Recovery and return to activity reviews

I usually don't write reviews. But felt compelled to do so, because I don't want other patients and families to go through what we have endured. After a devastating and traumatic experience with another orthopedic surgeon, our family was in a place of fear, frustration, and despair. My mother underwent a knee replacement that was so negligently handled by Dr. Shaun Chandran that it led to serious complications, putting her entire leg—and her quality of life—at risk. What followed was a grueling, hellish six months that involved three additional surgeries, endless pain, and an uphill battle to save her leg. Enter Dr. Prem Ramkumar. From the moment we met Dr. Ramkumar, there was a sense of calm, confidence, and true compassion that we hadn't experienced before. He didn't just take on my mother’s complex knee revision case—he owned it with a level of dedication and skill that can only be described as life-saving. He listened carefully, explained every option with honesty, and most importantly, treated my mother as a person, not just another patient. This wasn’t just a revision surgery—it was a rescue mission. And Dr. Ramkumar delivered. Thanks to his incredible expertise, relentless commitment, he along with Dr. Wirth saved my mother’s leg. I cannot overstate what that means to us. It makes me emotional when I think about the second chance he gave her when others had failed her so terribly. She still has a long road to recovery but when you have a team of medical professionals who have become like 2nd family by your side it makes the difficult days a bit more easier to cope with. If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon who is not only brilliant but also a genuinely compassionate human being, Dr. Prem Ramkumar is the one you want in your corner. Our family will forever be grateful for what he’s done—not just medically, but emotionally. He restored our hope. Thank you, Dr. Ramkumar for going above and beyond. You are a rare and extraordinary doctor and we are forever indebted to you.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

My name is Gretchen and in March 2025 Dr Prem Ramkumar performed a full knee replacement on me. And here I am 4 months later and I'm walking and biking! I first saw Dr Ramkumar in December 2024, I had been having serious knee issues and pain for about 6 months. After a lot of research around the internet I came across his website. Upon meeting Dr Ramkumar I felt comfortable. He is easy to talk to and gives you clear and concise answers. He laid out my options and told me to think about. He directed me to his comprehensive website which includes and hour by hour breakout of the operation, all medications and when they are to be administered. in addition the site includes details of when you are to start bending, straightening and walking. Along with when you start therapy. I returned 2 weeks later with questions which he answered. As in the first appointment he didn't put any pressure me to get the operation, he stressed that was my decision. I'll be honest, i was terrified. I was convinced that I would not be able to do the PT and it would be a disaster. It's funny, he kept telling me he knew I would be able to handle it. I had the operation March 2 at Long Beach Memorial, and was up and about on the 3rd. I was still afraid I would not be able to do the PT at home. The hospital staff could not have been better. The PT folks walked me through every movement I would have to make at home (in/out of bed, on/off toilet, up and down the stairs) until I was comfortable I could do it! Went home the next day and PT began coming to my house the same week. And I have never looked back! Could not recommend him more! G. lewotsky long beach CA

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I'm writing to share my incredibly positive experience with Dr. Prem Ramkumar, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip replacements. My journey to finding him began with a concerning visit to my regular orthopedist, Dr. Vance Eberly. After months of increasing hip pain, and having reached my target weight for surgery, X-rays revealed the extent of the damage was beyond Dr. Eberly's scope of practice. This led to my referral to Dr. Ramkumar. Initially, I sought out a surgeon specializing in the anterior approach to hip replacement, a method known for its faster recovery and reduced limitations. My own research, combined with Dr. Eberly's recommendation, pointed me towards Dr. Ramkumar. His impressive credentials and overwhelmingly positive patient reviews confirmed he was the right choice. From my first consultation, I was impressed by Dr. Ramkumar's thoroughness. He took detailed X-rays, patiently explained the complexities of my condition, and clearly outlined the surgical procedure he proposed. His calm and reassuring demeanor greatly eased my anxieties. He confirmed that I was an ideal candidate for a total hip replacement, and we scheduled the surgery. The surgery itself was approximately four to five hours long, followed by a night of understandably significant post-operative pain. However, Dr. Ramkumar's dedication extended beyond the operating room. He visited me the following day, demonstrating genuine concern for my progress. Remarkably, by the second day post-op, I was already ambulating to the bathroom with a walker and managing stairs independently – prompting my discharge that same day. Following his precise post-operative instructions, including a tailored physical therapy program outlined on his website and meticulously executed by his skilled therapist, my recovery exceeded all expectations. Eighty-eight days post-surgery, I’m now walking one to two miles daily and continuing my rehabilitation exercises with continued strength and mobility gains. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ramkumar. His expertise, coupled with his compassionate approach, made the entire process significantly less daunting than I anticipated. The nearly pain-free surgery and astonishingly rapid recovery are testaments to his surgical skill and commitment to patient care. If you are facing a hip replacement, I urge you to consider Dr. Ramkumar. He truly is exceptional. Sincerely, M. Colasurdo

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I have never had a major injury up until a few months ago. I was in denial after hurting my knee while playing slow pitch softball, but when I finally got myself to the doctor it was confirmed that I had a complete tear of the ACL and lateral meniscus. After meeting with Dr Ramkumar I let him know that I needed to have him fix me up quick because I had a full summer ahead with my 4 kids. After our first meeting I was told to build up my quad muscles to assist in my recovery. 3 weeks after our first meeting I had surgery, and just 3 days later I was out walking around on my crutches to cheer my son on while he ran a mile fun run. Within a week my pain was gone, of course my body was healing so discomfort is expected. One week after surgery my physical therapist was able to bend my knee (without pain, but some discomfort) to over 100°! At 4 weeks post op I was walking without my crutches or my knee brace. I am nearly 6 weeks post op and I am walking normally and am eagerly and patiently excited to start running around and getting back to the old me! This recovery process has been unexpectedly smooth but I have done the work and am ever so gracious to Dr Ramkumar and his team. On the surgical table I asked his team to let him know I want to be able to run faster and beat my son in a race, so I’ll be checking back in with that verdict!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I am a medical provider on the east coast. I suddenly had severe hip pain last summer and did imaging. There were multiple problems in my hip joint which were severe ; there was also congenital muscle abnormalities. I met Dr. Ramkumar at Winter break while visiting family. I knew immediately after meeting him , and reviewing his credentials and reviews he would be the best choice to perform my surgery., his surgical expertise, knowledge, empathy, and bedside manner are excellent. Now at 7 weeks post-op I am walking long distances and attending physical therapy and I am pain free-a new lease on life. His nurse practitioner Margo was also super helpful along the way. Hands down an excellent orthopedic surgeon.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Achilles rupture repair surgery went amazing. I started walking all on my own again at 8 weeks post surgery. Dr. Ramkumar and his team are amazing to work with, educated me on the process and got me back on my feet in no time. The healing process wasn’t too painful, I was most nervous about this. The team made sure my wound care was properly maintained, post operation check-ins were great and as each day progressed I was able to start walking again. I would highly recommend this surgeon!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar is an exceptional surgeon and a genuinely caring professional! My dad was struggling with severe hip pain, and we were anxious about his hip replacement. Dr. Ramkumar treated him with remarkable compassion and patience, thoroughly explaining every step to put us at ease. They used advanced Mako robotic-assisted surgery, which was incredibly precise and minimally invasive, enabling my dad to walk the very next day—a fantastic result! Dr. Ramkumar took the time to personally call me, his son, right after the surgery to reassure me that everything went perfectly, which was a huge relief and meant so much during such a nerve-wracking moment. The hospital staff was equally kind and professional, making the entire experience seamless. The pain my dad was experiencing before the surgery is gone and now enjoying life again, and he cannot be happier with the outcome. The team’s follow-up care was outstanding, ensuring his recovery was smooth. Thank you, Dr. Ramkumar, for giving my dad a new lease on life! I highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar to anyone needing hip surgery.” Top Tier, best of the best.

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 been suffering from severe arthritis in both knees for a number of years, always afraid of knee replacement surgery after seeing how hard it was on a family member. Now, I’m 6 weeks out from left knee replacement surgery, having had the *best possible experience* under Dr. Prem Ramkumar’s excellent care. He and his helpful staff have been with me every step of the way. His friendly demeanor put me at ease, and his knowledge and experience engendered my trust. But the best part is how well I have felt postoperatively. My pain was very well managed, and my range of motion is progressing rapidly with the help of both his in-house physical therapist as well as a handy app that has home exercises which are advanced in stages. The app also provides a lot of useful recovery information and a way to easily communicate with the office. If you need any type of knee surgery, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ramkumar to you. I will be returning later in the year to have him replace my right knee. A+ positive experience.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar is an outstanding orthopedic surgeon. He performed my daughter’s ACL surgery on April 8th, and we could not be more grateful for the care, skill, and attention he provided throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the post-op follow-ups, he was thorough, and patient. Just one month after surgery, my daughter is already doing bike therapy and progressing remarkably well. Thanks to Dr. Ramkumar’s expert approach, skills and guidance, she’s on track for a full recovery with hopes to be completed by December. His dedication to helping young athletes return to their sport safely and confidently is truly commendable. If your child ever faces an ACL injury, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ramkumar. I strongly encourage young athletes and their families to pursue treatment with him first hands on—he is truly the best when it comes to ACL injuries and recovery.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

I can't recommend Prem to enough people! Prem combines truly cutting-edge expertise with a warm and approachable demeanor that immediately puts you at ease. As a former collegiate athlete and special forces officer...I was nervous about dealing with chronic knee pain and truthfully possessed little hope for a return to my former self. Prem soothed my concerns and took the time to truly understand my lifestyle and goals. Young, dynamic, and highly skilled — this is the future of orthopedic care.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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 Prem Ramkumar is truly exceptional! I was hesitant at first to get partial knee surgey, but now I can say that I’m glad I did. The level of pain and discomfort from the day of the surgery through the recovery period was minimal. With Dr Ramkumar, I know that I am in good hands.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Best Surgeon Ever! Tore my ACL and never had any prior surgeries beforehand, so you could imagine how scared I was to undergo my first one. I was truly blessed to have been referred to Doctor Ramkumar for my condition as he is not only overqualified, but also cares deeply for his patients. He goes above and beyond to fix other underlying issues that could potentially affect the progress of my healing and mobility. Even after several months post-surgery, I never had any complications as Dr. Ramkumar stayed updated on my condition, making sure I was hitting every milestone on my journey towards full recovery. I can whole heartedly say that this man changed the trajectory of my life for the better.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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

Dr Ramkumar is a great doctor. He made my experience of having partial knee replacement as positive a process as can be. My recovery is going great thanks to him. I have been able to return to all my normal activities after 2 months. I have recommended him to friends and family, and will continue to do so.

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

Walking into the situation agitated by staff and the process. His manner and energy put me at ease. which is High praise,Coming from a man of color, who retired from Psych. And is holistic by nature. Which means I can appreciate the potential I see in this young surgeon .I Believe I made the right choice.Everything went according to his instructions predictions as far as my recovery as far as six weeks 10 weeks in progress. I believe the recovery on my second replacement is more long lines of what they expected. i’m sure I’ll be able to update this review of five stars When my recovery ❤️‍🩹 complete two weeks post op second complete replacement in three months. I'm very grateful looking 👀 forward to my complete recovery ❤️‍🩹

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Ramkumar is a gem! Straight to the point, no fluff which is preferred when you have an injury. Dr. Ramkumar RE-DID my mom's original knee replacement which was the incorrect size, yes... the first doctor put in the wrong size! Dr. Ramkumar fixed my mom's knee and she is doing amazing! Don't get me wrong, it has been a tough couple of months for her, but the pain is now gone and she's walking great! He will be doing her other knee in the next few months. I highly recommend Dr. Ramkumar. His staff is pretty great too!

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

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

“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

“I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with Dr. Prem Ramkumar and his team. From my first appointment, Dr. Ramkumar impressed me with not only his professionalism but also his warmth and approachability, making the entire process much easier and reassuring for me as a patient. On the day of surgery, he took the time to talk with my family, explaining what to expect during my recovery, which was incredibly helpful and comforting. At my two-week follow-up, he went over my x-rays in detail and assured me that everything was healing well. Dr. Ramkumar genuinely treats his patients like family, and it shows in every interaction. His office runs smoothly and efficiently, reflecting a high standard of professionalism. I highly recommend Dr. Prem Ramkumar and his team for anyone in need of orthopedic care. Their level of expertise and compassion truly set them apart.”

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA