appointment, and booking ahead is recommended. Patients should allow extra time around the visit, as appointment-day waits have been reported, even though Dr. Tanaka’s clinical manner is consistently described as professional and personable.

Tal S. David, MD, San Diego#6

Tal S. David, MD

4.9257 reviews
4910 Directors Pl Unit 350, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Recommended for
Athletes and active adults with shoulder or knee injuries

Tal S. David, MD, specializes in orthopedic sports medicine, arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, and care for injured athletes. His clinical focus includes sports-related reconstruction and regenerative medicine, with experience spanning complex shoulder and knee conditions.

The practice is noted for a clean, organized environment and a calm, approachable consultation style. Dr. David takes time to discuss recovery, pain management, physical therapy, and the practical steps surrounding treatment. Appointments are required and should be arranged in advance.

Jeremy McCandless, MD, San Diego#7

Jeremy McCandless, MD

4.9195 reviews
4060 Fourth Ave #700, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Recommended for
Partial or full knee replacement consultationsHip replacement and knee pain evaluations

Jeremy McCandless, MD, focuses on minimally invasive joint surgery, especially partial and full knee replacement, robotic joint replacement, total hip replacement, and conditions affecting the knee and hip. His consultations stand out for clear explanations of what to expect before, during, and after surgery, without rushing through questions.

The practice also provides in-office treatment options such as pain injections when appropriate. Appointments are required and recommended in advance, making this a strong fit for patients preparing for joint replacement or seeking a focused knee and hip evaluation.

Daniel S. Brereton, DO, San Diego#8

Daniel S. Brereton, DO

4.9194 reviews
4910 Directors Pl Unit 350, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Recommended for
Complex shoulder and elbow casesSports injuries and shoulder replacement consultations

Daniel S. Brereton, DO, concentrates on advanced shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine, and orthopedic trauma. His practice is particularly suited to complex shoulder and elbow cases, including joint replacement and reconstruction, while also covering knee-related orthopedic procedures.

A defining strength is the time spent explaining technical details, treatment expectations, and recovery. The communication style is patient and approachable, helping people understand the reasoning behind a surgical plan before moving forward. Appointments are required and should be arranged ahead of time.

San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, Inc.#9

San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, Inc.

4.81,261 reviews
4060 Fourth Ave 7th floor, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Recommended for
Patients comparing several orthopedic specialties in one practiceJoint replacement and minimally invasive surgery consultations

San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group is an orthopedic practice covering a broad range of musculoskeletal needs, including sports medicine, hand and wrist surgery, foot and ankle care, spine treatment, minimally invasive procedures, and joint replacement. Its multidisciplinary scope can be useful when an injury requires more than a single area of expertise.

The practice emphasizes clear communication, organized care, and a clean clinical setting. Appointments are required, and booking ahead is recommended, particularly for surgical consultations or complex treatment plans.

Synergy Orthopedics, San Diego#10

Synergy Orthopedics

4.9160 reviews
3750 Convoy St Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
Recommended for
Patients comparing orthopedic specialtiesSurgical and post-operative orthopedic follow-up

Synergy Orthopedics in San Diego offers access to a broad orthopedic team covering sports medicine, joint replacement, physical therapy, general orthopedics, and injuries of the upper and lower extremities. The Kearny Mesa care center is designed for patients who want specialist treatment supported by coordinated clinical services.

The office experience centers on attentive communication, organized follow-up, and practical explanations before and after procedures. The group’s specialists include physicians with distinct areas of focus, making it easier to pursue a targeted consultation while keeping related care within the same network.

DLocal business
#11

Dr. Larry D. Dodge, MD

4.9187 reviews
4060 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
Recommended for
Neck and lower-back orthopedic consultations

Dr. Larry D. Dodge, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with a spine-care focus alongside the broader surgical services of San Diego Orthopaedic Associates. His approach is notably straightforward: he explains procedures, possible paths, and healing expectations in practical terms, helping patients understand when surgery may or may not be appropriate.

The office combines an experienced support team with a clean clinical setting and scheduled appointments. Patients seeking evaluation for neck, back, or other orthopedic concerns may value the emphasis on long-term management as well as operative care.

Synergy Orthopedic Specialists, San Diego#12

Synergy Orthopedic Specialists

4.8381 reviews
4910 Directors Pl Unit 350, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Recommended for
Patients needing coordinated orthopedic services

Synergy Orthopedic Specialists is a San Diego medical group bringing together care for joint, spine, and sports injuries. Its services cover general orthopedics, upper- and lower-extremity conditions, sports medicine, joint replacement, physical therapy, and orthopedic MRI, giving patients access to several stages of evaluation and treatment within one organization.

The clinic places emphasis on organized appointments, prompt imaging, and clear explanations from the physician and support team. It is a practical starting point for patients seeking coordinated orthopedic care rather than a single isolated service.

Rina Jain, MD, FRCSC - Synergy Orthopedics, San Diego#13

Rina Jain, MD, FRCSC - Synergy Orthopedics

4.8227 reviews
3750 Convoy St Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
Recommended for
Patients evaluating joint surgery or non-surgical alternativesFollow-up supported by imaging and clinical assistants

Rina Jain, MD, FRCSC, is part of Synergy Orthopedics’ specialist network, with a practice centered on orthopedic surgery and joint care. The clinical team supports patients through evaluation, imaging, treatment planning, and follow-up, while consultations are shaped around explaining available options in understandable terms.

A calm, attentive approach is especially valuable for people weighing surgery or looking for alternatives before taking that step. The office is organized and appointment-based, with staff and clinical assistants helping keep the process moving efficiently from initial assessment to next steps.

Synergy Orthopedic Specialist - Mission Valley, San Diego#14

Synergy Orthopedic Specialist - Mission Valley

4.71,155 reviews
9095 Rio San Diego Dr #450, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Recommended for
Coordinated orthopedic evaluation and imaging

Synergy Orthopedic Specialist in Mission Valley brings multiple areas of orthopedic care together, including sports medicine, general orthopedics, upper- and lower-extremity treatment, joint replacement, physical therapy, and musculoskeletal MRI services. The setting is designed for patients who may need coordinated evaluation, imaging, and follow-up.

The office is known for an efficient, orderly clinical process and clear explanations of non-surgical options as well as procedures. Appointments are required, and the location includes on-site services that can simplify a more involved orthopedic workup.

California Orthopaedic Institute, San Diego#15

California Orthopaedic Institute

4.7588 reviews
7485 Mission Valley Rd #104a, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
Recommended for
Patients needing imaging, therapy, and orthopedic follow-up togetherComplex injury or surgical care

California Orthopaedic Institute provides surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care in San Diego, with a centralized campus that brings together physician offices, examination rooms, X-ray and MRI, physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation, outpatient surgery, and pain management. That breadth can reduce the need to coordinate separate facilities for a longer treatment journey.

The clinical style is thorough and explanatory, with attention to diagrams, findings, treatment choices, and recovery planning. Appointments are required, and the clean, organized environment supports both routine consultations and more complex orthopedic care.

How the options stack up

#BusinessRatingReviewsRecommended for
#1Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group 4.91,699Patients seeking orthopedic evaluation or surgery
#2John Andrew Grotting, MD 5.0211Sports injuries and return-to-activity planning
#3San Diego Hand Specialists 4.9410Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and tendonitis evaluations
#4Dr. David W. Fabi 4.9490Hip or knee replacement consultations
#5Scott Tanaka, MD 4.9341Hand and wrist consultations involving trigger finger
#6Tal S. David, MD 4.9257Athletes and active adults with shoulder or knee injuries
#7Jeremy McCandless, MD 4.9195Partial or full knee replacement consultations
#8Daniel S. Brereton, DO 4.9194Complex shoulder and elbow cases
#9San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, Inc. 4.81,261Patients comparing several orthopedic specialties in one practice
#10Synergy Orthopedics 4.9160Patients comparing orthopedic specialties
#11Dr. Larry D. Dodge, MD 4.9187Neck and lower-back orthopedic consultations
#12Synergy Orthopedic Specialists 4.8381Patients needing coordinated orthopedic services
#13Rina Jain, MD, FRCSC - Synergy Orthopedics 4.8227Patients evaluating joint surgery or non-surgical alternatives
#14Synergy Orthopedic Specialist - Mission Valley 4.71,155Coordinated orthopedic evaluation and imaging
#15California Orthopaedic Institute 4.7588Patients needing imaging, therapy, and orthopedic follow-up together

Do you run a business?

Add or manage my business

Map of orthopedic specialists across San Diego

The profiles cover orthopedic care throughout San Diego, but no verified neighborhood grouping is provided here. Treat the list as a starting point for matching your condition with the appropriate clinic or surgeon. Distance matters when appointments include imaging, surgery planning, or rehabilitation. Check the travel time for every expected visit and ask whether related services take place at the same location.

What each one offers

  • Joint replacement consultationsDiscuss hip or knee replacement options and the likely next steps.
  • Hand and wrist evaluationsAssessment for carpal tunnel, trigger finger, tendonitis, and related concerns.
  • Sports injury careEvaluation and return-to-activity planning for active adults and athletes.
  • Knee and shoulder arthroscopyConsultations about minimally invasive procedures for selected joint problems.
  • Orthopedic imaging coordinationEvaluation pathways that connect the clinical visit with appropriate imaging.
  • Post-operative therapy planningCoordinated support for recovery after orthopedic surgery.

Choosing orthopedic specialists in San Diego

  1. Name the exact body areaWhen booking, specify hip, knee, shoulder, hand, wrist, or another area so the visit reaches the right team.
  2. Ask about the proposed procedureIf surgery is discussed, ask which technique is offered and what problem it is intended to address.
  3. Check imaging arrangementsFind out whether scans are coordinated by the practice and whether you need to bring prior images.
  4. Clarify recovery supportAsk who organizes physical therapy and how follow-up is handled after an operation.
  5. Bring your treatment historyPrepare medication details, previous diagnoses, scans, and the timeline of symptoms for a more focused consultation.

Frequent questions

Should I choose a general orthopedic clinic or a focused specialist?

A broader clinic can help when the diagnosis is still uncertain or several specialties may be relevant. A focused specialist may be more appropriate when the problem is clearly tied to the hand, wrist, hip, knee, shoulder, or a sports injury.

What should I bring to an orthopedic appointment?

Bring prior imaging reports and discs when available, a medication list, information about earlier treatment, and a short timeline of symptoms. Include what movements or activities make the problem better or worse.

How do I compare joint replacement consultations?

Ask which joint replacement options are considered, what evaluation is required first, how follow-up is arranged, and whether rehabilitation coordination is available. Also confirm how soon the specialist can review your specific records.

When should athletes ask about return-to-activity planning?

Ask during the first consultation if your goal is to resume training, competition, or a physically demanding job. The specialist can explain the evaluation, treatment milestones, and what information is needed to set realistic activity goals.

More to compare