Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Orthopedic Specialists in La Jolla
Since 1978, our practice has provided comprehensive orthopedic care to the San Diego community. With eight board-certified physicians and two coastal locations in La Jolla and Del Mar, we specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Our team includes experts in joint replacement, spine surgery, sports medicine, and hand therapy who combine advanced training with personalized care. As active members of local hospital staffs, our doctors maintain leadership roles while staying current with evolving medical techniques. Our patient-centered philosophy ensures individualized treatment plans tailored to each person's unique needs and lifestyle.Our physical therapy facility in Del Mar offers state-of-the-art rehabilitation services, with therapists collaborating directly with physicians to optimize recovery outcomes. We prioritize compassionate care throughout every stage of treatment, from initial consultation to post-recovery follow-up. Our physicians' athletic backgrounds enhance their understanding of sports-related injuries and active lifestyle requirements. We maintain affiliations with leading medical institutions and hospitals across San Diego County to ensure comprehensive care coordination.
Services
Joint Replacement
Spine Surgery
Sports Medicine
Hand Therapy
Physical Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We provide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual lifestyles and needs
- Our board-certified physicians have trained at top medical institutions
- We offer comprehensive orthopedic services from non-surgical to advanced surgical techniques
- Our team includes sports medicine specialists with athletic backgrounds
- We maintain state-of-the-art physical therapy facilities with direct physician collaboration
Services
Joint Replacement
Our joint replacement specialists perform total hip and knee replacements using advanced surgical techniques. With over 40 years of combined experience, our surgeons evaluate each patient's condition to determine optimal treatment. We offer both traditional and minimally invasive procedures while providing comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to ensure successful recovery outcomes for patients suffering from severe joint pain.
Spine Surgery
Specializing in spinal disorder treatment, we address conditions like sciatica, disc herniation, and spinal stenosis. Our surgeons employ both conservative management approaches and minimally invasive techniques. With expertise in spinal deformity correction and trauma treatment, we develop individualized plans combining physical therapy, injections, and surgical interventions when necessary to restore spinal function and reduce pain.
Sports Medicine
Our sports medicine specialists treat athletic injuries with comprehensive evaluation and tailored recovery plans. The team addresses shoulder, knee, and hip conditions using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. With physicians who are active athletes themselves, we understand performance requirements and focus on returning patients to optimal function through evidence-based treatment protocols and rehabilitation programs.
Hand Therapy
Specialized treatment for hand, wrist, and elbow conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's contracture. Our hand specialist offers both surgical and non-surgical options like Xiaflex injections. The therapy program combines manual techniques with progressive exercise to restore function following injuries, fractures, or nerve damage affecting the upper extremities.
Physical Therapy
Our Del Mar facility provides state-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy services. Therapists collaborate directly with physicians to create personalized rehabilitation plans using current techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on care and progressive exercise to help patients achieve recovery goals following orthopedic injuries, surgeries, or musculoskeletal conditions affecting mobility and function.
People
Richard M. Thunder
M.D.
Specializes in spinal disorders and orthopedic trauma. Trained at Stanford University Medical Center. Member of Scripps Memorial Hospital's Orthopaedic Trauma Team and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
F. Craig Swenson
M.D.
Specialist in hip and knee reconstruction with over 30 years experience. Holds hospital privileges at three San Diego medical centers and maintains statewide professional influence.
David R. Hackley
M.D.
Sports medicine specialist with 20 years experience. Certified in Sports Medicine by American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Member of Scripps Memorial Hospital Trauma Team.
Richard A. Brown
M.D.
Hand surgery specialist with 25+ years experience. Pioneer in Xiaflex treatment for Dupuytren's Disease. Expert in reconstructive microsurgery and upper extremity trauma.
Miranda Westfall
Registered Dietitian
PhD candidate in Public Health with RDN certification since 2013. Specializes in nutrition for healing and recovery. Former clinical dietitian at UCLA focusing on childhood obesity.
Questions
What orthopedic services do you offer?
We provide joint replacement, spine surgery, sports medicine, hand therapy, and physical rehabilitation services. Our specialists treat fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal conditions.
Do you treat sports-related injuries?
Yes, our sports medicine specialists treat shoulder, knee, and hip injuries including ligament tears and sports trauma. We focus on returning athletes to optimal performance through surgical and non-surgical methods.
Where are your locations?
We have offices in La Jolla and Del Mar, California. The La Jolla location handles physician appointments while Del Mar houses our physical and occupational therapy facility.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes, we provide virtual visit options for patient convenience. Please call our office to schedule a virtual appointment with our orthopedic specialists.
What therapy services are available?
Our Del Mar facility offers physical and occupational therapy with state-of-the-art equipment. Therapists collaborate with physicians to create personalized rehabilitation programs for orthopedic recovery.
How to schedule an appointment?
Call (858) 535-1075 for physician appointments or MRI scheduling. For physical/occupational therapy appointments, contact our Del Mar office at (858) 535-1894 during business hours.
Reviews (7)
LeeAnn Peniche
Jul 26, 2021
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This is a long overdue review. After a bicycle accident I called the office and spoke with Cindy, explained my primary home was in Oregon but has broken my elbow and needed to see someone could they help? She was spectacular getting me in. Dr Brown and his assistant actually waited for me when we were stuck in traffic. He was thorough, thoughtful and found things the emergency room missed. Checking out Cindy was so kind. Though I don't want another accident I wish I went to that office for all my healthcare. Thank you.
Michael Fowler
May 11, 2021
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After ten years of shoulder pain, endless physical therapy, medication, etc. I decided to see Dr. Shoemaker. BEST surgeon.of all time. Long ago I went to VA for an ankle injury, that took a year. Dr. Shoemarker correctly diagnosed my shoulder in the first visit, it was a torn rotator cuff a 90% tear with no chance of healing without surgery. The surgery when great, and 4 years later its still great.
Very friendly, an absolute expert on joints he is world class. I had a knee injury at work, they sent me to no less than 5 doctors and a specialist. None of them understood the problem, all of them came up with differing diagnoses, finally they said how about a shot for the pain. Frustrated, I went back to Dr. Shoemaker to take a look, he instantly figured out that a very small piece of cartilage had come off and as it worked its way out it was the source of the pain. Thus, all the therapy, and shots were useless, the pain should go away slowly in time. It did. He is the absolute best doctor.
Very friendly, an absolute expert on joints he is world class. I had a knee injury at work, they sent me to no less than 5 doctors and a specialist. None of them understood the problem, all of them came up with differing diagnoses, finally they said how about a shot for the pain. Frustrated, I went back to Dr. Shoemaker to take a look, he instantly figured out that a very small piece of cartilage had come off and as it worked its way out it was the source of the pain. Thus, all the therapy, and shots were useless, the pain should go away slowly in time. It did. He is the absolute best doctor.
J. Grokoest
Feb 26, 2020
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After spending hours at UCSD for a friend who needed an MRI on spine, I am beyond grateful for this group of doctors, their staff, their machines in house and the PT group in Del Mar and Scripps over all. You can't beat the way the office is set up to run smoothly. So there are a few personality defects and not all take Medicare. I have seen just about all of them for stenosis, cysts and partial broken hip on a Sunday morning.
I would not trade them for another group and I miss Dr Tom Laughlin, a family friend who passed in his plane accident flying to operate on a skier in Colorado. He helped found the group and he would be proud to see how it's grown.
I would not trade them for another group and I miss Dr Tom Laughlin, a family friend who passed in his plane accident flying to operate on a skier in Colorado. He helped found the group and he would be proud to see how it's grown.
Mike Hosley
Mar 31, 2019
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Dr. Urband is so OFF THE HOOK AWESOME. Prior to becoming a surgeon he was an engineer, so we hit it off very, very well. He managed my expectations about pain, recovery times, and the entire process, in addition to hauling out this 3D model of my shoulder and taking the extra time to explain the nature of my complicated bone break. We decided to avoid surgery and we really, really hit it off well.
The entire experience was great and the paperwork was seamless, which had not been my experience with other organizations. NO DOUBT this is the place to go, and his associates are also well respected. His staff is very professional and easy to deal with- look no further.
The entire experience was great and the paperwork was seamless, which had not been my experience with other organizations. NO DOUBT this is the place to go, and his associates are also well respected. His staff is very professional and easy to deal with- look no further.
Lisa Hughes
Jan 29, 2019
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My family has been patients for over 10 years. We are active and have seen Dr. Brown for my broken wrist, my son for his broken arm skateboarding, he was caring and excellent with the surgery. Dr. Shoemaker performed surgery on my other son's knee for an ACL and Meniscus repair. He is detailed oriented, great sense of humor, and spends a lot of time with the patients. I would never consider seeing and other Orthopedic office for our care. We live in Carlsbad and have closer orthopedist that we have seen in the past, but they do not compare to this group.
Paul Frohna
Jun 19, 2018
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Dr. Brown was fantastic from the first visit, and through surgery and follow-up. Very meticulous on the surgical repair of my broken hand, which is now functioning great! He was very concerned about my hand getting hit with luggage during a trip while in recovery, so had me in and got a quick x-ray to show that all was well. Highly recommend him if you need hand surgery.
John Maguire
Mar 16, 2018
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Wow after seeing some negative reviews I had to write this. My daughter is a professional athlete and broke her fibula. Dr. Hackley took care of it and she had a perfect healing process. She is surfing in the woman's long board world championships next week in Tiwan. When I had my own knee problems Dr. Swenson performed a partial knee replacement that also went perfectly. Later because of the great service we received I saw Dr. Thunder for back problems that I thought I had from two previous back surgeries. Dr. Thunder rather than chop me up again diagnosed my problem as a blood flow issue and referred me out to a vascular surgeon who performed a procedure to take care of poor blood flow and again I had a perfect result.
I am now seeing Dr. Brown for a carpel tunnel issue and have all the confidence in the world in this group of Doctor's. If your parts are wearing out like mine are you would be fortunate to have any of these guys take care of you.
I am now seeing Dr. Brown for a carpel tunnel issue and have all the confidence in the world in this group of Doctor's. If your parts are wearing out like mine are you would be fortunate to have any of these guys take care of you.
