When it comes to orthopedic care, the United States is home to some of the most accomplished and innovative surgeons in the world. These elite professionals have shaped the field through groundbreaking techniques, research, and impeccable surgical outcomes. From joint replacements to spinal reconstruction and sports injury repair, the following top orthopedic surgeons are at the forefront of patient care and surgical excellence in 2025.
1. Dr. James Andrews – Gulf Breeze, Florida
Specialization: Sports Medicine & Ligament Reconstruction
Hospital Affiliation: Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Dr. James Andrews is a legendary figure in orthopedic surgery, especially in the realm of sports injuries. He has treated countless professional athletes from the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Known for pioneering minimally invasive ligament repair, Dr. Andrews remains one of the most respected names in sports medicine worldwide.
Expertise:
- UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John surgery)
- ACL, MCL repair
- Shoulder arthroscopy
2. Dr. Thomas Sculco – New York City, New York
Specialization: Hip and Knee Replacement
Hospital Affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
As the former Surgeon-in-Chief at HSS, Dr. Thomas Sculco is internationally recognized for his leadership in joint replacement surgery. He has performed over 15,000 successful knee and hip replacements and is widely cited in orthopedic journals.
Expertise:
- Revision joint replacement
- Robotic-assisted arthroplasty
- Osteoarthritis management
3. Dr. Neal ElAttrache – Los Angeles, California
Specialization: Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Hospital Affiliation: Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute
Dr. Neal ElAttrache is the go-to surgeon for Hollywood and elite athletes. Serving as the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams, he has perfected techniques in shoulder and elbow reconstruction, particularly for high-demand athletes.
Expertise:
- Rotator cuff repair
- Biceps tenodesis
- Complex joint injuries
4. Dr. Bryan Kelly – New York City, New York
Specialization: Hip Preservation & Arthroscopy
Hospital Affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Dr. Bryan Kelly, the current President and CEO of HSS, has made significant contributions to hip arthroscopy and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment. He is a renowned educator, researcher, and surgical innovator.
Expertise:
- Labral tear repair
- Hip dysplasia surgery
- Sports hip injuries
5. Dr. Richard Berger – Chicago, Illinois
Specialization: Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement
Hospital Affiliation: Rush University Medical Center
Dr. Richard Berger is celebrated for performing outpatient joint replacement surgeries using muscle-sparing techniques. His approach significantly reduces patient recovery time and hospital stays, setting new standards in minimally invasive orthopedics.
Expertise:
- Outpatient hip/knee replacement
- Custom knee implants
- Accelerated recovery protocols
6. Dr. David Altchek – New York City, New York
Specialization: Shoulder, Elbow & Knee Surgery
Hospital Affiliation: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Dr. David Altchek is a highly sought-after surgeon by professional athletes across multiple disciplines. As the Medical Director for the New York Mets, his expertise in arthroscopic shoulder and knee procedures has helped many return to peak performance.
Expertise:
- Shoulder instability
- Meniscus repair
- Ligament reconstruction
7. Dr. William N. Levine – New York City, New York
Specialization: Shoulder Surgery & Sports Medicine
Hospital Affiliation: NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Dr. William Levine is a globally respected leader in shoulder surgery, known for his evidence-based approach and academic leadership. His extensive contributions to rotator cuff and labral pathology have advanced surgical techniques across the globe.
Expertise:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Arthroscopic stabilization
8. Dr. Robert Litchfield – Boston, Massachusetts
Specialization: Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Hospital Affiliation: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Dr. Robert Litchfield has treated elite athletes and is highly regarded for his work in ACL reconstruction and shoulder stabilization. His clinical outcomes consistently rank among the best in peer-reviewed orthopedic literature.
Expertise:
- Sports shoulder injuries
- Complex knee surgeries
- Reconstructive arthroscopy
9. Dr. Kevin Bozic – Austin, Texas
Specialization: Joint Replacement & Value-Based Care
Hospital Affiliation: Dell Medical School at The University of Texas
Dr. Kevin Bozic is not only a skilled orthopedic surgeon but also a pioneer in value-based orthopedic care. He has played a major role in designing cost-effective treatment pathways while maintaining superior patient outcomes.
Expertise:
- Complex hip/knee replacements
- Health economics in surgery
- Implant design innovation
10. Dr. Freddie Fu (Posthumous Honor) – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Specialization: Sports Medicine & Ligament Reconstruction
Hospital Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
Although Dr. Freddie Fu passed away in 2021, his legacy continues to shape orthopedic surgery in 2025. Known for redefining ACL reconstruction based on anatomical studies, Dr. Fu trained hundreds of surgeons worldwide and developed some of the most effective surgical protocols used today.
Expertise:
- Anatomical ACL reconstruction
- Knee biomechanics
- Global orthopedic education
Choosing the Right Orthopedic Surgeon in the U.S.
Patients seeking the best outcomes from orthopedic surgery should consider:
- Board Certification & Fellowship Training
- Specialization in Procedure Type
- Hospital Affiliations and Accreditations
- Volume of Surgeries Performed Annually
- Patient Reviews and Outcomes Data
Access to cutting-edge facilities, personalized rehabilitation plans, and transparent success rates are critical in selecting the right orthopedic surgeon.
Technological Advancements in Orthopedic Surgery (2025)
Top orthopedic surgeons now utilize:
- Robotic-assisted surgery systems for precise joint replacements
- 3D printing for patient-specific implants
- Augmented reality (AR) for surgical planning
- AI-based diagnostics for improved pre-surgical accuracy
- Biologic treatments like PRP and stem cells for regenerative healing
These technologies are transforming recovery outcomes, minimizing surgical trauma, and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
The top 10 orthopedic surgeons in the United States in 2025 are distinguished not only by their surgical expertise but also by their contributions to medical science, innovation, and patient care. Whether you are a professional athlete, a senior requiring joint replacement, or a young patient with a traumatic injury, these surgeons represent the pinnacle of orthopedic excellence. Choosing a surgeon from this elite group ensures access to the best medical outcomes and cutting-edge treatment protocols available today.