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Kristopher Downing, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in both orthopedic surgery and hand surgery who treats patients that are of adolescent age and older. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). He is a founding member of Ortho 1 Medical Group. He is the founder of the practice of Upper Extremity Specialists—of Ortho 1 Medical Group in San Diego, La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Coronado California. Dr. Downing specializes in surgical and nonsurgical orthopedic treatment for injuries and diseases that affect the entire upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. A wide myriad of nonoperative care is offered including guided observation, durable medical equipment (braces, splints, slings), nutriceuticals, topical and oral medications (pharmaceuticals), therapy and its associated modalities (physical therapy, occupational therapy, certified hand therapy), chiropractic care, acupuncture, bracing/supports, injections (corticosteroids, viscosupplementation agents, reparative medicine agents such as platelet rich plasma and lipoaspirate). Reparative medicine options can also be used as an adjunct to surgical treatment options to augment surgical outcomes. 

Dr. Downing offers care in a variety of environments and works within multiple offices (in La Jolla, Del Mar, Kearny Mesa, San Diego, and Chula Vista) in various settings seeing patients under their private health plans, via cash payment with reasonable and customary fee schedules based on local fair market value, as an injured worker covered under worker’s compensation insurance and within medical-legal situations. He is on staff at multiple hospitals within Sharp, Scripps, Prime Healthcare and Tri-City health systems, working in both inpatient and outpatient capacities, providing elective, urgent and emergent general orthopedic as well as hand and upper extremity subspecialized care. He also works at many ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) throughout San Diego County providing novel outpatient based surgical and reparative medicine care for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. Common surgical procedures performed include: arthroscopic procedures (shoulder: rotator cuff tear repair/debridement, long head of biceps tendon repair/debridement/release, labral repair/debridement, stabilization procedures, chondroplasty/microfracture, subacromial decompression, distal clavicle excision, superior capsular reconstruction; elbow: partial synovectomy, loose bodies removal, tennis elbow debridement/release, capsular releases, osteocapsular arthroplasty), arthroplasty procedures (shoulder: anatomic total shoulder replacement with stemmed and “stemless” options, reverse total shoulder replacement with ongoing evolving use of evolving implant options, hemiarthroplasty in limited situations; elbow: partial and total elbow replacement; wrist: partial and total wrist replacement as well as fusions; thumb: basilar joint reconstruction; fingers: silicone and pyrocarbon small joint replacements as well as fusions), open elbow stabilization procedures (lateral ulnar collateral and/or medial ulnar collateral ligament repairs or reconstructions), tennis elbow and golfer elbow surgeries, nerve decompressions (endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release, endoscopic and open cubital tunnel release and other types of less common nerve decompressions), painful neuroma resections, nerve repairs, nerve reconstructions (using Axogen Avance cadaveric nerve allograft to rebuild irreparable nerve injuries), tendon transfers for unrecoverable nerve palsies/injuries, ganglion cyst and other mass/tumor removals, deQuervain’s release, trigger finger release, Dupuytren surgery (including partial fasicectomy, needle aponeurotomy as well as the Xiaflex in-office injectable option), tendon repairs/reconstructions/tenolyses (rotator cuff, proximal long head of biceps, distal biceps, extensor tendons of the hand and wrist, flexor tendons of the hand and wrist), local/regional/free flaps and other microsurgical work (usually coordinated with a co-surgeon plastic surgeon also trained in microsurgery/microvascular work), and the wide variety of surgical care related to trauma of the upper extremity (lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, broken bones/fractures/dislocations/malunions/non-unions of the collar bone/clavicle, AC joint, shoulder blade/scapula, shoulder joint, proximal humerus, humeral shaft, distal humerus, capitellum, trochlea, elbow joint, olecranon, coronoid process, radial head, radial neck, radial and/or ulnar shaft, distal radius, distal ulna, ulnar styloid, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), wrist joint, carpus [scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate, pisiform], carpometacarpal joints and hand bones and joints [metacarpals, phalanges, metacarpophalangeal joints, interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, distal interphalangeal joints]).

Dr. Downing completed his bachelor of science (BS) degree in 2001 within a 7-year Biomedical Sciences program at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), which included concurrent enrollment at UCR and UCLA in the fourth year of education, before earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 2004 at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He completed his surgical internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California and his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Health System hospitals in Philadelphia.  UPenn has the distinction of having the first freestanding orthopedic surgery department in the United States. Dr. Downing also participated in the rigorous Joseph H. Boyes hand and upper extremity fellowship training program at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. USC has the distinction of having the first hand surgery fellowship training program in the United States. After 13 years of post high school education and training, Dr. Downing began independent private practice orthopedic surgery related services in 2010 at age 30.

Besides his unique qualifications to practice upper extremity orthopaedics (as well as general orthopedics), Dr. Downing is a kind, meticulous and patient-focused surgeon. His training, experience, drive and genuine obvious concern for his patients’ welfare aid him in garnering the best possible outcomes for his patients. He gives each patient the time and attention they need, explaining procedures and answering questions relevant to the risks, benefits and alternatives to proposed procedures to ensure that they feel confident under his care. His passion for clinical medicine and truly serving patients’ needs exudes at each patient visit. In addition, he services his patients by remaining up-to-date with his practice which mirrors trends in orthopedic literature and overall evidence-based medicine as well as elevated standards of care trending in orthopedic surgical practices within the United States and internationally, ensuring to his patients his ongoing education and high quality value-based outcomes strived towards as he provides their care. 

Dr. Downing’s native language is English but he understands the unique needs of his Spanish speaking population and continues to work on his Spanish, que continúa mejorando diariamente. He also has Spanish speaking staff to aid in translation as needed. The uniquely metropolitan binational communities of Tijuana and San Diego with juxtaposition on the US-Mexican border has created a diverse industrious burgeoning cultural environment begging for qualified orthopedic surgeons to care for this American, Mexican-American, American expat, and Mexican patient population.

Dr. Downing grew up in San Jose and northwestern Alabama. The majority of his education and adult life has been spent in Riverside, CA, Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA. Throughout high school and college, he played competitive soccer and participated in musical pursuits related to his abilities on the saxophone and piano. He was also an avid competitive video gamer for much of his adolescent and young adult life. He also competitively engaged in street skateboarding, which translated into the eventual love of snowboarding and surfing—all of which are board sports. He treats many patients with board sports related injuries that expectedly are results of falls onto outstretched and subsequently injured upper extremities. The patient population in San Diego is inherently very active and injury prone given the beautiful weather enjoyed in this part of the world and the high volume of outdoor and otherwise physical fitness related activities. 

Dr. Downing also has a growing family, currently with a wife and three children that he enjoys having consume much of his free time. Also, like his father and younger brother who are both carpenters, Dr. Downing is a human carpenter (doing work on bones and joints and tendons) and also does plumbing (blood vessels related work) and electrical (nerve related work).

At Active Life Orthopedics, Dr. Jeremy McCandless is an Orthopedic Surgeon and a leading provider of minimally invasive joint surgery. Dr. McCandless serves patients throughout San Diego County from two locations: El Cajon and Coronado. His specialties include partial and full knee replacement, robotic joint replacement, total hip replacement, and treatment for various causes of knee and hip pain including arthritis.

Dr. McCandless obtained his Medical degree from Case Western Reserve. He completed his surgical residency in Orthopedic Surgery and was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. After his residency. Dr. McCandless pursued specialized training and research in joint replacement. Dr. McCandless is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

In addition to specializing in joint replacement, Dr. McCandless is extensively trained in revision surgery and complex fracture surgical care. Dr. McCandless prides himself on providing the most effective and successful surgical procedures to all of his patients and has performed more robotic joint replacement surgeries than any other surgeon in San Diego County. The entire practice is also devoted to ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of medical care and treatment.

Dr. McCandless believes that quality of life and mobility go hand in hand. He understands that surgery is an excellent solution for several medical issues, but is not the only one available. Dr. McCandless utilizes all techniques and technologies available, from computer navigation to minimally invasive surgical options. His goal is to understand his patient’s physical demands and requirements in order to develop a solution customized for their unique situation.

Active Life Orthopedics and Dr. McCandless welcome new patients to the practice, where most major forms of health insurance are accepted.

Kristopher Downing, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in both orthopedic surgery and hand surgery who treats patients that are of adolescent age and older. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). He is a founding member of Ortho 1 Medical Group. He is the founder of the practice of Upper Extremity Specialists—of Ortho 1 Medical Group in San Diego, La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Coronado California. Dr. Downing specializes in surgical and nonsurgical orthopedic treatment for injuries and diseases that affect the entire upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. A wide myriad of nonoperative care is offered including guided observation, durable medical equipment (braces, splints, slings), nutriceuticals, topical and oral medications (pharmaceuticals), therapy and its associated modalities (physical therapy, occupational therapy, certified hand therapy), chiropractic care, acupuncture, bracing/supports, injections (corticosteroids, viscosupplementation agents, reparative medicine agents such as platelet rich plasma and lipoaspirate). Reparative medicine options can also be used as an adjunct to surgical treatment options to augment surgical outcomes. 

Dr. Downing offers care in a variety of environments and works within multiple offices (in La Jolla, Del Mar, Kearny Mesa, San Diego, and Chula Vista) in various settings seeing patients under their private health plans, via cash payment with reasonable and customary fee schedules based on local fair market value, as an injured worker covered under worker’s compensation insurance and within medical-legal situations. He is on staff at multiple hospitals within Sharp, Scripps, Prime Healthcare and Tri-City health systems, working in both inpatient and outpatient capacities, providing elective, urgent and emergent general orthopedic as well as hand and upper extremity subspecialized care. He also works at many ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) throughout San Diego County providing novel outpatient based surgical and reparative medicine care for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. Common surgical procedures performed include: arthroscopic procedures (shoulder: rotator cuff tear repair/debridement, long head of biceps tendon repair/debridement/release, labral repair/debridement, stabilization procedures, chondroplasty/microfracture, subacromial decompression, distal clavicle excision, superior capsular reconstruction; elbow: partial synovectomy, loose bodies removal, tennis elbow debridement/release, capsular releases, osteocapsular arthroplasty), arthroplasty procedures (shoulder: anatomic total shoulder replacement with stemmed and “stemless” options, reverse total shoulder replacement with ongoing evolving use of evolving implant options, hemiarthroplasty in limited situations; elbow: partial and total elbow replacement; wrist: partial and total wrist replacement as well as fusions; thumb: basilar joint reconstruction; fingers: silicone and pyrocarbon small joint replacements as well as fusions), open elbow stabilization procedures (lateral ulnar collateral and/or medial ulnar collateral ligament repairs or reconstructions), tennis elbow and golfer elbow surgeries, nerve decompressions (endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release, endoscopic and open cubital tunnel release and other types of less common nerve decompressions), painful neuroma resections, nerve repairs, nerve reconstructions (using Axogen Avance cadaveric nerve allograft to rebuild irreparable nerve injuries), tendon transfers for unrecoverable nerve palsies/injuries, ganglion cyst and other mass/tumor removals, deQuervain’s release, trigger finger release, Dupuytren surgery (including partial fasicectomy, needle aponeurotomy as well as the Xiaflex in-office injectable option), tendon repairs/reconstructions/tenolyses (rotator cuff, proximal long head of biceps, distal biceps, extensor tendons of the hand and wrist, flexor tendons of the hand and wrist), local/regional/free flaps and other microsurgical work (usually coordinated with a co-surgeon plastic surgeon also trained in microsurgery/microvascular work), and the wide variety of surgical care related to trauma of the upper extremity (lacerations, crush injuries, amputations, broken bones/fractures/dislocations/malunions/non-unions of the collar bone/clavicle, AC joint, shoulder blade/scapula, shoulder joint, proximal humerus, humeral shaft, distal humerus, capitellum, trochlea, elbow joint, olecranon, coronoid process, radial head, radial neck, radial and/or ulnar shaft, distal radius, distal ulna, ulnar styloid, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), wrist joint, carpus [scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate, pisiform], carpometacarpal joints and hand bones and joints [metacarpals, phalanges, metacarpophalangeal joints, interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, distal interphalangeal joints]).

Dr. Downing completed his bachelor of science (BS) degree in 2001 within a 7-year Biomedical Sciences program at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), which included concurrent enrollment at UCR and UCLA in the fourth year of education, before earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 2004 at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He completed his surgical internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California and his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Health System hospitals in Philadelphia.  UPenn has the distinction of having the first freestanding orthopedic surgery department in the United States. Dr. Downing also participated in the rigorous Joseph H. Boyes hand and upper extremity fellowship training program at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. USC has the distinction of having the first hand surgery fellowship training program in the United States. After 13 years of post high school education and training, Dr. Downing began independent private practice orthopedic surgery related services in 2010 at age 30.

Besides his unique qualifications to practice upper extremity orthopaedics (as well as general orthopedics), Dr. Downing is a kind, meticulous and patient-focused surgeon. His training, experience, drive and genuine obvious concern for his patients’ welfare aid him in garnering the best possible outcomes for his patients. He gives each patient the time and attention they need, explaining procedures and answering questions relevant to the risks, benefits and alternatives to proposed procedures to ensure that they feel confident under his care. His passion for clinical medicine and truly serving patients’ needs exudes at each patient visit. In addition, he services his patients by remaining up-to-date with his practice which mirrors trends in orthopedic literature and overall evidence-based medicine as well as elevated standards of care trending in orthopedic surgical practices within the United States and internationally, ensuring to his patients his ongoing education and high quality value-based outcomes strived towards as he provides their care. 

Dr. Downing’s native language is English but he understands the unique needs of his Spanish speaking population and continues to work on his Spanish, que continúa mejorando diariamente. He also has Spanish speaking staff to aid in translation as needed. The uniquely metropolitan binational communities of Tijuana and San Diego with juxtaposition on the US-Mexican border has created a diverse industrious burgeoning cultural environment begging for qualified orthopedic surgeons to care for this American, Mexican-American, American expat, and Mexican patient population.

Dr. Downing grew up in San Jose and northwestern Alabama. The majority of his education and adult life has been spent in Riverside, CA, Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA. Throughout high school and college, he played competitive soccer and participated in musical pursuits related to his abilities on the saxophone and piano. He was also an avid competitive video gamer for much of his adolescent and young adult life. He also competitively engaged in street skateboarding, which translated into the eventual love of snowboarding and surfing—all of which are board sports. He treats many patients with board sports related injuries that expectedly are results of falls onto outstretched and subsequently injured upper extremities. The patient population in San Diego is inherently very active and injury prone given the beautiful weather enjoyed in this part of the world and the high volume of outdoor and otherwise physical fitness related activities. 

Dr. Downing also has a growing family, currently with a wife and three children that he enjoys having consume much of his free time. Also, like his father and younger brother who are both carpenters, Dr. Downing is a human carpenter (doing work on bones and joints and tendons) and also does plumbing (blood vessels related work) and electrical (nerve related work).

Handpicked by Dr. Robert S. Bray Jr. to join DISC Sports & Spine Center, fellowship-trained orthopedic spinal surgeon, Grant D. Shifflett, MD, takes a patient-centered approach to care at his offices in Marina del Rey and Newport Beach, California. With vast experience in minimally invasive and complex reconstructive spinal surgeries, Dr. Shifflett strives to restore each patient's functionality and quality of life.

Using cutting-edge techniques, he takes an evidence-based approach to treat patients with a variety of spinal conditions, including scoliosis, stenosis, disc herniation, and degenerative disc disease. Whether Dr. Shifflett provides non-operative care such as stem cell injections or performs innovative procedures such as artificial disc replacement, he does so with compassionate care and understanding.

Dr. Shifflett received a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Virginia before graduating with the highest distinction from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery, affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Healthcare System and Weill Cornell Medical College.

After venturing on a traveling fellowship to Japan, Dr. Shifflett returned to the United States and completed a minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery fellowship at Rush University. There, he learned microsurgical techniques, focusing on outpatient, fusion, and non-fusion procedures for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Highly recognized in the field of spinal surgery, Dr. Shifflett has presented at numerous conferences, written multiple medical journal articles, and received a variety of grants and awards for cutting-edge research and clinical studies.

Dr. Jon Kelly has been providing patients in the San Diego, CA, area with top-quality orthopedic care for more than 25 years, entering private practice after completing his service as a naval commander with the U.S. Navy in 1995. At his state-of-the-art practice in Carlsbad, CA, Dr. Kelly provides care for patients throughout Southern California, including patients from Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles counties.

Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Kelly performs comprehensive evaluations of joint and orthopaedic injuries and diseases as well as advanced surgical care for knee injuries, shoulder injuries, and injuries to minor joints of the hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Skilled in both traditional “open” surgical procedures as well as minimally-invasive arthroscopic techniques, he is committed to offering his patients the broadest range of care options based on each patient's unique medical needs, overall health and recovery goals. In addition to surgery, Dr. Kelly also provides patients with corticosteroid joint injections to reduce pain and improve flexibility, and injections of platelet-rich plasma to speed recovery following injury or surgery.

After earning his medical degree from Tulane University, School of Medicine, Dr. Kelly completed a fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery at the Children's Hospital of New Mexico. In addition to performing evaluations, surgery and other treatments for a wide array of joint and orthopaedic injuries, Dr. Kelly has extensive experience conducting independent medical exams, qualified medical exams, and agreed medical exams and has served as an expert witness for cases requiring advanced orthopaedic expertise. Dedicated to expanding his skills and knowledge of novel and emerging methods of care, Dr. Kelly maintains active memberships in the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the California Orthopaedic Association, the Western Orthopaedic Association, and the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Kelly welcomes new patients, and his office accepts major insurance plans. He speaks both English and German fluently.

Norman Kane, MD, FACS, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 36 years of experience. At Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla, California, Dr. Kane specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Canada and previously served as a team physician for the San Diego Sockers, a professional indoor soccer franchise.

Dr. Kane earned his medical degree in 1973 from the University of Witwatersrand Medical School in Johannesburg, South Africa. He completed a pre-graduation externship in 1972 at St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a surgical internship in 1973 in the intensive care unit of Addington Hospital in Durbin, South Africa.

Dr. Kane brings a breadth of knowledge to Ortho 1 Medical Group. He has extensive experience in sports medicine and minimally invasive orthopedic surgery. He uses the most advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures available to treat conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome and trigger finger.

From tendon repair and total knee replacement to shoulder arthroscopy and ACL repair, Dr. Kane uses the latest orthopedic innovations to restore his patients’ function and mobility, minimize their pain, and improve their quality of life.

In addition to his work at Ortho 1 Medical Group, Dr. Kane is a top specialist at the Knee Center of San Diego in San Diego, California. He is a Board of Orthopaedic Surgery diplomate. Dr. Kane is also an active member of the Western Orthopaedic Association and the San Diego County Medical Society.

Braden McKnight, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla, San Diego, and Coronado, California. 

A native of San Diego County, Dr. McKnight completed his undergraduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles, before receiving his medical degree from the University of Southern California. He remained at USC’s prestigious Keck School of Medicine for his orthopedic surgery residency.

With enthusiasm for continued education, Dr. McKnight relocated to Ohio to complete a combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery fellowship at one of the top hospitals in the country, the Cleveland Clinic. Here, he trained in the most cutting-edge, complex, and minimally invasive techniques in the field.

Dr. McKnight specializes in the surgical treatment of all back and neck disorders. He is particularly interested in minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, complex revision surgery, and adult spinal deformity. He authors numerous peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters and consistently presents his research at top meetings throughout the country. 

While highly experienced in surgery, Dr. McKnight believes surgery should be a last resort for patients with back and neck problems. He prioritizes optimizing non-operative care for his patients and encourages this treatment path should always come before considering surgery. If surgery is necessary, Dr. McKnight ascribes to the “less is more” mentality, where the least invasive operation is considered first, avoiding fusion whenever possible. He aims to get patients back to being active and feeling better while minimizing recovery time. This multi-specialty approach is the safest and best way to treat back and neck problems, working with physical therapists, primary care physicians, and physiatrists for a holistic approach to spine care.

When not in the office, Dr. McKnight is an avid tennis and pickleball player and enjoys spending time with his family. He is thankful to call the city of San Diego home.

James Andry, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon focusing on shoulder arthroscopy and reconstruction, sports medicine, knee arthroscopy and reconstruction, and fracture care. He strives to provide the best in orthopedic care to his patients at Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla, San Diego, and Coronado, California. 

Dr. Andry grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, he went on to graduate from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center of Columbia University. Dr. Andry was then selected to complete a fellowship in shoulder arthroscopy and reconstruction through the American Shoulder and Elbow Society. 

Following his training, Dr. Andry moved to Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife to start their family and built a high-volume orthopedic practice focusing on complex shoulder diseases, sports medicine, and trauma. In addition, Dr. Andry also joined the faculty as an associate professor of surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine and was active in teaching residents and fellows as well as designing new practical teaching techniques. 

Dr. Andry and his wife decided to return to southern California to raise their family. He continues to treat a variety of shoulder and sports medicine diseases and diagnoses, including rotator cuff tears, labrum injuries, instability of the shoulder, arthritis of the shoulder, elbow injuries, throwing injuries, ACL ruptures, meniscus tears, arthritis and damaged cartilage, ligament sprains, as well as trauma and fracture care. 

Dr. Andry is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the California Medical Association. He has extensive training and experience and will provide personalized, thoughtful care to his patients at Ortho 1 Medical Group.

Chris S. Pallia, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon on the team at Ortho 1 Medical Group specializing in knee and shoulder disorders. Practicing in La Jolla and Coronado, California, Dr. Pallia is committed to helping his patients find pain relief and maximizing function through non-operative techniques and surgical correction for injured or diseased joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. 

Dr. Pallia approaches every patient as an individual and looks at every problem as important. He earned a degree in Bioengineering from UC San Diego, which has given him a unique appreciation of the structure and function of the human body. He was exposed to the top minds and thought leaders in medicine while studying Medicine at UCLA. 

After becoming board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Pallia‘s sub-specialty training and board certification in arthroscopy and sports medicine have provided him with the tools to optimally care for injured and degenerative joints (knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow).

Dr. Pallia has taken a keen interest in knee joint preservation, using the latest techniques to avoid joint replacement, such as biologic resurfacing with cartilage cells, joint realignment, and even bone fortification for stress reaction due to arthritis. He holds himself to the highest standards and treats everyone with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. Continually acquiring new knowledge and skills, Dr. Pallia uses all the latest techniques and equipment. He finds joy in helping all of his patients achieve their goals in life.

Visit Dr. Kusnezov's personal website

Dr. Nicholas Kusnezov, or "Dr. K" as he is known to his patients, is a premier, nationally recognized, board-certified, and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon currently practicing in Southern California. At Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla, San Diego and Coronado he specializes in total joint replacement with extensive experience in managing complex sports and traumatic injuries. His interests currently lie in muscle-sparing anterior total hip replacement, state-of-the-art robotic joint replacement, and rapid recovery protocols. 

Born on the East Coast, Dr. K spent his formative years in Southern California, graduating summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in bioengineering and AOA from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He was the only dual recipient of the Edward K Rice Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award and the university-wide Outstanding Bachelor of Science Award. He was also solely bestowed the Longmire Surgical Society Award for his distinctive achievement and surgical aptitude. 

After medical school, Dr. K was commissioned into the U.S. Military as an officer. He completed his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery through the U.S. Army at the combined program of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. During his tenure at the exceedingly busy Level 1 trauma center, Dr. K served as chief resident, coordinating residency-wide academics and research. He not only graduated with distinguished honors but received the highest score on the Orthopaedic Boards Exam nationwide. He currently holds the record as the only three-time consecutive Texas Orthopaedic Association Quiz Bowl champion in history. 

Following graduation, Dr. K served out his military commitment in Nashville, TN, where he built and headed an advanced adult reconstruction program, establishing the infrastructure for a cutting-edge, high-volume joint replacement center of excellence. He dually served as the "team physician" to the revered 5th Special Forces group, 160th and 101st airborne division for four years. Upon deployment with the 349th combat support hospital and 379th air expeditionary wing, he served as the brigade orthopaedic surgeon and group physician to the SOCCENT special operations group. 

Dr. K served his country with distinction, earning multiple Meritorious Service and Army Commendation Medals. For his unsurpassed service to the community, he was consecutively bestowed the distinct honor of the Kentucky Colonel and Tennessee Aide de Camp by the respective governors. During his time in Midwest, he went on to complete an Orthopaedic Trauma Apprenticeship at Vanderbilt University and served as Director of Orthopaedic Trauma at Pikeville Medical Center, frequently providing needed coverage to underserved trauma centers throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Upon honorable completion of his military service, he returned to his home in sunny Southern California to complete the nationally renowned Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, relocating thereafter to San Diego to begin his ultimate practice as the premier Joint Replacement Specialist with Ortho 1 Medical Group in San Diego, in affiliation with the Sharp and Scripps Healthcare systems.

In addition to a decorated career in the U.S. Military, Dr. K is actively engaged in graduate medical education and clinical research, having co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and top-read research manuscripts in top-tier orthopaedic journals. He is a lifelong lover of education and an author and Managing Editor at Orthobullets, the foremost source of orthopaedic education worldwide. Dr. K continues to teach through case-based didactic as a chief contributor to AAOS Orthopaedic Knowledge Update and Figure1. 

Dr. Kusnezov has been recognized numerous times not only for his scholarly activity -- receiving first-place podium and research awards both regionally and nationally -- but for his clinical excellence and surgical skill by Top Doctors of America, Continental Who's Who, and Best in California Magazine. 

However, beyond the impressive achievements, and perhaps most important of all, there is a man who deeply cares for the well-being of his patients. Dr. K believes that each patient is special and each situation unique and that it is paramount to build a strong doctor-patient relationship in order to understand each patient's goals and to thereby foster the best possible outcomes. Whether this is improved pain and function, returning to an active lifestyle, or going on to gold-medal in a world championship, Dr. Kusnezov has your back and will get you there. He is currently licensed to practice in Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and California.

In his leisure time, Dr. K enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and two daughters, playing occasional pick-up racquetball, and of course, weight training, as a reigning proud member of the 1000lb club.