Finding the right orthopedic surgeon for hip or knee pain can feel overwhelming, especially when different specialists offer different treatment options. Whether you’re dealing with hip impingement, a labral tear, a meniscus injury, or early arthritis, it’s important to find a surgeon with experience treating your specific condition.
When comparing hip and knee preservation specialists in Long Beach and surrounding communities, consider these steps:
- Understand which qualifications matter. Look for fellowship training, specialized experience, and expertise in the procedures relevant to your condition.
- Compare physician credentials and experience. Review each surgeon’s training, clinical interests, and experience treating injuries similar to yours.
- Know when a second opinion may help. If you’re unsure about a diagnosis or recommended treatment, another evaluation can help you better understand your options.
The goal isn’t simply to find the “best” surgeon. It’s to find a specialist who understands your condition, explains your treatment options clearly, and helps you make an informed decision about your care.
Qualifications Worth Comparing When Finding the Best Hip or Knee Specialist
Orthopedic board certification
Board certification reflects achievement of defined professional standards in orthopedic surgery. It does not, by itself, establish that a surgeon regularly performs complex hip arthroscopy, cartilage transplantation, or corrective osteotomy. If a physician mentions additional sports medicine subspecialty certification, verify that credential separately.
Fellowship training and clinical focus
After residency, some orthopedic surgeons complete advanced fellowship training. Orthopedic sports medicine fellowships often emphasize arthroscopy, sports injuries, and joint function. Adult reconstruction fellowships concentrate on hip and knee replacement, revision, and complex joint reconstruction. Some surgeons pursue multiple fellowships; others acquire condition-specific expertise through their clinical practice and additional training.
Experience with your diagnosis
Ask which treatments a surgeon routinely evaluates and performs for your condition. For hip impingement (FAI), relevant experience may include evaluating bony anatomy, the labrum, cartilage damage, and hip version. For knee problems, it may include meniscus preservation, cartilage restoration, ligament stability, and leg alignment. A list of procedures does not establish a surgeon’s experience, case volume, or outcomes.
Dr. Ramkumar’s Dual Fellowship Training
Dr. Ramkumar completed advanced fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and adult reconstruction at Harvard/Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Internationally recognized for orthopedic care, HSS is a leader in hip preservation, arthroscopy, and the treatment of athletic injuries. Combined with Dr. Ramkumar’s clinical expertise in hip arthroscopy, joint preservation, and reconstructive procedures, this complementary training provides a comprehensive perspective when evaluating joint-preserving treatment, continued conservative care, or reconstruction for each patient.
HSS ranked No. 1 nationally for orthopedics for 17 consecutive years (U.S. News & World Report, 2026-2027) and No. 1 worldwide (Newsweek, 2027). These honors apply to the hospital, not to individual surgeons. U.S. News ranking | Newsweek ranking
When Should You Get a Second Opinion for Hip or Knee Pain?
A second opinion can help you feel more confident about your treatment decisions. If your hip or knee pain continues despite treatment, another evaluation may help identify additional options. It’s also worth considering if surgery has been recommended or you’re unsure which approach is right for you.
Seeking a second opinion doesn’t mean your previous surgeon was wrong. It’s an opportunity to better understand your condition and determine whether joint preservation, reconstruction, or nonsurgical treatment best meets your needs.
Helpful questions to ask during your consultation include:
- What is my precise diagnosis, and are there other potential causes of my symptoms?
- How often do you treat patients with this condition and activity level?
- Which nonsurgical, joint-preserving, reconstructive, or replacement options could apply-and why?
- If you recommend surgery, what are the likely benefits, risks, limitations, and rehabilitation commitments?
- Would imaging, additional evaluation, or a second opinion change the treatment decision?
