Hip reviews

Seeing Dr. Prem has honestly been the best thing that has ever happened to me. This upcoming July will be two years since I was involved in a car accident. In the accident I sustained a few injuries, a hip fracture being one of them. My career as professional soccer player who has sustained an injury that severe had left me feeling lost and scared wondering if I would ever be able to touch the pitch again. I knew it in my heart that it wasn’t over. After being discharged from the hospital and doing rehab I still felt unsure… doctors would think I was crazy or would turn me down and say “in time” on getting back to where I was at, or even worse… maybe not even able to play anymore but I knew I needed to look elsewhere and get a second opinion. When I first met Prem it was like god sent him to me. He told me his previous work and how he had worked on athletes of my caliber and I knew that he would get me to where I know I could be. Keep in mind when I met him I wasn’t able to put my knee to my chest in a 90 degree angle, I had a limp, I had tightness near my groin area, and I had metal plates in me. We created a game plan he would get me to be able to get my knee to my chest, improve my range of motion, remove those plates, and release the tension. I had faith that he could do it, and so did he. His confidence had made me trust him so much more, and his work proves it. The surgeries? A success. I now have my range of motion back to where it once was, my injuries are healed, and it’s safe to say I’m back to being on the pitch again doing what I loved since I was a kid. After countless times of being told “you may not be able to play again” it took one visit with Prem to turn that uncertainty around and prove to those that they were wrong. I owe Prem everything and I appreciate him so much.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Wassef is my hero. When I was about 6, I was diagnosed with a somewhat rare condition known as Perthes disease. 24 years later I had developed advanced osteoarthritis, among other complications. I’m lucky to have had such a great doctor take on my case. It’s been three weeks since I had my hip replacement , and after all these years, I’m finally pain free!!

Andrew Wassef, MD

Hip Replacement So, your hip is hurting bad enough that you finally need to get it checked out, but you're not sure who to see. That was exactly the situation I found myself in. I knew I wanted a surgeon who specialized in the anterior approach rather than the posterior, since the recovery with the anterior method tends to have fewer limitations. While I was researching, I came across reviews for Dr. Prem Ramkumar. After looking into his training and current practice, it became clear that he was a standout in the field of hip surgeries. He was exactly the kind of doctor I was looking for—someone who used modern techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. I made an appointment, and within two weeks, I was meeting with him. After reviewing my case, which included hairline fractures, arthritis, and bone-on-bone rubbing, Dr. Ramkumar agreed that I was a good candidate for a total hip replacement. We scheduled the surgery a couple of months out. During that time, I followed the instructions given by both Dr. Ramkumar and Long Beach Memorial. There were daily exercises—nothing too strenuous—but I’m sure they helped my recovery. When the big day arrived, I met with Dr. Ramkumar before the surgery. He reassured me that everything looked good and we were ready to go. Later that day, after the surgery, he came to check on me again to ensure everything was progressing as it should. I could tell he was genuinely invested in my case. That same day, I was able to walk to the restroom with a walker, use the toilet independently, and go up and down a few steps. By the end of the day, I was cleared to go home and was discharged. After the surgery, I stuck to the post-op exercises Dr. Ramkumar recommended. In the first week, I walked around the house and outside with a walker. After that, I graduated to using a cane. Now, almost three weeks post-surgery, I’m feeling fantastic. I’m walking two 1-mile walks a day and continuing with my exercises. I can’t recommend Dr. Ramkumar enough. His expertise made the entire surgery nearly pain-free, and I honestly can't believe how well I’m doing at this point in my recovery.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Every chance I get, I tell people about Dr. Prem Ramkumar. Here’s why. He masterfully replaced my left hip using the Anterior approach or entering from the front versus the posterior. Having replaced both hips, one by anterior and one by posterior, I officially know the difference. Dr. Ramkumar informed me that the Anterior method means fewer restrictions, less pain and quicker healing. He was right. OK, no one gets out of surgery pain-free, but if you take his advice and follow up with physical therapy (I love the team at the Long Beach Orthopedic Institute) you’ll be functioning in no time. Example: I was walking the first day and driving in a week. Turns out, there is more than one way to replace a hip. Find out what’s right for you. Dr. Ramkumar is specially trained in the Anterior approach. Not every surgeon is. Dr. Ramkumar has also operated on Olympic athletes. If I had a Gold medial, I’d give it to Dr. Ramkumar and his wonderful team. By the way, he’s also funny. Humor is the best medicine of all.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

One of the best doctors/experiences one could expect before, during and after a hip replacement.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I highly recommend Dr. Prem Ramkumar. He recently performed a MAKO robotic hip replacement on me. My rehabilitation is progressing well, and I am very pleased. During my first appointment with him, he carefully explained the treatment options and was very clear about the advantages and disadvantages of each. I also found detailed information on his website. He is easy to talk to, he listens, and he really cares. I am glad that I chose him to be my physician.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

March 2025 update I love you, Doc! I’m back to doing two things I love - running and yoga! Had arthroscopy done on both of my hips now and I’m so happy. As long as you don’t have arthritis yet, this procedure is amazing if done properly, and this doctor is the best! 2022 Look no further, this is the doctor you want to see for your hip issues. I saw Dr. G almost a year ago after running my 25th marathon and developing pain in my right hip, I really did not want to do surgery and he gave me options to see if this pain will go away with physical therapy and no running. After six months of no results, I went back to Dr. G and he showed me on the x-ray that hip arthroscopy would be the best choice to fix the problem. I went to other famous orthopedic surgeons in Santa Monica and West LA for second and third and fourth opinions. And it would be fine to choose one of them for the surgery but going with Dr. G felt like the right choice. The level of care and attention you get from this doctor is well above average! He’s meticulous, thorough and has the first-hand experience of this procedure as a Patient. Him being a runner himself gave me confidence I can return to the sport I love.. His assistant Zohra is amazing, any questions - I get answers via emails promptly. She guided me through preparation for the surgery, post-op, etc. it’s six weeks post-op and the doctor saw me three times already to follow up on the progress of my recovery and physical therapy. I have been recommending him to my friends.

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

No more bone on bone hip pain and back to working out and doing what I love at 61 years old. Thanks doc, U DA MAN...

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

I cannot recommend Dr. Prem Ramkumar at Southern California Orthopedic Knee & Hip highly enough. From my very first appointment, he was incredibly responsive, thorough, and genuinely cared about my well-being—exactly how a real doctor should. He took the time to properly diagnose my hip impingement and guided me through every step of the process leading up to surgery. What stands out the most is his professionalism and dedication. Within just two months, I went from my initial consultation to having the surgery that ultimately saved my quality of life. His expertise, precision, and compassion made all the difference, and I am beyond grateful for the care I received. If you’re looking for a skilled, trustworthy, and patient-focused orthopedic specialist, Dr. Ramkumar is the best you will find. I had my surgery on 01/27/2025 He literally saved my life, others could not. I feel like a new human after the surgery

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Leonel A. Hunt is a great Doctor. I suffered from chronic right lower back and right back hip pain for over 2 years and he fixed it. I was diagnosed from my MRI with Sciatic Nerve Pain where my nerves was hitting my vertebrate at L4-L5, obstructing my walking, and standing, causing me to have spasms running down my legs, thighs, knees and to the bottom of my feet; I would have to sit down when they occurred. Dr. Hunt performed a Laminectomy and in 3 months I was during physical therapy and recovered fast. His staff was amazing, especially Raquel, she took care of all of my employment issues in a timely manner. Thank you very much.

Leonel Hunt, MD

I am 14 weeks post-op, I’m thrilled to be gradually returning to the activities I love! Dr. Ramkumar is, without a doubt, the best orthopedic surgeon I’ve ever met—and I’ve seen quite a few for different injuries. From my very first appointment, I knew I was in great hands. He took the time to thoroughly explain my condition, answered all my questions, and was realistic about both the recovery process and potential outcomes. His transparency and attentiveness gave me a strong sense of confidence going into surgery. There was an issue with my insurance initially refusing to authorize the surgery, which was incredibly stressful, but Dr. Ramkumar’s office took care of everything. They worked tirelessly to get the approval without any delays, and I’m so grateful for their advocacy and professionalism. The surgery went perfectly! Dr. Ramkumar even stopped by afterward to check on me, and I was able to ask some last-minute questions. While I understand his schedule doesn’t always allow for this, I really appreciated the extra care. Recovery has been much smoother than I anticipated, with no pain at all. I followed his post-op protocol strictly and asked additional questions whenever I felt uncertain. Before surgery, we discussed my preference to avoid opioids if possible, but we agreed it was wise to have them on hand just in case. I ended up only needing two half-doses for the first two nights to help me sleep. I started physical therapy the day after surgery and followed Dr. Ramkumar’s recovery guidelines, including stationary biking. It’s crucial to remember that large potion of any successful recovery depends on your own dedication to PT, so staying diligent is key. Dr. Ramkumar is not only an exceptionally skilled surgeon but also a compassionate and caring person who truly puts his patients first. If you’re considering labrum repair—or other hip/knee procedures—do yourself a favor and schedule a consult with him. No matter where you’re located, it’ll be worth it!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I cannot thank Dr. Rammumar enough for the incredible care and expertise he demonstrated during my recent hip resurfacing surgery. This is a niche procedure that not many surgeons specialize in, but Dr. Rammumar performed it flawlessly. From the very first consultation, he was thorough, compassionate, and confident, which put me at ease immediately. The surgery was a complete success, and the recovery process has been smoother than I ever imagined—largely due to Dr. Rammumar’s exceptional skills and attention to detail. His extensive knowledge and precision in this specialized area truly set him apart. I am already seeing amazing results and feeling more mobile and pain-free than I have in years. If you’re considering hip resurfacing surgery or need a surgeon who is a true master of their craft, look no further than Dr. Rammumar. He is undoubtedly one of the best in this field, and I’m so grateful to have had him as my surgeon. Thank you, Dr. Rammumar, for giving me my quality of life back!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Practically perfect, every time. Thanks for sticking with me on this hip journey!

Tigran Garabekyan, MD

“I can’t recommend Dr. Ramkumar highly enough! As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip issues, he is not only highly skilled but also genuinely compassionate. From my first visit, Dr. Ramkumar took the time to listen to my concerns, explain my treatment options in detail, and make me feel at ease. His bedside manner is exceptional, and it’s clear that Dr. Ramkumar truly cares about his patients. The surgery itself was a success, and my recovery has been smoother than I ever expected, thanks to Dr. Ramkumar’s expert care and guidance. Beyond being a talented surgeon, Dr. Ramkumar is just a genuinely nice person who inspires confidence and trust. If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon for knee or hip issues, look no further—you’ll be in excellent hands!”

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Allison Estes, has been helpful taking care of my hips and knee. She has been looking for the best treatment to help me get better, she always greets me happily and smiling.

Allyson Estess, MD

My wife met with Dr. Ramkumar twice to be fully informed prior to agreeing to a complex hip revision. He explained in detail the pros and cons without sugar coating it. The surgery went great. Three weeks later she landed in the hospital on an unrelated issue, Dr Ramkumar learned off her admission and visited her several times over the next month to check on her. I believe the saying “ I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care!” He cared about the most important person in my life and I would recommend him to anyone who wants a caring and proficient surgeon.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

My previous orthopedic doctor retired so I went to Lakewood Orthopedics. Dr. Ramkumar walked in my room with his hand out and says Hi Coral. I'm Prem. So we're doing a hip........ After that humble introduction, I knew i was in the right hands for this hip replacement!!! For the first time in 4 years i can walk without a cane and no pain. I even had a first being able to stand up straight at an xray machine. I cried and shared that with him. When your body tells you that it can't do something, once you can it's life changing. I enjoyed your surgical staff too. Thank you for your skilled hands and knowledge in taking care of me. May you be blessed with good health and a thriving business. C. Hill, Rockstar Total left hip replacement patient

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

The first time I met Dr. Ramkumar, I felt comfortable and at ease. I came to him with "knee pain" but after being assessed and taking a few x-rays, he quickly informed me that the issue was not my knee but was actually my hip. I had seen multiple doctors in the past who had diagnosed me with arthritis in the knee and claimed that was causing pain that I felt. Dr. Ramkumar explained what the issue was, how the issue probably happened and the solution. I came to him with previous medical trauma and skepticism of the health care system. My experience with him has been nothing short of amazing. The hip impingement surgery went well and recovery was better than I expected. I was on a stationary bike the day after surgery and started PT within days. Pain level was minimal with the exception of occasional stiffness at the surgery site. I've been able to walk and recovery quicker than I imagined possible. I haven't experience any of the pain (lower back, hip and knee) that I had prior to the surgery since the morning after surgery. If you are someone who is unsure or confused about hip and/or knee issues, I'd urge you to see Dr. Ramkumar. He got it right with me the first time and I have seen nothing but improvements to my day to day and overall quality of life. If I have to undergo the surgery on my other hip, I would not hesitate to contact Dr. Ramkumar again.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I recently underwent Ischiofermoral Impingement decompression and sciatic neuroplasty surgery with Dr. Prem N Ramkumar, and I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. For over 22 years, I was down bad, with right hip pain, that caused major foot pain that would make it hard to shake off doing the activities that I love. I was still able to go hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding, etc, but with limitations and significant pain in my right hip flexor, knee, and foot. Many orthopedic surgeons have told me there is no surgery or cure; it is just physical therapy. My right hip weakened my knee, and I had a snowboarding accident in 2022. After several doctors could not figure out my history of symptoms and pain, I sent to Dr. Prem N Ramkumar, who took the time to discover this rare and unique condition I had been living with. Over the years, I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to this injury. I feel like the planets, fates, and all the stars aligned because the surgery was a success, and I am already experiencing significant improvement in my symptoms. I highly recommend Dr. Prem N Ramkumar to anyone needing Ischiofermoral Impingement decompression and sciatic neuroplasty surgery; I cannot speak highly enough of his and his staff's care. My only complaint is that there are often long wait times for appointments for PT and follow-ups.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar is an excellent surgeon who performs Hip Arthroscopy Surgery which is the surgery I received. For me, the surgery was a same—day release operation and I was off crutches two and half weeks later. I highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar as his experience and expertise is unmatched in the field when it comes to this operation.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

After 20 years of hip pain and sometimes the struggle to rise or long walking distance, I decided to visit Dr.Ramkumar. From x-rays he took I found out I needed a hip replacement. From my initial visit , to pre op to post op, my experience with him and his office staff was great. I would highly recommend.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I highly recommend Dr. Prem Ramkumar. He is a talented surgeon who performs arthroscopic hip surgery. After other orthopedists recommended that I have arthroscopic hip surgery, I had a difficult time finding someone who actually performs it. When I finally saw Dr. Ramkumar, he listened patiently to my story of pain and frustration. He is personable and knew exactly what I was describing and how to fix it with this minimally invasive procedure. I am now four weeks post surgery. Just three small scars and I’m walking normally and doing great! I have to mention how organized he is with so much information and guidelines on his website. And the couple of times I had questions, he responded right away. I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience and results.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Ramkkumar. I was in life altering pain for over a few years. I thought it was sciatica but it ended up being bone on bone left hip. He had me scheduled for a complete hip replacement the following month. Immediately after surgery the pain in the hip was gone and was sent home the next day . On my very first post surgery visit with Dr. Ramkumar , I walked in under my own steam....pain free and no cane. I can't thank him enough. He gave me my mobility back. Also my freedom to do the things I enjoy.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA