Orthopedics | Featured Specialties | UC Davis Health

Orthopedics

Ranked #39 nationally and rated high-performing in hip fracture and spinal fusion.

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Surgery team members
SURGERY

New Shock Absorber Implant for Knee Pain

Cassandra Lee, M.D., professor of orthopedic surgery and chief of the Division of Sports Medicine, recently performed a leading-edge outpatient procedure with a new implant called the MISHA Knee System that alleviated the chronic pain of a firefighter who underwent 11 previous surgeries. The MISHA Knee System cleared by the FDA in 2023, is an implantable tool that acts like a shock absorber for the knee. It alleviates pressure on the joint, easing pain and improving function for the patient.

Clinical Science

Spine Surgery with Augmented Reality

Safdar N. Khan, M.D., is one of the first surgeons in the country to use augmented reality (AR) glasses for improved precision in the operating room. AR allows him to make smaller incisions on patients and conduct more efficient and shorter operations. The technology has proven helpful for procedures that involve implanting devices or screws to help stabilize a patient’s spine. Khan says AR has endless potential for a wide range of spinal issues, including complex spinal deformity, degenerative age-related spinal conditions, spinal trauma, and tumors.

Safdar Khan, M.D.
Sarcoma
RESEARCH

Unlocking the Genetic Mystery of Sarcoma

Published in Science, UC Davis participated in a global study that unlocked the genetic mystery of why some people develop sarcoma and generated the first-ever genetic map of sarcomas. The findings of this research study involved investigators from around the world at major sarcoma centers, including UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Awards and Recognitions
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USNWR Best Hospital badge

Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

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US News & World Report orthopedics badge

Nationally ranked #39

Our full spectrum of clinical capabilities ranges from routine back and joint problems to the most severe injuries and complex musculoskeletal conditions — all informed by internationally recognized expertise and research in adult foot and ankle; adult reconstruction; sports medicine; trauma; hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery and more. We’re also key players in the UC Davis Spine Center and UC Davis Trauma Center — one of the largest and most sophisticated interdisciplinary trauma programs in the nation.

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High performing in Hip Fracture badge

Ranked high-performing in hip fracture treatment

U.S. News & World Report rated UC Davis Medical Center high performing in treating hip fracture.

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High performing in Spinal Fusion badge

Ranked high-performing in spinal fusion

U.S. News & World Report rated UC Davis Medical Center high performing in spinal fusion.

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Healthgrades badge

Ranked among the nation’s top performers

UC Davis Medical Center received Healthgrades® America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award for 2024, placing us among the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance. We also received accolades for high-quality patient care, known as Specialty Excellent Awards, in five areas including cardiac, neurosciences, gastrointestinal, critical care and pulmonary specialties.

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Beckers Healthcare Great Hospitals badge

Recognized as a great hospital in America

UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as one of the nation’s top hospitals by the 2023 edition of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Great hospitals in America” list.

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Magnet designation badge

The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

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NCI badge

World-class cancer care

One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

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USNWR best regional hospital badge

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.

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