Business catalogSan DiegoRanking 2026
Orthopedic surgeon San Diego
Finding the Right Orthopedic Care in San Diego
When you are dealing with musculoskeletal pain, joint issues, or sports injuries, finding the right medical professional is essential for your recovery. Choosing an Orthopedic surgeon in San Diego requires careful consideration of their clinical expertise, board certification, and their approach to patient care. It is important to look for a specialist who has specific experience with your particular condition, whether it involves spine health, joint replacement, or trauma surgery.
How to Evaluate Our 2026 Ranking
To help you navigate your options, we have compiled a comprehensive Orthopedic surgeon San Diego ranking featuring 13 highly-regarded practices. This list is based strictly on public Google reviews. When reviewing these providers, we analyzed the overall star ratings, the total volume of feedback, and the specific sentiment expressed in patient testimonials. By focusing on these metrics, we aim to highlight professionals who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Tips for Reading Reviews and Choosing a Provider
When researching the best Orthopedic surgeon in San Diego, do not rely solely on the star rating. Instead, read the content of the reviews to understand the patient experience. Look for mentions of clear communication, the efficiency of the office staff, and the surgeon’s bedside manner. A high-quality review often details the entire journey, from the initial consultation and diagnosis to the post-operative recovery process.
Keep in mind that every patient’s medical needs are unique. While public reviews provide valuable social proof and insight into a surgeon's reputation, they should serve as a starting point for your research. We recommend using this 2026 list to create a shortlist of potential candidates, then verifying their credentials and scheduling a consultation to discuss your specific health goals. By combining public feedback with your own personal assessment, you can make an informed decision about your orthopedic care.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,8 Avg. rating
- Edition year
- 2026 Edition
Updated June 20, 2026
Company ranking
13 places- 014,8(1,211 reviews)Portal score 8,5
San Diego Orthopedic Associates receives high praise for its skilled medical staff and attentive, supportive patient care. While the vast majority of patients report excellent experiences with surgical outcomes and communication, there is a report of inconsistent care regarding Workers' Compensation cases.
- Knowledgeable and skilled surgeons
- Attentive and friendly support staff
- Clear communication and patient education
- 024,9(402 reviews)Portal score 8,5
Patients consistently report high satisfaction with the medical expertise and patient-centered care provided by the physicians at San Diego Hand Specialists. The practice is frequently praised for its efficient, punctual office operations and a supportive, friendly staff.
- Knowledgeable and expert physicians
- On-time appointments
- Friendly and helpful staff
- 034,7(1,101 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Patients highly value the expertise, bedside manner, and personalized care provided by the surgeons at Synergy Orthopedics. However, the practice faces significant criticism regarding administrative communication, specifically difficulties reaching staff by phone and delays in processing medical orders and referrals.
- Knowledgeable and personable surgeons
- Efficient office wait times
- Clear communication from doctors
- 044,8(349 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Patients generally report high satisfaction with the surgical expertise and bedside manner of the orthopedic specialists at Synergy. While most experiences are described as efficient and professional, there is a report of significant concerns regarding billing practices and unauthorized scheduling.
- Thorough explanation of treatment plans
- Friendly and attentive support staff
- Efficient and timely appointments
- 054,9(485 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Patients consistently report high satisfaction with Dr. Fabi's surgical expertise, particularly regarding hip and knee replacements. While the medical care and communication are highly praised, some patients noted that the office environment can feel busy or chaotic.
- Excellent surgical outcomes
- Thorough explanation of procedures
- Attentive and compassionate staff
- 064,6(435 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Patients generally report highly positive experiences at the California Orthopaedic Institute, frequently praising the medical staff for their expertise and clear communication. While most interactions are described as professional and attentive, there is a report of a negative experience involving dismissive behavior from a physician.
- Friendly and helpful office staff
- Thorough and clear explanations
- Efficient and timely appointments
- 074,7(410 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Dr. David Burnikel is generally regarded as a knowledgeable and professional orthopedic surgeon who effectively communicates treatment options and provides timely care. While most patients report high satisfaction with his bedside manner and the efficiency of his staff, a minority of patients have reported feeling dismissed or dissatisfied with his refusal to perform certain surgeries.
- Knowledgeable and informative communication
- Efficient and timely appointments
- Effective cortisone injections
- 084,9(195 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Patients consistently praise Dr. McCandless for his thorough explanations, attentive bedside manner, and surgical expertise. The office staff and clinical assistants are frequently described as friendly, efficient, and helpful throughout the pre- and post-operative process.
- Thorough and clear explanations
- Attentive and personable bedside manner
- Efficient and friendly office staff
- 094,8(240 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Dr. Tal David is widely regarded as a highly skilled and knowledgeable orthopedic surgeon, particularly for athletes and complex joint injuries. While the vast majority of patients report excellent surgical outcomes and attentive care, a minority of experiences highlight significant communication issues with the office staff.
- Highly skilled surgical expertise
- Attentive and patient bedside manner
- Efficient and on-time appointments
- 104,9(320 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Patients consistently praise Dr. Tanaka for his expertise, clear communication, and compassionate, patient-centered approach to orthopedic care. While the office is frequently busy, patients appreciate the thorough explanations and the conservative, well-informed treatment plans provided.
- Clear and thorough explanations
- Compassionate and patient demeanor
- Conservative treatment approach
- 114,9(187 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Patients consistently praise Dr. Larry Dodge for his exceptional surgical expertise, compassionate bedside manner, and long-term commitment to their well-being. While many patients express deep gratitude for his care over several decades, some report recent difficulties navigating the office's phone system.
- Exceptional surgical skill
- Thorough patient communication
- Compassionate and caring demeanor
- 124,9(148 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Patients consistently report high satisfaction with Dr. Samagh and his team, highlighting successful surgical outcomes for hip and shoulder injuries. The practice is noted for its innovative techniques, thorough patient education, and a supportive staff that includes PA Garrett and practice director Kristi.
- Thorough patient education
- Supportive and caring staff
- Successful surgical outcomes
- 134,7(167 reviews)Portal score 8,0
Patients consistently praise the surgical expertise and attentive bedside manner of the orthopedic surgeons at Ortho 1 Medical Group. While clinical outcomes are highly rated, several patients report significant difficulties with administrative communication and billing responsiveness.
- Highly skilled orthopedic surgeons
- Attentive and caring staff
- Effective physical therapy coordination
Company comparison
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose the best orthopedic surgeons in San Diego?
- To find the best provider, start by reviewing our curated list of the 13 top-rated orthopedic surgeons in the city. Look for specialists who have experience with your specific injury or condition and check their professional credentials. Comparing these options helps you identify which practice best aligns with your medical needs.
- What should I look for when visiting an orthopedic surgeon?
- When visiting a clinic, look for clear communication regarding your diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan. You should expect a thorough physical examination and a discussion of both surgical and non-surgical options. Our top-ranked provider, San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, Inc., maintains a high 4.8/5 rating, which reflects their commitment to patient care.
- How should I interpret ratings and reviews for orthopedic surgeons?
- Ratings provide a helpful snapshot of patient satisfaction, such as the 4.8/5 rating held by San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, Inc. When reading reviews, focus on comments regarding the surgeon's bedside manner, wait times, and the effectiveness of the recovery plans provided. While the average rating for the category is currently unavailable, these individual scores remain a valuable tool for your research.
- What is a practical tip for preparing for an orthopedic consultation?
- Before your appointment, write down a list of your symptoms, how long you have experienced them, and any previous treatments you have tried. Bringing copies of relevant X-rays or MRI reports can also help the surgeon provide a more accurate assessment. This preparation ensures you make the most of your time with the specialist.
- Are there many orthopedic surgeons to choose from in San Diego?
- Yes, our 2026 ranking features 13 of the most highly regarded orthopedic surgeons in the area. This selection allows you to compare different practices and find a specialist who is conveniently located for your follow-up visits. Having a focused list of 13 options makes it easier to evaluate your choices effectively.