Orthopedics

Expert orthopedic care starts with an expert team. At Ochsner Health, our orthopedic surgeons work closely with sports medicine physicians and other specialists to provide truly multidisciplinary care. We also partner with athletic trainers, physical therapists, advanced practice providers, nurses and primary care sports medicine physicians to deliver advanced treatment for complex bone, joint and muscle conditions.

Our subspecialties and programs include:

• Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute: This program combines Ochsner’s award-winning orthopedic and sports medicine care with the expertise of renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Through advanced research and education, this partnership enhances care for athletes and active patients across Louisiana and Mississippi.

• Athletic Training Outreach Program:: We support schools, colleges, clubs and professional teams across the region to help athletes stay healthy and in the game.

• Fracture Care Clinic: Dedicated to the treatment and prevention of fractures caused by osteoporosis.

• Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic: Specializing in hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery for both children and adults.

• Pediatric Orthopedic Program: Offering advanced care for children with congenital or acquired orthopedic conditions, including access to procedures not available elsewhere in the region.

• Primary Care Sports Medicine: Our physicians treat non-surgical sports injuries using advanced options such as orthobiologic injection therapy. We are also home to the only primary care pediatric sports medicine physician in the New Orleans region.

• Ochsner Imaging Center: The only imaging center in the area offering low-radiation X-ray technology, providing safer diagnostic care.

At Ochsner Health, our orthopedic specialists are trained to treat every part of the body using advanced, personalized care.

• Arm and Shoulder Care: We treat rotator cuff injuries, shoulder arthritis and perform shoulder replacement surgery.

• Ochsner spine care: Our nationally ranked team treats neck and back pain with experts in orthopedics and neuroscience.

• Concussion management: We lead the state in treating concussions with advanced neurocognitive assessments.

• Foot and Ankle Clinic: From sprains to foot and ankle surgery, we offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

• Hand and wrist surgery: We perform microsurgery and treat injuries from the fingers to the elbows.

• Hip replacement: Our surgeons use anterior, posterior and superior approaches and MAKO robotic technology.

• Knee replacement: We perform robotic-assisted knee surgery using MAKO and VELYS systems.

• Shoulder replacement: We offer surgical, non-surgical and conservative treatment options.

• Outpatient joint replacement: For qualified patients, we offer same-day joint surgery and recovery at home.

After surgery or injury, our physical therapists, pediatric therapists, occupational therapists and rehab specialists will guide your recovery. Whether you're returning to sports, work or everyday life, trust Ochsner for expert orthopedic care that gets you moving again.

At Ochsner Health, our Mental Wellness Prehabilitation Program helps patients prepare for surgery by improving their mental health and teaching stress management techniques. This type of pre-surgery support can play an important role in recovery and healing. Patients learn helpful tools like relaxation exercises, coping strategies, guided imagery, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage anxiety and feel more prepared.

The mental wellness prehab program is available by referral and led by Justice Stafford, PsyD. Most patients attend one to four sessions before their procedure as part of their pre-surgical care plan. This program is designed to support both your physical and emotional well-being before and after surgery.

Ochsner is the premier referral center for orthopedic care in the Gulf South for numerous reasons, including prestigious national recognition for our work, year after year. Recent accolades include:

• Ochsner Medical Center and Ochsner Hospital for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are the only hospitals in Louisiana that have earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement.
• U.S. News & World Report recognized Ochsner Health as “High Performing” for Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement.
• U.S. News & World Report ranked Ochsner Health in the nation’s top 10% in Orthopedics.
• U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Children's a “Nation’s Top Specialty” for Pediatric Orthopedics.
• Healthgrades has consistently awarded Ochsner the Joint Replacement Excellence Award for multiple years in a row. We are also recognized as one of Healthgrades’ America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement, and we are designated as a five-star recipient for Total Knee Replacement and Total Hip Replacement.
• We are one of the few designated Walmart Centers of Excellence in the country.

"Your unwavering commitment to research and seeking input from other physicians has been instrumental in providing the optimal treatment for my son." -- Richelle P., mother of pediatric orthopedic patient. 

"I was blessed with an incredible doctor, Dr. Agaja. He explained to me that my hamstring had torn so rigorously from the bone that it caused my pelvic bone to break. Through my injury, I was able to learn about the importance of patience, hard work, willpower and perseverance." -- Isabella M., patient at Ochsner Hospital for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

"I can't say thank you enough to Dr. Moore [for my knee replacement]. He is an amazing doctor; he is the best doctor. All my love to you." -- Nhung T., knee replacement patient at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. 

An orthopedic doctor treats problems with your bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This includes injuries like fractures and sprains, as well as chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain and joint damage. Orthopedic doctors also perform surgeries such as joint replacement and ligament repair.

You should see an orthopedic specialist if you have joint pain, stiffness, swelling or difficulty moving. If pain lasts more than a few days, limits your activity or doesn’t improve with rest, an orthopedic doctor can help diagnose and treat the issue before it gets worse.

Orthopedic care focuses on the full range of bone and joint problems, including injuries, arthritis and deformities. Sports medicine is a type of orthopedic care that focuses on treating and preventing injuries related to physical activity. Sports medicine doctors often use non-surgical methods to help athletes and active people recover and stay in motion.

Orthopedic surgeons at Ochsner Health treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, fractures, joint injuries, back and spine issues, torn ligaments, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint degeneration. They also perform hip, knee, shoulder and wrist replacement surgeries, as well as minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures.

Orthopedic rehabilitation is a recovery program that helps you regain strength, flexibility and movement after an injury or surgery. Most patients benefit from physical or occupational therapy after procedures like joint replacement or fracture repair. Your doctor will create a personalized plan based on your needs.

Yes. Ochsner Health offers specialized pediatric orthopedic care for children with bone, joint and muscle conditions. Our team treats everything from sports injuries to congenital disorders and growth-related issues, using the latest techniques designed for growing bodies.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see an orthopedic doctor at Ochsner Health. However, some insurance plans may require one. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or calling us directly to help guide you through the process.