Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA: SoCal Orthopedic Knee & Hip Specialist

14/08/2026

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and fibular collateral ligament (FCL) play key roles in controlling knee stability. When injured, diagnosis requires careful assessment of:
✅ Lateral opening under stress
✅ Rotational stability
✅ Posterolateral corner function
✅ Associated ligament injuries

A precise diagnosis is the first step toward restoring stability. https://ochipandknee.com/lcl-fcl-injury-knee-specialist-los-angeles-orange-county-ca/

An LCL/FCL injury can occur from a direct hit to the knee or sudden side-to-side movements. See a knee injury specialist as soon as possible.

13/08/2026

"Dr. Prem Ramkumar is amazing. I recently had my second total knee replacement from him. He is kind, considerate, knowledgeable, current with the latest technologies: all around, the ideal doctor for a joint replacement. Less than one week after surgery, I feel the progress I’ve made. My physical therapist was impressed that I could slide my knee into almost 90 degrees 4 days post-op.

I’ve never experienced a more caring and responsive doctor. He responds to emails very quickly and answers all questions. He understands his patients and is never dismissive. Unrelated to my knee replacements that Dr. Ramkumar completed, I mentioned hip pain I am experiencing. Not only did he refer me to a colleague he respects but he phoned the colleague to discuss my situation. He asked to be kept in the loop to see me through my hip issue. I am so impressed with his kind and compassionate demeanor.

I was impressed with Dr. Ramkumar after I first met him, but even more so impressed after I reviewed the number of studies he performed, the research he completed, and the papers he published. After speaking with many people about him, the overwhelming consensus seems to be the same: Dr. Prem Ramkumar is top in his field and a lifelong learner." -Marci Lewis

12/08/2026

AI is becoming an increasingly common tool in orthopedic research. In arthroplasty literature, adoption of large language models has grown rapidly, reflecting AI's potential to support research efficiency, data analysis, and manuscript development. Journal of Arthroplasty

Learn more ⬇️

The extent and characteristics of Large Language Model (LLM) utilization in arthroplasty literature remain undefined. In this study, we aimed to quantify the extent of LLM utilization in manuscripts across major arthroplasty journals. Additionally, we sought to assess temporal trends in LLM utilizat...

12/08/2026

Hip resurfacing continues to generate debate, particularly around the use of metal-on-metal implants. In a recent Edmonton Journal article examining the risks and ongoing concerns surrounding these devices, Dr. Ramkumar provided an important clinical perspective on the role of patient selection, implant characteristics, and surgical technique.

"Metal-on-metal is not inherently bad. It's fine if used for the right indication, with the appropriate metallurgy, and positioned correctly during surgery."

Read the full article: https://medilink.us/b1aa

12/08/2026

Hip resurfacing continues to generate debate, particularly around the use of metal-on-metal implants. In a recent Edmonton Journal article examining the risks and ongoing concerns surrounding these devices, Dr. Ramkumar provided an important clinical perspective on the role of patient selection, implant characteristics, and surgical technique.

"Metal-on-metal is not inherently bad. It's fine if used for the right indication, with the appropriate metallurgy, and positioned correctly during surgery."

Read the full article

11/08/2026

Deep gluteal pain syndrome is often mistaken for traditional sciatica.

The key difference: DGPS involves irritation of the sciatic nerve outside the spine, typically within the hip or pelvic region. Potential contributors include:
• Deep hip muscle irritation
• Scar tissue or prior injury
• Fibrous bands around the nerve
• Structural narrowing, such as ischiofemoral impingement

Learn more ⬇️

Deep gluteal pain syndrome explained by Dr. Prem Ramkumar, with symptoms, causes, and how ischiofemoral impingement can cause buttock pain.

10/08/2026

Why is posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction so uncommon in professional athletes?

Unlike ACL injuries, many isolated PCL injuries are successfully managed without surgery. That makes cases requiring reconstruction relatively rare, even at the highest levels of sports.

Dr. Ramkumar recently provided expert commentary on Ricky Pearsall’s PCL surgery, explaining the challenges surrounding these complex procedures, including limited outcomes data and the technical demands of reconstructing a ligament located deep within the knee. https://ochipandknee.com/dr-prem-ramkumar-provides-expert-insight-on-ricky-pearsalls-rare-pcl-surgery/

For athletes, the decision to proceed with surgery requires careful evaluation of symptoms, knee stability, recovery goals, and long-term function.

Dr. Prem Ramkumar Provides Expert Insight on Ricky Pearsall’s Rare PCL Surgery Dr. Prem Ramkumar: Why Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Uncommon in Elite Athletes Dr. Prem N. Ramkumar was recently featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, providing expert opinion and commentary on San F...

06/08/2026

Terms like “Nano Knee™” and “Jiffy Knee®” can make it difficult to compare procedures with modern knee replacement. Patients should focus on the surgical approach, implant technology, evidence, and outcomes, not just branding.

What patients should know before considering a knee replacement: Nano Knee™ vs. Jiffy Knee® vs. Traditional Knee Replacement

05/08/2026

Periprosthetic fractures are an increasing challenge following total hip and knee arthroplasty. This contemporary epidemiologic analysis evaluates changing fracture rates after primary arthroplasty and the implications for patient care and health systems. Journal of Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic fractures following total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty are complications associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. As the volume of primary arthroplasty continues to increase in the United States, the incidence and overall burden of periprosthetic fractures....

04/08/2026

When evaluating a hip labral tear, the key question is not only “What is torn?” but also “Why did it tear?” Understanding the underlying anatomy and mechanics is essential for creating an effective treatment strategy. Learn more ⬇️

A hip labrum tear is often the injured, innocent bystander of an underlying problem in the hip, which is often FAI or hip impingement.