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168 written reviews
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"Dr. Garabekyan is the BEST. He’s caring, takes time to listen to you, and is truly a gifted surgeon. I’m now 6 months post-op from a labral repair and back to 100%. Thank you so much Dr. G!"
Tigran Garabekyan, MD
Dr. Sanjay Khurana is my hero! I'm 71 years old and have had back problems all my life with 7 curvatures in my cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine leading to pain, pinched nerves, numbness, etc. I've relied on chiropractic adjustments to alleviate my discomfort for many years, but my condition had been getting worse the last 2-3 years. My back pain was now expanding down both legs and was accompanied by numbness as well. I was now walking like Quasi Moto, hunched over and to the right to relieve some of the pressure on the nerves. In May 2018, I saw an orthopedic doctor who took x-rays and sent me for an MRI. Upon reviewing the MRI, he referred me to an orthopedic spine surgeon in his office who informed me that I was precariously close to becoming incontinent (best case scenario) or paralyzed (worst case scenario) due to the severe stenosis I had from L2 to S1 (4 levels) as well as anterolisthesis at L5 on S1. I was scheduled for surgery early July 2018 for decompression at 4 levels and "some" fusion. I was told I would have a scar about 10" long on my back and be on a walker for 4 months. I got all the instructions regarding no bending, lifting (5 lb. max.) or twisting, driving and travel restrictions, etc. This was really depressing since I'm so accustomed to being independent and not relying on others to do things for me. I wanted a second opinion so I asked my chiropractor for a recommendation. I showed him the report of my MRI and he referred me to Dr. Khurana, telling me the outcome would be critically dependent upon the surgeon I chose. I called Dr. Khurana's Torrance office at Beach Cities Orthopedic that day and got an appointment for the very next day (he's only at the Torrance office on Wednesdays and I live in the South Bay). Dr. Khurana concurred that I needed surgery and described the technique (microsurgery) he employs in detail for the decompression L2-S1 (4 levels), as well as the anterior approach he preferred for fusion of L4-L5 & L5-S1. This would leave me with about a 4 inch scar on my back. He works with a vascular surgeon to perform the ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) and his preferred vascular surgeon was Dr. Rao, whose first available date was July 10, 2018 at Providence St. John's Hosp. in Santa Monica, so that's what I signed up for. That vertical abdominal scar is about 3 inches long from the navel down. The next part of my story is the best part. I did remarkably well post-op. I never used a walker once after I returned home. Sure I had to wear a back brace whenever I wasn't sitting or lying down, but what a huge relief. I stopped all pain killers and muscle relaxants after 2 weeks. I have no more leg pain or numbness at all. I still feel a little ache in my low back but I assume I will until the fusion is completely healed. I started walking in the neighborhood 10-20 minutes a day and worked up to 1 hour walks in week 4 post-op. I'm almost 3 months post-op now and I only wear the brace when I walk. I do that daily and while walking I think about how I couldn't walk even 5 minutes without pain and numbness before the surgery. I thank God for my blessings every day... and Dr. Khurana.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I recently had a herniated disc in my L3. I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 months. I can honestly say Dr Bae help save my life and get me back on track. Dr Bae and his team were extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He knew exactly what needed to happen after looking at my MRI. The surgery went amazing I was able to walk right away. It's been a bit of a struggle post-op getting my leg back to normal and will start PT soon. It's an amazing comforting feeling being treated by the best in the world. Thank you Dr Bae for helping me get my life back. Not sure what I would have done or how this would have ended up if I hadn't been under your care. Staff is amazing knowledgeable and very helpful pre and post. Please keep up the amazing work helping people the way you do.
Hyun Bae, MD
This is way overdue. Dr. Millstein performed surgery for me on 11/17/17. I had a graft replace for an ACL and meniscus repaired. His communication throughout the process including texting and calling me post op. was a big surprise and also very helpful. Not all surgeons are alike. Whether it's their ability, or bedside manner, or communication pre/post op. you will see quite a variance between these types of professionals. Dr. Millstein nails all the categories and I am so grateful that Cedars referred me to him and that my insurance worked with him. I would highly recommend him if you are injured and need a great Orthopedic surgeon. Personally, I hope I only have to see him for follow up appointments and not another injury, but if "life happens" I would see him again.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
This review is 1 year and a month post S1-L5 and L5-L4 microdiscectomy. After an injury at an obstacle course race that was completely my fault, load over capacity on a heavy lift, I had lumbar pain that eventually became a sciatic pain that was most felt in my left calf. I started Physical Therapy to resolve the issue, but in my case and situation, it was not resolving the issue the way we wanted it. The pain kept coming back immediately when walking, even after performing exercises that would relieve it. My PT recommended a few surgeons to talk to, and after looking at DISC I chose to go see Dr. Khurana. I figured if DISC gets Red Bull athletes back to performing, I would be in capable hands. Another reason I chose Dr. Khurana was that he understood why I had the injury and what I needed to do to get past it. There was no "oh you must have surgery" or "we can do surgery but never flip that 400lbs tire again". Upon initial consultation and look at my MRI, we both agreed to continue PT for a few more weeks to make sure that PT was not progressing for "me" and what I wanted to continue doing. As another reviewer stated, these things are not one size fits all. Make sure your PT, surgeon AND YOU are in line with your life goals. I felt that Dr. Khurana, and the entire DISC staff, cared about my situation and wanted to get me back to where I wanted to be. I wanted to race again that year, wanted to carry 70lbs buckets uphill, wanted to trail run for 30+ miles, wanted to crawl under barbwire, wanted to blah blah blah. Dr. Khurana understood where I wanted to be as an athlete and where I was before the injury and I felt his consultation kept all this in mind. I elected to have the surgery performed, and everything was super smooth. In on a Friday morning, out that evening and I was back to work on Monday. I was back to racing again in just over six months (Tahoe Ultra Beast, aroo!). My case is not all cases, as I had done a ton of work during the previous years that would have been considered pre-hab. The surgery experience was excellent. Everyone was very caring and explained everything to me in as much detail as I wanted. I would do it again if I "had" to. I was never second-guessing the decision. All of the post-op appointments were the same caliber. Dr. Khurana explained what I may experience in the next year or two as I started training again, so while sometimes I am alarmed thinking "uh...should I be feeling this now?" between Dr. Khurana and my PT I am guided in the right direction. He cared about how I was progressing and how I was getting back to my pursites. Shout out to Devin Blessing at Evolution Physical Therapy. They are just around the way from DISC in Playa Vista and are an excellent place to follow up your surgery at.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I had sciatica pain for many years. First time I had was sometime in 1996 after a soccer game. Very minor in the beginning but became worse and worse as time went by. When I couldn't walk even two blocks because of this pain, I decided to get a surgery. After searching for doctors, I picked Dr Bae. He took care of my disc, L4/L5 & L5/S1, in 2016. Now, I'm post-op 20 months. Walking, no problems at all. No back pain. He did a great job! When one of my friends developed the same issue I didn't hesitate even 1 second to recommend Dr Bae.
Hyun Bae, MD
I am 46 years old and struggled with severe lower back pain for 18 years. I have had epidurals, rhizotomies and a microdiscectomy at L5-S1. I avoided a fusion for years because it was such a big surgery. Dr. Khurana was fantastic in his analysis of my condition due to his vast experience. He was never in a rush to perform my surgery and always said to come back whenever I was ready. His kind demeanor and attentive staff really made me comfortable during my decision making process. I am now six months post op from having Dr. Khurana perform an ALIF (anterior lumbar interbody fusion) and am 100% pain free. My low back has not felt this good since I was in my mid 20's. Before my surgery I could hardly put my shoes on and never slept through the night. I am now back to swimming, surfing, lifting weights, sleeping through the night and most importantly I am able to do everything with my kids completely pain free. You always hear the bad outcomes with spinal fusion surgery but rarely hear the positive. Dr. Khurana has a fantastic surgical team and I would recommend anyone to go see him before having surgery. He was always a pleasure to deal with and his surgical skills are second to none.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
I had to have an emergency disc replacement and fusion C-6/C-7 after a disastrous appointment with a new chiropractor. Dr. Bae and all of his staff, especially Lisa Cano, are the very best at what they do. I received excellent care, information, everything from the surgery to scheduling follow up appointments. Thank goodness my own doctor brought Dr. Bae in to help me - I was flat on my back unable to move and in danger of spinal cord damage. I will always be grateful to Dr. Bae and his staff.
Hyun Bae, MD
My new Ortho... (traveled from Idaho) I am a very "active" grandma of seven... It wasn't until after vetting four different Ortho's that I choose Dr. Garabekyan. I had bi-lateral labral tears in my hips and was in a lot of constant pain. I went to some of the "best" hip surgeons in LA and Beverly Hills. I left their offices feeling discouraged and not very confident. I sought out Dr. Garabekyan for his Arthroscopic Labral repair techniques (no perineal post) and recovery period. From my 1st visit where the tears were explained and the specific details for surgery were given, I was certain he was the right surgeon. He made accommodations for a prompt surgery due to the distance I would need to travel. Dr. Garabekyan gave me his cell number and kept me informed all the way through the process. He was kind enough to share all the details a second time with my husband. Surgery day came, Dr. Garabekyan came into the pre-op room sat with us for 15 minutes, went through the surgery details again, which was very reassuring. Surgery (on both hips) went very well and I walked same day, that was outstanding! He texted me daily to check on my recovery!! Wow! I felt like a VIP! Pain management/recovery: I was off narcotics within 24 hrs. Went on to Toradol for three more days, then to Ibuprofen from there. I used crutches for 1 week inside and two-weeks outside. PT started with bike riding twice a day; PT w/therapist started week 3. My PT was amazed and impressed with my recovery and the techniques that Dr. Garabekyan used. I definitely did my part, but truly believe that my recovery is and has gone so well because of the skills and expertise of my doctor. I am 6 weeks post-op and went for a two-hour beach bike ride in Santa Barbra with my grandchildren even after walking the zoo for two-in-a-half hours!! I am thankful that I listen to my gut and did my research! All my pre-surgery pain is 100% gone! I am pleased to highly recommend Dr. Garabekyan for any of your ortho needs!
Tigran Garabekyan, MD
Found him on Yelp and the rave reviews are well-deserved! Went up on the elevator with two current post-op patients and their opinions of him were very enthusiastic. Went for a third opinion about my shoulder because the first two were so different. He answered all my questions and explained his opinion (no surgery necessary) clearly. Best mix of medical expertise, courtesy and warmth.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I couldn't have picked a better Dr. for my disk replacement. For over two years I suffered with debilitating neck and shoulder pain due to a damaged disc C5-C6. I saw two surgeons here in Las Vegas and tried all the nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, two rounds of physical therapy and epidural steroid injections) to no avail. Both local surgeons eventually recommended spinal fusion. NO WAY, I said. For over a year, I spent hours researching alternative treatments and that's how I found Dr. Bae. On June 2015, I had my initial consultation. When you enter Dr. Bae's office the first person you will interact with is Julie, Dr. Bae's medical secretary. She is incredibly efficient, helpful and skillful at communicating with nervous patients like myself. When you meet Dr. Bae the first thing you will notice is how confident and forthright he is. First, he examined my medical history and MRI images, he showed my husband and I where the prolapsed disk was pressing against the spinal cord and then he explained (in plain language) what could be done surgically to free up the nerve. Both my husband and I were extremely impressed with Dr. Bae's minimally invasive approach to surgery, his communication skills and sincere desire to stop my pain. The surgery, insurance coverage, hospital stay, follow up care, etc was all made possible by his wonderful PA Lisa. Lisa was instrumental in coordinating the "long distance" planning of my surgery in Santa Monica - most of it through email and phone calls. She was SUPER quick replying to all of my questions! Thank You Lisa. Seven weeks ago, Dr Bae replaced my degenerated disk with a Mobi-C cervical disk and I'm feeling fantastic. I Just completed the first week of physical therapy here in Vegas and for the first time in years I'm starting to live free of pain. If you are struggling with a spinal condition, trust Dr. Bae and his amazing team!
Hyun Bae, 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
Dr Khurana and his wonderful staff at DISC Sport and Spine actually get 10 stars!. In the last year, Dr Khurana performed 2 spine surgeries on me (cervical- ACDF and a lumbar XLIF) and both surgeries were the best things I've ever done. Dr Khurana is an amazingly skilled and competent surgeon and he is incredibly patient and explanatory throughout the whole process. His NP Susan is fantastic as are all of the nurses in the surgery center and support staff in the office.Over the last 18 months I consulted with 8 different ortho and neuro surgeons in LA, SF and Sacramento regarding my low back pain that had been on-going for over 10 years. Dr Khurana was the only clinician who suggested that less is more for me...and he performed an XLIF . Not many surgeons are adept at doing an XLIF, but I've had 2 Physical Therapist's that have been completely shocked that I'm up to the level of activity with no pain at 3 months post op. I'm thrilled to be able to get back to being an athlete again...and it's due to Dr Khurana.
Sanjay Khurana, MD
Ok so if you have done your homework, you will learn very quickly that this guy is as good as it gets. I saw "all" of the best guys in town (@500 per appointment) and let me tell you flat out if you want to have or are considering a cervical disc replacement, this is the guy to see. Period. 4 days post op and although my throat is a bit sore it is amazing how little impact my surgery was. He has done more artificial disc replacements, than anyone. Unless you want to simply fuse your neck, there is not a better solution in the LA area period. I will write more later. Do your homework, watch the videos online. This guy knows his craft.
Hyun Bae, MD
If I could give Dr Bae and his team more stars, I would. Today I am post-op day 4 ( anterior cervical disc replacement and hybrid fusion on another level)- I feel amazing. My arm, hand, shoulder and scapula pain was gone since post-op day 1. I have minimal incision pain, a resolving sore throat and some muscle spasms which are expected, but overall I feel much better than prior to my surgery. Dr Bae and his team exceeded all my expectations. I can never thank him and his team enough for giving me a new chance to live a good life- quality of life is very important. :)
Hyun Bae, MD
I had surgery on my back in March 2014 and I had a number of issues finding a doctor which you can read about (if you want... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/noam-friedlander/affordable-care-act-costs_b_5149120.html). I have to say, that of all the doctors I visited, Dr Bae's office was the most helpful - even before I actually made an appointment to see them. In total, I ended up meeting with around six surgeons, I did A LOT of research, and settled on Dr Bae and his team. He had operated on TWO of my friends, all successfully, and is an expert in his field. The surgery - a massively herniated disc L4/L5 - WAS a success. I received plenty of help prior to the surgery and my emails and questions were all answered in a timely manner PLUS I had a number of follow up appointments to check my progress. I tried everything I could to avoid having surgery, and, as was suggested, I did physical therapy before the operation to see if that could alleviate the pain as well as two epidurals. I found that the office NEVER tried to push me to have an unnecessary surgery, they were incredibly kind and patient, and, it was swiftly apparent to all after my MRI that surgery was now my only option. There aren't many people I would trust to stick a knife in my back, but I truly trusted Dr. Bae, and was rewarded with my mobility back. Everyone's post surgical results are different - physical therapy, diet and looking after myself are all my responsibility BUT I feel I gave myself the best shot by selecting Dr. Bae to be my surgeon. Highly recommended.
Hyun Bae, MD
Having torn my ACL three times (along with various other left knee injuries), I moved to LA and found myself in need of a new orthopedic surgeon. After looking at reviews for everyone in the area, Dr. Millstein stood out among his colleagues as both a brilliant surgeon and practical/discerning physician. He really listens to his patients and operates as a last option (in my case, I already knew it was my only choice). He performed an open high-tibial osteotomy to realign my leg and managed to leave the most minimal scarring --which is next to impossible considering the invasive nature of this particular procedure. Dr. Millstein has also been there to answer any questions I've had during recovery and takes time to follow-up frequently. There really isn't a better ortho guy out there! Also, the office staff are incredibly helpful and sweet. Can't go wrong here.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Great experience with Dr. Millstein. I had a ruptured Achilles Tendon (aka, the Kobe Bryant injury) and was fortunate enough to be referred to Dr. Millstein by an anesthesiologist friend. Injured on Saturday, I saw him on a Monday and had surgery that Thursday. Good follow up from him and his staff. Great bedside manner, confident but not cocky, and he set realistic and practical expectations right from the get-go. I'd recommend him to anyone who is injured and seeking the best surgeon.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I echo the other fantastic reviews. Best experience with an orthopedic surgeon I've ever had and best you could hope for! 1) Dr. Millstein obviously knows his area of expertise and is a very skilled surgeon 2) He actually listens to you and takes his time to discuss your symptoms, his thoughts and the reasons for them (not just his conclusions!) and to answer your questions. This last is a real source of irritation for me with many physicians. 3) His staff were efficient, warm and friendly. Appointments were a breeze to schedule. 4) The surgery (torn miniscus) was quick and unbelievably problem free. I was up almost immediately and off crutches the next day. 5) The follow up appointment was another great conversation and I left feeling like I was a real part of my treatment plan.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I am now 6 months post-operative meniscus repair of my knee with Dr. Millstein. As an RN with surgical orthopedic work experience, I think I can speak on the topic with some perspective. The quick summary: Dr. Millstein is not only an excellent surgeon, he's a trustworthy PERSON. His staff reflects his same commitment to the patient, and if you're his patient, you are listened to, he is generous with his time, and you will not be rushed. I am 62 and my knee hurt for two-plus years before I sought medical attention. I really expected him to tell me something like, "there's nothing wrong with your knee, so quit whining." But in fact, despite no history of prior trauma, my knee cartilage had literally come apart within my knee and needed arthroscopic repair. Within 48 hours after surgery with Dr. Millstein I no longer needed pain pills, I gave up the crutches, gave back the ice machine, and walked without pain for the first time in too long. Since then I have been able to resume hiking with my sons and my wife and all of that without pain. Having worked with scores of orthopedists whose attitudes toward their patients was, to say the least, highly variable, I can recommend Dr. Millstein with real enthusiasm. You Yelpers looking here for help deciding, lemme tell ya: look no further. :) Dr. M is your guy. -- M. L.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Wonderful doctor! Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, skilled, responsive, and respectful. Dr. Millstein operated on my torn meniscus. When discussing the problem and possible solutions, Dr. Millstein thoroughly answered all of my questions and encouraged me to get a second opinion. When I had a follow up question after my appointment, his clinic's on-call service was able to address my concern. When the time came for surgery (which Dr. Millstein was able to schedule promptly), Dr. Millstein was a pro. Afterwards, he showed me, through images, exactly what he had done. I was back on my feet very quickly. Highly recommended.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
I would recommend Dr Millstein to EVERYBODY. I am a Krav Maga instructor and use my shoulder daily. My choice for a great doctor, was a must. When I dislocated my shoulder Dr. Millstein recommended multiple options prior to me having surgery. Dr. Millstein was very descriptive of the procedure, provided pictures of the surgery, explained the recovery period and honest time line to full recovery. The operating room was top notch and made me feel comfortable. After surgery, Dr. Millstein personally called me the following day to make sure I was doing well. The follow up from suggesting a Physical Therapist, and checking up on me during the recovery was EXCEPTIONAL. One year later, I am doing muscle-ups, sparring, and hand stand push-ups. My shoulder is stronger now than it was prior to surgery. If you are going to see any orthopedics specialist, Dr. Millstein is the BEST in LA.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Came to visit for a consultation to better understand how I should regard an episode of weakness in my knee and got excellant referrals to a physical therapist for detailed follow-up.
Eric S. Millstein, MD
Dr. Bae has been great. I had a lower back injury and participated in a clinical trial. Dr. Bae was my physician for all follow-up appointments for a period of 1 year following my procedure. I found him to be kind, direct, thorough and attentive. If you're looking for a caring, qualified physician in this field, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hyun Bae, MD.
Hyun Bae, MD