Find a Top Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me in San Diego, CA – Book an Appointment Instantly

Neil A. Tayyab, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, specializing in spine surgery and other minimally invasive surgical procedures at Girard Orthopaedic Surgeons Medical Group, Inc. in San Diego and Chula Vista, California.

Dr. Tayyab is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He collaborates with an experienced medical team on customized care plans to treat various musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.

Dr. Tayyab graduated magna cum laude (with high honors) from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he completed his general surgery internship and orthopaedic surgery residency.

Dr. Tayyab also finished a spine surgery fellowship at the Spine Institute of New York at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan, New York City. He has extensive experience working in the busiest trauma centers of Chicago, including Cook County Hospital.

At Girard Orthopaedic Surgeons Medical Group, Dr. Tayyab focuses on minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery to treat complications of scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. He is also highly skilled at cervical artificial disc replacement surgery to treat herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. 

Dr. Rickards is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon. She received her medical training at the University of Southern California. At Los Angeles County Medical Center, one of the largest and busiest trauma centers in the country, Dr. Rickards completed her orthopaedic training. From there, Dr. Rickards was accepted into the renowned Boyes Hand Fellowship. Dr. Rickards is now in private practice at Girard Orthopaedic Surgeons and is the acting Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla.

EDUCATION

• Undergraduate - Creighton University, Omaha, NE - B.S., Biology 1989
• Medical - University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA - M.D. 1993

RESIDENCY

• Internship - USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA - General Surgical Internship 1993-1994
• Residency - USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA - Orthopaedic Surgical Residency 1994-1998
• Fellowship - Joseph H. Boyes Hand and Microvascular Surgery Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA Hand & Microvascular Fellowship 1998-1999

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS

• California Medical License: 1994
• Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons: 2001
• Qualified Medical Examiner: 2002

PRACTICE FOCUS

General Orthopaedics
Hand & Microvascular Surgery
Upper Extremity Surgery
Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy

Trauma & Fracture Care
Workers' Compensation / QME

Braden McKnight, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla, Chula Vista, 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.

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.

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.

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 Chula Vista, 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.

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, Chula Vista, 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.

Braden McKnight, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla, Chula Vista, 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.

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.

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 Chula Vista, 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.

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, Chula Vista, 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.