Family and caregiver experiences · Patient experiences
15 five-star reviews for Dr. Sanjay Khurana discuss family and caregiver experiences. Patients describe Dr. Khurana as compassionate and professional. Their stories also speak to compassionate care and clear explanations. Care often includes the people closest to you. Read what patients and loved ones share about that experience.
Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here.
A person behind your care
Dr. Sanjay Khurana is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with more than 20 years of experience and over 7,000 successful surgeries. He specializes in motion-preserving procedures like cervical and lumbar disc replacement, as well as minimally invasive microscopic and endoscopic techniques. Whether he’s treating complex conditions like scoliosis or performing precision-guided reconstructions with robotic navigation, his approach is deeply focused on safety, function, and long-term results.
Dr. Khurana’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition by Castle Connolly, Newsweek’s Top Spine Surgeons, and the Hall of Fame Super Doctors, among other regional and local honors. Dr. Khurana completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by his medical degree and orthopedic surgery residency at Stanford University. He then completed an orthopedic and neurosurgical spine fellowship at the University of Miami.
Patients describe Dr. Khurana as warm, attentive, and exceptionally skilled. He’s known for his clear, thorough consultations and a calm, empathetic presence that helps patients feel supported and confident in their care. He and his team are known for their professionalism and responsiveness, and patients often describe their results as ‘life-changing.’
Outside the OR, Dr. Khurana enjoys family time with his two kids, catching up with friends, and soaking in the best of Southern California.
Bring what matters to you
Care is sometimes described by someone close to the patient. These reviews mention a family member’s experience and the support surrounding it.
In their own words
These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.
This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that mention family and caregiver experiences. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.
15 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
Dr Sanjay Khurana is a humble genius . I am writing on behalf of my husband a retired surgeon. He suffered two serious collisions and has had a 16 year history of back issues . Dr took at least half hour to review the current MRI and CT . He had performed surgery to remove a large ruptured disc fragment ,as emergency , in 2017 and fusion in 2019 . We reviewed new techniques and have a move forward treatment plan. Dr recommended we get second opinion and give serious thought . We have total confidence in his opinion and his surgical skill, empathy, and ability to communicate. 5 stars !!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I visited Dr. Khurana for a 2nd opinion and in the process was won over to a new spine specialist. When my physical therapist recommended Dr. Khurana as someone I should get an opinion from, his was a name I’d heard many times over the years. He had a reputation as one of the top spine surgeons in the country. This was something I’d heard touted numerous times over the years. Selecting a doctor with Dr Khurana’s prominence to render a second opinion on a surgery I was scheduled to undergo was comforting to my unsettled mind. I was seeking confidence that the surgery I was about to undergo was appropriate. Alternatives approaches hadn’t been discussed and in the absence of such, I was left to assume surgery was my only option. I just didn’t know the degree of necessity. Was it absolutely necessary? Unsure as I was, I was racing toward another double ADR surgery. I already had double ADR surgery some years ago. Following through with the surgery as planned would render the majority of my cervical spine artificial. Was this even prudent? How many quadruple ADRs exist in the universe? What are the outcomes? I had questions and needed confirmation from another spine specialist that additional ADR surgery was my best course of action. Dr. Khurana analyzed my cervical imaging and surgical history. He reviewed his interpretations with me and my wife, provided us ample time to ask all the questions that had remained unanswered and in the end, it was Dr. Khurana opinion that I didn’t need surgery. Dr. Khurana explained his diagnosis and other more measured alternatives available to treat my case. My visit to Dr. Khurana was as relieving as it was revealing. I feel very fortunate to have turned to Dr. Khurana for answers. It was, in retrospect, a very good decision. Dr. Khurana may be a highly regarded spine surgeon, but he’s a good doctor because he understands the importance of communication and through it, connects. By comparison, It’s now obvious to me what I was missing in my relationship with my previous spine doctor – a human connection. In better hands, C
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr. Khurana is a thoughtful, precise and talented surgeon. I researched very thoroughly to find a surgeon for my son's spinal surgery. Suffice to say Dr. Khurana is the only spine surgeon I have recommended I recently saw him for my own spinal issues, he interpreted my images for me very patiently and assured me, he sees no surgery in my future. I trust him completely. His staff, x-ray technician are also thorough kind , and pay attention to the details. Thank you Dr Khurana!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr. Khurana saw me and my wife for neck & back issues. He was just wonderful. He spent time with us. He told us both, "Don't let anyone tell you that you need neck surgery." He told me that my pain was coming from L4/L5. He said, "See a pain Doctor, try everything that he or she recommends. Try Physical Therapy. If nothing works, call me back and we'll talk about a minimally invasive surgery to resolve your pain." My wife and I both felt that Dr. Khurana was absolutely the surgeon we would use for any neck or back issues. He is knowledgeable, professional, and has a compassionate personality.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr. Khurana is terrific. Whenever ever I have had to see him he takes his time to explain and I have never felt rushed. He also has operated on both myself and my wife, both with great results.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
There are no words to truly express our gratitude to Dr. Khurana. He is a genius surgeon with a heart of gold. My husband spent 50 years in agonizing pain until Dr Khurana performed an intensely difficult surgery that left my husband pain free for the first time in his life. I myself had a very complicated surgery that Dr Khurana performed on me completely successfully. I was terrified and this deeply compassionate doctor walked me through my fears and changed my life..Dr Khurana's commitment to his patients care is priceless and heartfelt. He is simply a very special human being and a master surgeon...We are truly blessed to have him in our lives...
Sanjay Khurana, MD
My husband had successful back surgery done by Dr Khurana a few years ago so when my back became a problem, I went to him too. Both Dr Khurana and his PA were clear in their explanations, answered all our questions, and did not rush us. Dr Khurana suggested a treatment plan which I'm about to begin. I expect that my final result will be just as successful as my husband's.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
My father was impressed by Dr. Khurana's evaluation and recommendations. He will follow through with his recommendations and definitely follow up in a few months to see if he needs any aggressive treatment. Thanks Dr. Khurana
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I don't really know where to begin. I was introduced to Dr. Khurana after injuring my neck and not having any strength/extreme pain in my shoulder. This was a Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. He reviewed my MRI and knowing the pain I was in insisted that his assistant schedule me for surgery Thursday that same week and not wait until Friday. I had a herniated disk. It was in pieces. It was only one day but it showed a lot about the doctor understanding his patients and doing what needs to be done to put them first. He answered all my questions, was honest about everything I asked him, and most importantly made me feel like I was his only patient despite having I believe 4 other procedures to do that day. I didn't even get a 2nd opinion...this guy was so impressive upon meeting him my father who is a physician and I decided it wasn't necessary. I handled zero paperwork, everything is done for you, what a pleasure. Lastly, I was back at work 4 days later. I was back playing 18 holes of golf 5 weeks post op. No rehab was necessary. I simply cannot say enough good things about this man. I thanked him 1000 times over and its still not enough. I am back to normal life. Dr. Khurana is the absolute best!!!!!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
It is my great pleasure to give Dr Sanjay Khurana a five star rating. I am a retired surgeon that suffered a catastrophic disc rupture with 16 by 9 mm extrusion that broke off L2/3 and entered my spinal canal. The diagnosis was complicated by prior back issues and a recent post motor vehicle accident MRI that was unremarkable. The accident was in June and MRI was in July and by September the pain was debilitating and under pain management I was taking methadone and OxyContin like candy. Short story a renowned Spine surgeon based on the July MRI diagnosed Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. WRONG. Referred to Dr Khurana for a second opinion who did a long and compassionate examination and ordered a new MRI that revealed the monster fragment. Dr Khurana , broke his schedule and operated on me within 3 days as emergency. With in a week post op I was opioid free. Dr Khurana is a brilliant diagnostician,skillful surgeon , and remarkable human being. I am , four years later , enjoying Dr ASG PS I am 71 year old and do not Yelp. Hence I used my wife's account for this Yelp . Thanks dear!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Doctor Khurana is the type of doctor that every doctor should try to emulate. I know he is busy but each time I meet with him he spent all the time I needed, as if I was the only patient he had that day. My surgery when very well and my recovery was easy. He and his PA Ms. Kim made sure my and my wife’s questions were answered fully. If I had further questions between appointments Ms. Kim got back to me right away and always said she would, if we wanted, would set-up a call with Dr. Khurana.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I have been suffering from neck/arm pain for the past 8 mos. I've been to 3 different "experts" & no one would write a Rx for me to go in for MRIs...even though nothing else was working: epidurals, cortisone, meds. As a prior gymnast & dancer, I know my body & I know when I started losing the feeling down my hands & then my fingers started to get freezing cold, the problem was a lot more serious than the doctor I was seeing was seeing. I finally demanded he write ard for MRIs on both shoulders & my cervical spine & through some research was referred to Dr. Khurana - who, after taking one look at all my tests, reports, etc. said I needed emergency surgery or I'd end up with permanent nerve damage. I wonder - if my previous dr had listened to me - would I be in the situation I now find myself? Of course, we can't look back, only forward & I am so lucky that I was directed to Dr Khurana, who went over everything with me in great detail & explained the surgery so that even my husband, who doesn't know anything about anything re: medical terms, procedures & the like, completely understood & felt 100% confident when we left. The surgery is pretty extensive: Dr Khurana will be fusing my C3/4 & then totally replacing my discs at C5/6 & C6/7 & any time one goes in for surgery, especially anything related to the spine, it is nerve-wracking, to say the least. But everyone in the office - from the front desk to Amanda & Elaine &, especially, Dr Khurana made me feel like I was in the best hands possible. My appointment was on a Wednesday & Jessica, who schedules the surgeries, called me the next day & was able to get me in w/in a week - pretty unheard of these days. I go in tomorrow morning & have been told that, while the recovery may be pretty tough, I am expected to feel relief from the excruciating pain I've been living with pretty immediately. I can't thank the entire staff for making a scary situation less so. If you're reading this & have any issues with your spine, look no farther....Dr Khurana IS your man!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr Khurana operated on my father one month ago and we couldn't be more pleased with the process. My dad had an extremely fast recovery with minimal pain. Dr Khurana is professional and articulate and made the process of spine surgery as positive of an experience as it could possibly be. His staff is courteous and accommodating, we always felt like they had our best interest in mind. We 100% recommend Dr. Khurana, he is the best!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I just finished my 6 months check up with Dr. Khuarna. I am nothing short of ecstatic with how amazing my surgery went. I have been an athlete since the young age of 4th grade. I played Volleyball and Basketball all the way into college and then played some professional ball after college. I had a steller career with national titles and more. In one of my National tournaments in 99, I hyperextended backward to get a ball and cracked my lower lumbar. I did tons of rehab and continued to play on for another 10 years thinking all was good, but around age 30 I retired from playing both sports as the pain and wear and tear of an almost 20-year career was weighing on me. I didn't realize that eventually, that injury would turn into a collapsed disk causing even more pain. Getting out of bed just took my breath away and was excruciating. After knee surgery, my back pain increased to almost unbearable. I went to my doctor who referred me to a specialist who just told me to go to rehab and deal with it. Two years after that I thought there has to be something else I can do. I remembered Dr. Khurana worked on my mother's back who literally was like Humpty Dumpty in that her back was in pieces and he put her back together. I researched him and saw he was top in his field, a former athlete himself and that he put athletes like myself a volleyball player back together. I knew he would understand where I was coming from. As much as I didn't want surgery, I knew it was time to get help the pain was just about unbearable. After a short consult, Dr. Sanjay stated I needed surgery to better my quality of life. I agreed but was completely terrified at the thought of going under. At this point in my life, I am a mother of two, owner of three companies and a national speaker and I thought to myself, so many people rely on me what if this does not work but I did more research I saw the success rate of Dr. Sanjay and how all his patients had amazing results. I knew I had to do this. Fast forward I remember them telling me I would wake up pain-free after the surgery and I found that hard to believe. I also told them every time I go under I wake up vomiting. Well, When I woke up from this surgery not only was it the first time ever I woke up and actually felt good with no vomiting but I had no pain. I couldn't believe it the pain was gone. With the exception of the incision pain which I could deal with I had two c-sections previously I felt amazing. And even more amazing 2 hours after the surgery they had me up and walking. I recovered amazingly fast once I got past the first week. Two weeks after my surgery here I was walking to an event to do a presentation. And its been amazing the last 6 months I have no pain. My quality of life is amazing in so many ways. Even though with my pain I remained active I thought wow I am going to have to live with being in pain but today I have no pain. I am literally 100 percent better. When it comes to recommendations Dr. Sanjay Khurana I highly recommend, he is top in his field, his success rates are amazing, he is extremely professional and has top quality staff. The DISC center where we did the surgery was amazing as well, so much better then a hospital and I was treated like a queen with such sincere caring people. As high level athlete, I have had some amazing doctors in my in my career, but Dr. Sanjay has been the best. Thank you, Dr. Sanjay and your staff for helping me move to a pain-free life.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Dr. Khurana is so awesome. He did a fantastic job with my husband's cervical fusion back in January. He has a great bedside manner. You can tell that he really cares about the well being of his patients. My husband had to be in the hospital for about 4 days after surgery and he was in contact with me regularly updating me on the his status. My husband also has lower back problems and I won't trust anyone but Dr. Khurana to be his surgeon again for this problem. Also, Wendy and Susan were great to deal with prior to surgery. See you for follow up in July, Dr. Khurana!
Sanjay Khurana, MD
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