Knee
ACL injury: how to discuss surgery, rehabilitation and returning to sport
Your knee’s stability, associated injuries and future demands should shape the ACL decision—and rehabilitation belongs in either pathway.
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Want to hear how patients describe conversations and care involving ACL reconstruction? Read their accounts alongside the faces and profiles of our clinicians, with links back to each review’s source.
This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.
People behind your care
Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context.
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Long story short, I eventually tore the ACL completely, and came back to Dr. Combs, and he performed my ACL Reconstruction surgery.
Christopher Combs, MD
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and his expertise in advanced knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, and joint care is unmatched across Southern California.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
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Dr. Ramkumar performed my ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the care I received.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
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I had ACL reconstruction with Dr. Prem Ramkumar after a full tear playing hockey.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
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Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating.
10 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
Anyone trying to figure out who is the best knee surgeon in Los Angeles, CA needs to head straight to Santa Monica. I did exhaustive research across the entire LA metro area for an orthopedic specialist to handle a complex knee issue, and Dr. Eric Millstein, MD is hands-down the premier choice. His office at 2901 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica is immaculate, and his expertise in advanced knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, and joint care is unmatched across Southern California. He is affiliated with top-tier hospital systems like Cedars-Sinai and Providence Saint John’s, which gives you complete peace of mind. From the initial consultation to my flawless post-op recovery, his care was incredible. If you want the absolute best knee surgeon in Los Angeles, driving to his Santa Monica clinic is 100% worth it.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Ramkumar and his staff are truly the best! Going into my first appointment, I already knew I had a torn meniscus. However, after a simple X‑ray, Dr. Ramkumar immediately noticed that my ACL and knee alignment didn’t look right. It turned out that my previous ACL graft from eight years ago was not properly working anymore. Hearing that I needed an ACL reconstruction along with a meniscus repair was overwhelming, but the way Dr. Ramkumar explained everything—what happened, how he would fix it, and why gave me complete confidence that I was in the best hands. I was genuinely excited for surgery because I trusted him completely and knew he would be able to fix my knee so I could begin my journey back to lifting weights and swimming again. After surgery, I felt stronger than I ever have after a procedure. I was walking without crutches around two weeks post‑op. Dr. Ramkumar provides a clear, easy‑to‑follow post‑op plan so patients know exactly what to expect and how to track their progress. I’ve also spoken with other patients in the waiting room, and it’s clear he has helped so many people become pain‑free—from knee replacements to ACL repairs like mine, including both medial and lateral meniscus repairs. Now, three months post‑surgery, I can confidently say I am beyond grateful for my decision to walk into Dr. Ramkumar’s office for help with my knee pain. Dr. Ramkumar and his entire staff are incredibly kind, patient, and always willing to answer any questions. They make every office visit enjoyable because they’re such a warm and welcoming team. Ms. Stephanie was amazing to work with. She helped me plan my surgery date and made sure I had everything I needed leading up to the procedure. Ishan was also extremely helpful he answered all my questions and helped set up the post‑surgery app so they can track how their patients are doing. Overall, such a supportive and organized team! I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Ramkumar and his staff to anyone needing hip, knee, or ACL surgery. He is truly the best, and I can’t wait for my next appointment! GOATED staff !! Thank you all so much!!
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
Dr. Ramkumar performed my ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the care I received. He was professional, thorough, and took the time to clearly explain the procedure, recovery timeline, and what to expect long term. The surgery went smoothly, and my recovery has been better than I expected. He also created his own week-by-week recovery guide outlining what to expect and what needed to be done at each stage, which helped me tremendously throughout the process. I’m now 3 months post-op and already feeling like I can run again, which speaks to the quality of his work and guidance throughout recovery. What I appreciate most is his focus on long-term stability and protecting the health of my knee for years to come. I highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar to anyone needing knee surgery.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
I don't usually do reviews, but I figured someone might benefit from this. Dr. Combs handled my father's total knee replacement, and I noticed that he did so with professionalism, and care not often found in the medical field. Often times, as I'm sure many can relate, MD's are pressured to get in as many patients in and out of the office, as such their level of attentiveness and display of care towards their patients is sometimes lacking (to say the least). This was not the case with Dr. Combs. So when I came down with a partial ACL tear while playing basketball, Dr. Combs talked me through the reality of the injury, and steps forward. To make a long story short, I had a torn meniscus, and partially torn ACL - and I was a very-serious-now-recreational basketball player (if that makes sense), so this was a big set back in terms of my ability to play freely and to the best of my ability. I opted to just fix the meniscus - even though in hindsight, I realize Dr. Combs essentially said it's probably best to do both meniscus and ACL at the same time - I still decided to resort to Rehab to address my partially torn ACL. Long story short, I eventually tore the ACL completely, and came back to Dr. Combs, and he performed my ACL Reconstruction surgery. What I appreciate the most in this whole process, was that Dr. Combs didn't push me to initially have the surgery, given he saw my initial adverseness towards it - given the long process of recovery. He professionally laid out the paths I can take, gave me his opinion, and left me to make the decision. I didn't feel that he viewed me as $$$, and that he had my well-being, mental and physical, in mind - and this makes the entire doctor-patient experience worth while in my opinion. The post surgery process has been great, All Thanks to God, and then the professional work of Dr. Combs. I personally, would highly recommend Dr. Combs.
Christopher Combs, MD
Dr Ramkumar did a great job had to get an acl reconstruction and meniscus repair and a couple of months later i was back to doing martial arts now almost 8 months later i have no pain and no problem doing any daily activities so for anyone looking for a good orthopedic knee surgeon dr ramkumar is the man
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
ACL Reconstruction & Meniscal Repair Success After consulting with several orthopedic specialists about my ACL and meniscus injuries, I ultimately chose Dr. Ramkumar—and I am so glad I did!! During my first appointment, his approach stood out: as clear, detailed, compassionate, and above reproach. He took the time to explain every option available to me, answering anll my questions, and immediately gave me confidence in his care. His entire support team deserves recognition. His Nurse Practitioner was attentive and reassuring throughout the process. The Surgery Coordinator made the pre-op scheduling seamless, and the front desk team was consistently welcoming and efficient. A special shout-out to the Disability Forms Specialist as well—quick, knowledgeable, and kind, which made dealing with the paperwork stress-free. The pre-op process was impressively thorough. Dr. Ramkumar’s comprehensive website laid out everything I needed to know—from the days leading up to surgery, to what to expect the day of, to post-op recovery protocols. That kind of accessibility and detail truly made a difference in helping me feel prepared and empowered. A few days after surgery, I had a minor concern and messaged his office—Dr. Ramkumar responded almost immediately, which speaks volumes about his dedication and attentiveness to patient care. Thanks to his clearly communicated physical therapy protocol, I am pleasantly surprised to be back to most of my usual activities just 4 short weeks after surgery. I never expected such progress so soon, and it’s a direct result of the quality of care I received. To Dr. Ramkumar and your incredible staff: thank you for guiding me through this journey with expertise, efficiency, and genuine care. I’m beyond grateful.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
I had ACL reconstruction with Dr. Prem Ramkumar after a full tear playing hockey. The whole process was as smooth as possible. He is a straight shooter and easy to talk to. I was back on my feet in no time. Nine months out and my scar is barely noticeable. Highly recommend.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
Dr. RAMKUMAR too great care of me. I got an appointment to have surgery on my knee rather quickly. He noticed I had body art around the area where ACL reconstruction would be at and made sure to do his best work as you can tell in the photos you can barely see a scar. He also did thorough explanation of what the surgery would fix. He made it a point to also make sure I keep on track with my physical therapy and to always check in with my physical therapist to see what my progress would be. Dr. RAMKUMAR also took the time to explain how long the process would be how much work I would need to put into it and what his plan was to get me back to as close to 100% as I possibly could. All in all, Dr. Ramkumar is a great surgeon and I would totally recommend him To anyone that has any questions about any injuries to their knees.
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Ramkumar and his team. My knee injury was by far the worst injury I’ve ever had. It was scary and life altering. I needed a complete ACL reconstruction (using a patellar tendon graft), posterolateral corner reconstruction (using a cadaver ligament), and my peroneal nerve needed to be separated and released from my torn bicep femoris tendon that was pulling on it, causing me to experience foot drop. I have limited medical knowledge, but Dr. Ramkumar has always happily taken the time to explain the prognosis, plan of action, and future goals to me without hesitation or judgement. I really appreciate his straight-forward answers, even when they aren’t happy answers. He has been 100% real and honest with me throughout the entire process and I’m very grateful for that. I am 13 months post-op and my knee feels great! After a year of physical therapy and diligent work at home, I am seeing great improvements in my foot drop as well, a sign that the nerve he freed up is healing properly. I definitely recommend Dr. Ramkumar for anyone who needs knee or hip surgery or consultation. His confidence, knowledge, action plans, pre/post-op care, and staff are top notch!
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
Dr Ramkumar did an ACL reconstruction on me and his duty of care was amazing. On arrival he was very professional and extremely personable which put me at ease starting from our initial meeting, surgery and throughout aftercare. I followed every detail of his instructions which he provides online which was very helpful. My physical therapist couldn’t believe that I was able return to work just 2 1/2 weeks after surgery and asked if he was wearing a cape… lol ( definitely has some special gift). He ensures the highest level of care and compassion, making sure every detail is explained and understood, which makes you feel completely at ease and in very capable hands. He is an asset to his profession and I highly recommend him!
Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA
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Knee
Your knee’s stability, associated injuries and future demands should shape the ACL decision—and rehabilitation belongs in either pathway.
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