Orthopaedic Surgery
We combine expert care, advanced research and coordinated treatment to help you move better and live without limits. We serve patients across Northern California with advanced, team-based care.
Medically reviewed by Lor Randall, M.D. on April 13, 2026.
Experts in Orthopaedic Surgery
Musculoskeletal conditions can cause persistent pain and limit your ability to move freely. At UC Davis Health, our mission is to help you reclaim your active lifestyle by treating conditions that affect your:
- Bones and joints
- Ligaments and tendons
- Muscles and connective tissues
Our orthopaedic specialists prioritize your long-term health, starting with nonsurgical solutions. From personalized rehabilitation programs to advanced pain management, we explore every conservative option first.
As a regional referral center for complex orthopaedic care, you are in expert hands when surgery is the best path forward. The UC Davis orthopaedic surgery team utilizes the latest minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure a safer procedure and a faster return to the activities you love.
On this page
Our Orthopaedic Surgery Specialties
Our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery provides subspecialty care across the full range of musculoskeletal conditions. This ensures you receive highly specialized, comprehensive care.
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Our Foot and Ankle Clinic focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders and injuries that affect your feet and ankles. Our surgeons offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to help reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
Hand Surgery
Surgeons in our Combined Hand Service provide personalized care and treatment for a variety of hand and upper-extremity conditions, including trauma of the hand and wrist. We are proud to be the region’s largest and most experienced team in this specialty area.
Hip and Knee Surgery
Our total joint replacement team is dedicated to restoring quality of life for patients facing severe joint arthritis. As a premier destination for orthopaedic excellence in Northern California, we provide specialized care tailored to adults of all ages and walks of life. Our state-of-the-art 48X Surgery Complex is an outpatient facility designed for same-day hip replacements and knee replacements.
Musculoskeletal Oncology
As a leader in musculoskeletal oncology, UC Davis Health provides world-class care for rare and complex sarcoma conditions. Our team of internationally renowned surgeons and specialists treat cancerous and noncancerous conditions of your bones and soft tissue. We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of precision and compassion for children and adults.
Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Shoulder and elbow surgery treats conditions, injuries and pain of the upper limbs. Common orthopaedic surgeries include elbow arthroscopy, shoulder replacement and rotator cuff repair. UC Davis Medical Center is the only center in the Sacramento region offering Mako robotic-assisted shoulder surgery. By combining the expertise of skilled surgeons with the latest robotic technology, the Mako SmartRobotics™ system offers a new level of precision and personalization in shoulder replacement surgery.
Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery treats conditions of your spine, spinal cord and nerves. Our surgeons at the Spine Center offer minimally invasive procedures such as removing parts of herniated discs (microdiscectomy) and spinal fusion surgery.
Specialty Orthopaedics
All of our orthopaedic surgeries are also available in our Pediatric Orthopaedic Service and our Sports Medicine Program. Providers in these two programs are trained and experienced in both orthopaedic surgeries and in pediatrics and sports medicine, respectively. Their dual expertise helps you get the specialty services you or your child needs.
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Referring Physicians
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Patients
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Consumer Resource Center
Preparing for Surgery
You may have questions and concerns before your orthopaedic surgery. You will have a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon to discuss the best type of surgery for you and what you should expect. They will do a physical exam and review imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scan. They will also discuss the procedure and recovery process.
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Before Orthopaedic Surgery
Your surgeon may have you pause certain medications and order more tests for your blood, heart and urine. Your surgeon may also tell you to have any major dental work done several weeks before certain joint replacement surgeries. Dental work can be a source of infection that can spread to your new knee. If you smoke, your doctor will instruct you to quit before you have surgery.
Your surgeon will explain the risks and recovery time for your specific procedure. Your care team may instruct you to take a preoperative class before surgery.
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During Orthopaedic Surgery
We prioritize your safety and comfort at every stage of the surgical process. While every procedure is unique, here is what you can generally expect:
- You may undergo general anesthesia. Our anesthesiology team will work with you to develop an anesthesia care plan with you before your procedure.
- Your surgeon will carefully access the treatment area using precise techniques tailored to your condition.
- For support, we may provide a brace, cast, or sling. These tools are essential for protecting the surgical area as you begin your recovery.
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After Orthopaedic Surgery
After your surgery, you will rest in our recovery area while the anesthesia wears off. Many patients return home the same day, or some procedures require an overnight stay or a few days of hospitalization. You will need to arrange for someone to take you home after surgery and help with daily activities.
Your recovery plan is tailored to your procedure and individual needs. You will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities until you have healed. You will also have follow-up visits, imaging tests and physical therapy to help restore strength, range of motion and mobility. Your care team will provide clear instructions to support your recovery at home.
Home Care
When you go home after surgery, it’s important to take time to rest and let your body heal. You may need crutches or a walker, depending on the type of surgery you have. It usually takes weeks to months before you can go back to work or school. Your care team will give you specific instructions to help your recovery after surgery.
Avoid Lifting or Straining
Don’t lift objects or strain to reach things until your provider tells you it’s OK.
Don’t Drive
Wearing a cast, brace or sling can impact your driving, so refrain until your doctor allows it.
Take Medications
Take antibiotics and medications for pain and other symptoms as prescribed by your provider.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and urology.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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