Recovery and return to activity reviews

Dr. Ramkumar is the most extraordinary human being, doctor, and surgeon I have ever met. He is kind and hopeful while also being practical and honest. I went to four so-called specialists with a complex ACL and cartilage injury after enduring two previously failed surgeries at Cedars and USC. I thought I would never return to soccer and running again after previous opinions told me it was basically impossible. Well, two years later I'm playing collegiate soccer and couldn't be happier after a revision ACL and cartilage transplant. I wish I just went to him in the first place instead of wasting years trying to rehab a knee that never felt right and wasn't done properly. He called me the night before surgery just to tell me "I got you" and to make sure I understood the plan for the next day, the next 2 weeks, the next 9 months, and the next 10 years. He understood me and my goals and treated me as a family member and gave me world class care. I consider myself lucky to be his patient and to know him. Thank you Dr. Ramkumar!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I was “bone on bone“ in both of my knees and had been to see 3 different knee specialists over the past 10 yrs. Dr. Ramkumar was the first and only one of the three to tell me that a partial knee replacement was even an option. It was what he recommended, and he backed it up with my x-rays and a clear explanation as to why a partial vs. a full was the clear way to go. Besides his phenomenal surgical expertise, one of the things I really appreciated about Dr. R is that he “got me“. I’m on the chronologically gifted side of things (71YO), but he took the time to understand how active a lifestyle I led, and the things I wanted to be able to keep doing after surgery, i.e. motocross ride, snow ski, pickleball, golf, hike and last but not least - play with our 7 grandkids! I worked out for 2 1/2 months prior to surgery to get my legs in the best possible shape and to help with recovery. Post surgery results have FAR exceeded my expectations. I know every patient will be different, but I have not experienced the pain level I anticipated. As of this writing, I’m 2 1/2 weeks post surgery and have only had to take two pain pills, and I walked 3.1 miles the day after surgery. We went to Disneyland with some friends a week and a day after surgery and walked from 9am-10:30pm. I was tired at the end but no knee pain following either walk! I would highly encourage anyone to pay Dr. R a visit, especially if you’ve already been told you need a full knee replacement. That’s nothing to mess with, and a second opinion could be very helpful in making an informed and wise decision.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I'm 3-months post-op from my meniscus repair done by Dr. Ramkumar and I'm super happy with the outcome. As a 66-year old mountain biker, golfer and pickleball player, I really appreciate his approach focusing on repair first vs automatically shaving or removing the meniscus, since repair helps slow the onset of osteo arthritis and will help extend my athletic life. The pre-op visits with Dr. Ramkumar were great! I never felt rushed, he took time to answer all my questions and discuss options. He's friendly and easy going with a great sense of humor which helped me feel alot less nervous about the surgery and recovery process. 5 stars for Dr. Ramkumar and his team!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Bilateral partial knee replacement surgery on Feb 10, 2026, walking almost immediately and back road cycling 8 weeks later. The recovery has been very consistent and fast. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Ramkumar and his team. The procedure and recovery feels like a paradigm shift in this field.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar helped me regain my mobility and independence. The R-hip surgery lebrun year was successfully repaired, and I had no complications, no pain, no after surgery discomfort. He was meticulous about every detail and made certain to answer all questions and concerns. His staff were amazing, polite, and efficient. I can walk without limping or pain. I am truly grateful for his professionalism, and his innovative medical procedures.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar did an excellent job on my knee a true professional. I strongly recommend him and his team. I'm recovering well!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I was having a difficult time walking, and surgery was my last option to try and give me quality of life. My current doctor suggested a hip replacement and referred Dr. Ramkumar, a specialist in total hip replacement. I was greeted with a smile, a handshake, and encouraging words to find the best option for my situation. He suggested the anterior total hip arthroplasty surgery assisted with MAKO, a robotic arm. His knowledge of the lastest technology and providing a detail explanation of the procedure could give a shorter time of recovery, was the best option. His meticulous guide was easy to follow from pre-op through post-op and helped me with a positive outcome. I was walking the next day, no limping, not in pain and a smooth moving hip! My appreciation to Dr. Ramkumar for being in tune to my specific symptoms and providing transparency to my specific needs.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar performed my right hip arthroscopy 10 weeks ago. I was born with bilateral hip dysplasia, which led to labral tears in both hips. I initially tried physical therapy, but unfortunately it did not improve my symptoms. I was then referred to Dr. Ramkumar, who recommended hip arthroscopy. He took the time to ensure I fully understood the treatment plan and addressed all of my questions with care and professionalism. Before the surgery, I experienced significant pain while sitting or driving for extended periods. I am pleased to report that I am now pain-free in my right hip. The outcome of the surgery has been excellent, and based on my experience, I plan to proceed with left hip arthroscopy under his care as well. Dr. Ramkumar is an outstanding physician, and his office staff are consistently polite, professional, and attentive. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking expert care for hip conditions.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

⭐ Thank you Dr. Ramkumar I spent more than seven years dealing with worsening hip pain, and it slowly took away the things I loved. I couldn’t play golf or even hit balls on the driving range. I had to stop doing the sideline marker for high school football — something I truly enjoyed. Eventually, even a simple 20 minute walk became painful. My world kept getting smaller, and I knew something had to change. That change came when I met Dr. Ramkumar. I’m now 11 weeks post op from my anterior hip replacement, and the difference is remarkable. I’m improving every day — walking comfortably, regaining strength, and finally seeing a future where I can return to the activities I’ve missed for so long. My goal was never just a quick recovery, but a complete recovery, and for the first time in years, that goal is clearly in sight. The entire experience has been exceptional not only because of Dr. Ramkumar’s surgical skill and clear communication, but also because of his outstanding team. Margo, his assistant, has been incredibly responsive and supportive. Stephanie, the scheduler, made every step of the process smooth and stress free. And Mina, the physical therapist, has been instrumental in my progress — he’s guided me through each stage of rehab with expertise and encouragement. I’m continuing therapy with him for another three weeks, and each session moves me closer to full strength. Thanks to Dr. Ramkumar and his team, I’m not just healing — I’m getting my life back. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone facing hip issues or considering joint replacement.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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

I recently underwent hip resurfacing surgery with Dr. Ramkumar, and if I could give him ten stars instead of five, I absolutely would. From start to finish, my experience has been exceptional, and I am beyond pleased with both my recovery and the mobility I’ve regained. Before surgery, I was diagnosed with grade 4 chondromalacia of the pelvis along with severe tearing and fraying of the labrum. The pain and stiffness were constant and significantly limited my daily life. I couldn’t participate in the activities I love, and at my worst, I could barely bend down to tie my shoes. Now, just seven weeks post-op, my joint pain is gone, my mobility has dramatically improved, and I can already place my palms flat on the floor — something that felt impossible before surgery. The smoothness of my recovery has exceeded my expectations. While many surgeons list hip resurfacing among the procedures they perform, only a select few in the United States have the depth of experience and expertise to truly excel at it. Dr. Ramkumar is one of those few. His extensive experience, meticulous surgical technique, and use of advanced technology to ensure precise implant positioning made all the difference in my outcome. I chose to travel out of state specifically to have my surgery performed by Dr. Ramkumar, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. His skill, thoroughness, and genuine care are evident in every aspect of the process. If you’re considering hip resurfacing, Dr. Ramkumar checks every box. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

On behalf of my Dad /Hector Valdez- Dr Ramkumar did an awesome job. He did his left knee robotic replacement surgery. It was a success and the recovery, care, follow up has been with so much care. We are now scheduling the 2nd knee surgery this summer and confident of the same outcome due to his excellent expertise and his caring team. Highly recommended.

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

Dr. Ramkumar has been the best doctor I have ever had the opportunity to see. Let me rewind a bit. I had a serious soccer accident when I was 16 that resulted in hip surgery at 17. At the time, I thought I was good to go. Unfortunately, my body had other plans. I only had about two pain-free years before the hip pain returned, and over the next 8–9 years it slowly got worse. What started as hip pain turned into back pain, knee pain, sciatica—you name it. I tried everything: physical therapy after physical therapy, aqua therapy, doctor after doctor. Every test came back “normal,” and no one could tell me what was wrong. It felt like either no one was looking hard enough, or no one truly understood what I was dealing with. That all changed when I met Dr. Ramkumar. At my very first appointment, he took new X-rays, looked at them once, and immediately knew what was wrong. For the first time, I finally had answers. Even more importantly, he took the time—despite his busy schedule—to sit with me and explain everything in a way I could truly understand. He is incredibly personable and never talks down to you like some doctors do. You can genuinely tell that he cares about helping you get your life back from chronic pain. I was understandably nervous about going through surgery again, but between Dr. Ramkumar and his amazing staff, I felt confident moving forward. And let me tell you—it was life-changing. I finally feel free from the pain that haunted me for so many years. I only wish I had found his office sooner. Every single staff member, from the PAs to the front office team, is kind, welcoming, and treats you like family. They make you feel heard, comfortable, and supported—qualities that are sadly rare in medical settings, in my experience. I am beyond grateful for the care Dr. Ramkumar and his team have provided, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who is sick and tired of living in pain.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar and his team (shoutout to Margo & Ishan) have been consistently superb throughout the entire process of helping me recovery from my injury (comprised of: ACL tear, lateral meniscus tear, & MCL sprain), which isn’t a surprise because even when I first met them I immediately knew that I was in good hands. Him and his team are so responsive (I always receive a response either in the same day or the next day) that I wonder when they find the time to sleep. Dr. Ramkumar’s knowledge is both expansive and current. So much so, that he used Cameron brink’s surgery as an example when he was telling me about the LET procedure. My dad tore his ACL twice, and neither of his surgeons ever mentioned the LET procedure in tandem with the ACL repair. So Dr. Ramkumar enlightened both my dad and me on its history and results. As an athlete who misses playing volleyball dearly, I’m so happy and blessed to have him in my care team because he has a track record of treating other athletes as well. The day of my surgery was quick and smooth. Dr. Ramkumar met with me before I was put under to go over everything again, and did so again when I woke up after the surgery as well to make sure the brace was properly fitted and that I had all the instructions/paperwork. I had minimal pain after surgery, and I was even able to bend my knee to 90 degrees the DAY AFTER surgery (90 degrees was my two week goal)!! TL;DR I’ve had the BEST experience I could ever hope for because of Dr. Ramkumar and his AMAZING team ✨❤️ (The picture attached is from my post-op appointment on Halloween lol, they are always VERY professional otherwise)

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I had two tears on my meniscus one might have been there for some time with on and off symptoms and one was more recent and it was effecting my day to day routine. When I met Dr. Ramkumar he was clear that the recovery time would depend on the severity of the tears (which couldn't be fully assessed till the day of surgery) and my ability tp follow the post op care instructions. The instructions are certainly more than your average day and something you do need to work at a little, but I can tell you I'm currently les that three weeks from surgery, I' already riding my bicycle and walking with out crutches and a brace. I'm still a few weeks from 100%, but I'm ahead of schedule because #1 the surgery went very well (Thanks Dr Ramkumar) and #2 I followed the Post op care instructions which is helping me heal. Each day is a little better. I'm excited to not limp anymore.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

If you are an athlete or you have an athlete child, this review is for you. It can be the craziest experience when your kid gets injured. On top of all the emotions there's the inescapable reality of "what next" When the dust settles, the MRIs are back, and the reality of surgery becomes inevitable an even more important question looms: "Where can I get the best possible care?" My daughter received the best possible care with Dr Ramkumar and he's the answer. I strongly feel that if my daughter (elite level high school wrestler) had her primary ACL surgery done by Dr Ram to begin with, she likely would have never needed the ACL revision surgery that brought us to Dr Ram. Being traumatized by the last experience I knew this time around that I needed to find someone young,  someone with modern ideas and applications,  new-school and capable, works with athletes and understands those demands, and someone who specializes in knees day in and day out. With athletes,  the timeline is crucial. Within one day of my girl's re-injury my friend reached out to Dr Ramkumar's NP with a Homie Hookup request and by 10 pm that same night Dr Ram had personally reached out to me by email and said verbatim, "I will see you soon and fix this problem. Happy to help...I can see you before the MRI" Please tell me what doctor on planet earth takes their own time to reach out after hours and is like 'hey don't worry I'm gonna fix your kid?' That's incredible. I looked into him at that point and his qualifications are ridiculously excellent. Like okay Overachiever, leave some accolades for the rest of the people. But that's exactly what we needed. Within 3 weeks of her injury date she was on his operating table. He decided to do this so that she could be ready for the next wrestling season. He had spoken to her personally about her goals and that led him to help us push through red tape to get this done ASAP. His beside manner for a surgeon is pretty impeccable. But here's the craziest part. Her surgery randomly ended up getting pushed for many hours at the surgical center that day.  He could've canceled her but instead he honored his word and did the surgery which started at like 9 pm! He even called me from the OR to explain how he was needing to go in and fix some things from her previous surgery, that's why it was taking a little longer and basically not to worry. I felt so in the loop and like she was truly in the best hands.  He did ACL revision,  LET, and stem cell therapy on her and he closed her up w the most dainty and technical stitching. Like he's basically a skin tailor, tffff The above is all a testament to his work ethic and his clear commitment to his own high standards of excellence. Now she's going on 2 months post-op, acute recovery was smooth and easy, Dr R and the PTs are all really happy with where she is and she could not have done this without Dr Ramkumar. He went above and beyond to deliver his best work. I hope you never need ACL repair but if you do there is nobody better in California to get in front of than this guy and his AWESOME NP, Margo! Boom! (I don't have any pics of them together but in PT she's a beast BECAUSE of his work!)

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

If you are worrying about hip replacement surgery, no need to do so with Dr. Prem Ramkumar. His expertise made my experience with minimal pain following surgery and a very quick and exceptional recovery. I could not believe how each day I could see a Progression towards recovery, something I did not expect To happen so quickly, but am truly amazed by. After less than two months following surgery, I am walking without pain – – which was my goal, And feel Like I did before I ever had the hip pain issue. I highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar is a very professional and knowledgeable Doctor. Dr. Ramkumar repaired my completely torn ACL as well as both of my torn Meniscus from a sports injury. I initially planned to shop around for an Orthopedic Surgeon as I wanted to make sure everything was done correctly, but after seeing my first Doctor (Dr. Ramkumar), I did not want anyone else to do my surgery but him. I knew I was in good hands as he made me feel very comfortable and explained all aspects of the procedures thoroughly. He also has a great support staff around him who is also very knowledgeable. After completing my 4 month post op appointment, he was very pleased with how I had recovered by following his guidance as well as the guidance from his connected physical therapy department. If I was to recommended to a family member who to go to for any orthopedic needs, I would refer Dr. Ramkumar.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar performed my knee replacement in December 2023, and I am incredibly grateful for the level of care and precision he provided. From my first consultation through recovery, his depth of medical knowledge, surgical skill, and attention to detail were evident at every step. He explained the procedure, risks, and recovery process clearly and thoroughly, which gave me complete confidence going into surgery. What truly sets Dr. Ramkumar apart is his compassion and ethics—he genuinely cares about his patients as people, not just cases. His response time is exceptionally quick, and he is very easy to get in touch with, which made a stressful process feel manageable and supported. Thanks to his expertise, my outcome has been excellent, and my quality of life has significantly improved. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ramkumar to anyone considering knee replacement or orthopedic care.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I recently had a total knee replacement performed by Dr. Prem Ramkumar, and my results have been amazing and I’m very pleased with the recovery one month in. Dr. Ramkumar was incredibly professional kind and very patient with me along with his entire staff through all my questions throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar to anyone who is considering knee replacement surgery

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Ramkumar and his entire team! From my very first appointment through surgery and recovery, I was in great hands and felt truly cared for. Not only is Dr. Ramkumar meticulous and skilled with the actual surgery, he and his team are kind, professional, knowledgeable, and experienced in all that they do. I couldn’t ask for a better surgical team! They took the time to explain everything and made me feel confident every step of the way. They were responsive and thorough when I had any questions or concerns - you can tell they genuinely care about their patients. I initially injured my knee in January and had two subsequent injuries before I finally got an MRI in July that confirmed a full ACL tear. I had done a number on my knee. I was beginning to feel defeated because I am a pretty active person and wasn’t able to do the activities that I love, like CrossFit and volleyball. Once I met with Dr. Ramkumar, I immediately knew he was the surgeon for me. He empathized with my concerns of wanting to get back to my active lifestyle, gave me hope that I would be able to get back to it, and built my confidence in getting the surgery. My full ACL repair (BTB patellar graft) and meniscus root repair went smoothly and my recovery has been going amazingly so far. I’m already feeling stronger just 4 months post op and am so excited to eventually get back to my pre op activity levels. Many people are amazed by my progress! The pain was minimal even immediately after surgery, which was a pleasant surprise. Choosing Dr. Ramkumar was one of the best decisions I could have made and I would 100% recommend him to anyone needing orthopedic care, especially athletes.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I had a total knee replacement with Dr. Prem Ramkumar two weeks ago, and the experience has been outstanding. He is an incredible surgeon—attentive, personable, and always willing to answer every question. My post-op pain has been minimal, and I’m genuinely amazed at how smoothly my recovery is going so far. Dr. Ramkumar combines exceptional skill with true compassion. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I had my right hip replaced on October 13, 2025. I had been in a lot of pain for months prior to surgery and now I am completely pain free on the right side. Dr. Ramkumar did a really great job. He explained the whole process and I knew just what to expect. I was still really worried about the surgery, whether it was going to take care of all the pain. But, I couldn’t be happier with the results and I am looking forward to having the left hip replaced soon. If I had any questions or concerns I was able to communicate with Dr. Ramkumar and his staff for the answers I needed. Thanks for a great job, Dave Tuggle

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA