Dearborn Sah Institute for Joint Restoration

I am happy with the two surgeries i have had done by Dr Dearborn. I am not happy with the nearly one and a half hours it took to have a routine check in and four x rays. Each person I contacted profusely apologized for the delay. After leaving I felt like I had been in a factory with no time management/​scheduling system. There is no reason to book so many patients when there is not an efficient x ray system to manage the numbers needing the service. Very disappointed…

Dr. Dearborn replaced my fathers right knee, both of my Sister-in-law’s hips and my aunts left knee. In all instances they have had serious problems with the alignment of the appliance installed. My family members all complained to the doctor, but he gave very little in response. My father and sister-​in-​law had to see a different orthopedists to fix the issues from Dr. Dearborn’s surgery. Both family members needed to use walkers long term after Dr. Dearborn’s joint replacement. I understand there are risks to surgeries, but I believe Doctor Dearborn moves to fast and that his response to the patients needs after the surgeries is very lacking. I will not and can not recommend Doctor Dearborn.

My wife just had her knee replacement surgery last Wednesday. I am in the medical field and I was so impressed with the efficiency and competance of Dr. Dearborn and his entire staff.
Her knee had been injured skiing 30 years ago and a subsequent arthroscopy to remove some torn cartilage 10 years later had left her in quite a bit of pain.
John examined her a told her «whenever you are ready» She postponed doing surgery until her pain was starting to affect her quality of life.
They never try to talk anyone into doing surgery as every person has to decide when it is right for them.
From the initial consultation to being discharged from the hospital there were never any issues at all.
Because the entire staff from the physical therapists, nurses, and administrative personnel are all on the same page the patients are treated perfectly. The anesthesiologist knows exactly what is needed as do the surgical nurses pre surgery. Immediately after her surgery Dr. Dearborn came in and gave me the results. After she came out of recovery, every nurse was right on top of making sure she had no pain, keeping her comfortable, adjusting medications, etc.
Remarkably, the food in the hospital is really pretty good.
They do a good job of educating patients as to what to expect before, during and after the hospital. Goals are set for patients to achieve before and after they leave.
She came home two days after surgery. The following day a physical therapist came to the house and now comes 3Xs a week until we see Dr. Dearborn again next week.
From the first appointment they are stressing «range of motion» with a new knee, and they want patients up and walking ASAP.
I took the time to write this because most patients don’t. I have dozens of my own patients that have had knees and hips replaced by Dr. Dearborn. Some single knee, a few bi-​lateral knees and they all recommend him. My own internist sent his mother to him for her hip.
It seems many of the poor reviews are patients that had issues with front desk, appointment times, or a perceived personality conflict.
Obviously, everyone is going to have a slightly different experience as observed in the 2 days at the hospital with patients that had surgery only hours before or after my wife’s. Nine patients in physical therapy «class“at the hospital. A few of the men were nauseated from the meds, some had really good mobility immediately after, two had both knees done. Everyone was a little different. Bilateral knee stay an extra day at the hospital for additional PT.
These surgeons are busy and most, if not all, of their patients come from the best referral which is «word of mouth»…The majority of their patients are older and probably don’t ever think about «posting» a good review on a site like Unilocal.
We thought a lot about who was going to do her knee and we decided we wanted someone that does a thousand a year not one a week.
When we went Monday for the ultrasound to confirm there was no DVT before she stopped the blood thinner. The ultrasound technician had had one of her knees done by another surgeon but she said she was going to have Dearborn do her other knee because she only heard good things about the entire process.
Good luck whatever you decide but don’t wait too long to do it.

So disappointed. My husband withered in pain at John Muir Hospital for over 7 hours because of complications from a hip replacement done by Dr. Dearborn. Dearborn sent my husband there for a biopsy. HE NEVER CALLED!!! The inhumane and almost cruel treatment my husband experienced at both John Muir hospital and with DR. Dearborn and his staff is horrible. How can a doctor and nurses allow a patient writhe in pain all day long without doing anything.
Needless to say, we plan to take immediate action to find a new doctor and hospital

Dr. John Dearborn performed bilateral knee replacements on me in June of 2004. He was attentive and personable as well a technically very good, imho. His PA, Keith was also excellent. My surgery was on a Monday morning. I had attended the pre-​op classes that are suggested and knew basically what to expect. After returning to my room after surgery, I was well attended by the nurses and med assistants. My night was relatively quiet with the exception of itching due to the morphine in the anesthetic. I was advised the itching would last 24 hours and on the dot of 24 hours, the itching stopped. I was given benadryl and lots of lotion massages that night. Tuesday I was up in a chair and in PT. Wed I was in the shower and Thursday I was home. I had done all of my preop exercises and paid close attention to what I was taught post-​op. When I got home Thursday, I had to get up 20 steps with my walker. No problem. PT cam 3x per week for 2 weeks to my house. 2 weeks post op, I went for my follow up appt and was advised that I could us a cane and drive. I never took 1 pain pill during this recovery period. I believe that I chose the very best surgeon… I went to several others prior to choosing Dr. Dearborn, but my desire to have MIS led me to Dr. Dearborn. Nobody else was doing the MIS in the Bay Area at that time.
10 years later, I believe that John Dearborn saved my life… for 10 years prior to the surgery, I was in chronic pain, day and night. Since the surgery, I have been hiking and doing water aerobics and swimming 6 times per week…
A note on surgeons: do you want someone who does less surgeries/​Do you realize that most joint replacement surgeries that are done are done on people over 60? That may explain the higher numbers for Medicare reimbursement… think about it!
I have sent 5 friends to Dr. Dearborn and all of them have had great experiences… I do not care what his religion or political leaning is… just that he knows his trade.

I went to have a bilateral knee replacement and I wasn’t even allowed to meet with Dr Dearborn all I was able to talk to was his PA. When you’re having such a major surgery a person would like to be able to see the Dr look into his or her eyes and get a feel for the kind of person that will be having your life in their hands I decided not to use Dr Dearborn

Compassionate, expert Orthopedic Surgeon. Don’t let the 7 or 8 negative comments overshadow the excellent results of thousands of satisfied patients. He not only helps his patients but he uses his money and talent to help those in need, here and abroad.
Full hip replacement, no issues. Sure post-​op is difficult, but with PT it is now just history.

If the option was available to give zero stars that is what I would do!!! I have been absolutely displeased by my lack of complete respect and communication from the surgeon and the office staff. I had my total knee arthroplasty in 2004 as a 24y/​o and I have never had pain relief. In my post operative visits I complained of pain to the PA, because the surgeon does not see patients except to tell them they need surgery! Nothing was ever done regarding my pain and I just basically had to live with it. Well recently I have been consulting with other surgeons regarding knee pain and so I had to get my H&P’s and films. The office staff are not helpful, rude, and do not return calls at all! I have fought to get anything from them and then they have the audacity to make me pay for them! I did finally receive my H&P for all of those visits after surgery and was very enraged at what they said. Each dictation stated that I was healthy and report no problems including no pain!!! I cannot believe that the one thing i would go to the office for would be disregarded! I also have to say there is a complete HIPPA violation from the office staff as well. I did eventually get a hold of someone regarding my films, after nearly a month of calling, and I was told to come by and pick them up but never heard back from them again. I called this morning before meeting with another surgeon to verify my films were ready and I was told they had mailed them. That would be fine if they had verified my current address before making this decision. The films were sent to the wrong address with my name all over them!!! I work in the healthcare system and I know what is right and wrong and this office could have a potential lawsuit for this inconsiderate action!
In conclusion, I would just like to warn all of those out there that there are other options of other surgeons that would be better for you in so many ways. Please, consider a second opinion before scheduling a surgery with this orthopedist.

I had bilateral joint replacement surgery on April 15, and so far I feel awesome. My experience through the entire process from the surgeon all the way to nursing, PT and OT staff were positive and excellent. I would totally recommend Dr. Dearborn and Washington Hospital’s institute for joint restoration.

If I was to read the reviews on Unilocal about Dr. Dearborn, I would be terrified, I had two total Hip replacements by Dr. Dearborn One in Jan of 2011 and the other Jan of 2012, I am very pleased with the outcome and would recommend Dr. Dearborn and his staff, I am happy to say I am walking quite well and haven’t had any problems, Washington Joint replacement Hospital was wonderful to me and I was very well taken care of. Sorry to see so many bad reviews on Dr. Dearborn, I can only say good things and am very happy with the results…

Bad, bad, bad.
I went in for a consultation and he sat in the corner while I was on the table and NEVER took one step near me. Berated me for not having surgery years before (knee replacements). I could not believe the way he spoke to me as a new patient. But the fact that there was no interaction with him at all made me walk out on him. (in the middle of a discussion). Yet he finds it ok to send me solicitations for fund raising.
I also find it so offensive that he has to talk about his religion on his professional website. Such poor judgement (my opinion)
After this miserable experience, I shopped for a surgeon. visited 5 before I found James Hartford, MD in Palo Alto. Has a personality, a sense of humor and a genuine concern for the patient. Staff is the absolute best. Very successful results and terrific followup.

He’s a great doctor but DO NOT VISIT HIM AT THE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL IN FREMONT. it will cost you three times as much. Go to his Palo Alto office and you won’t have to pay the outrageous «facilities» charge that Washington Hospital charges all of Dr. Dearborn’s patients now that he’s moved his practice there inside the hospital. It’s a total rip off. Last year I paid $ 450 for my wifes annual check up on her hip replacement. This year, now that Dearborn has moved into the hospital, the total cost came to over $ 1400. And for the same exact check up procedure for which I only paid $ 450. one year before when he had his own offices. His appointment desk will not tell you about the price difference when you call. You have to insist on going to his Palo Alto office. Too bad Dr Dearborn thinks so poorly about his clients (most of whom are seniors on fixed incomes). We can’t afford to have his services cost three times as much just because he now has a miltimillion dollar «Architectural Digest» style office located at Washington Hospital. I about had a heart attack when the bill arrived in the mail. I hear from his billing department and from the billing people at the hospital that his clients are incensed and outraged by their bills as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if a class action law suit isn’t filed. Buyer Beware!!! It’s so sad because he is such a fine doctor and did a perfect job on my wifes two hip replacements. He seems to be a very kind man but his business sense or those he has trusted to handle his business matters have something to be desired. He should fire whoever was responsible for cutting the deal he has with the hospital. It’s going to destroy his reputation.

I had my hip replaced by this butcher a few years ago… and then, had to have a revision by a great doctor, Chris Cox in San Francisco… I’m still unable to really lift my leg, although Dr. Cox fixed the pain. Dearborn runs a factory using his staff for followups. He is cocky, arrogant and doesn’t listen.
I would never recommend this doctor. Instead, if anyone needs a replacement, Dr. Chris Cox in the man…

I had a less than stellar experience at the Dearborn-​Sah Institute. I had an appointment scheduled for 1Pm and it was nearly 1:45 before I was seen for x-​rays. I was then put in a room and left for another 45 minutes with no one even checking on me. I finally had to go out in the hall – where I met another patient with the same problem – and find my way to the front desk and ask what was going on.
Finally, at 3P, 2 hours after my original appointment time, Dr. Sah came into the room. He appeared rushed and hurried, did not close the door to the examining room, was interrupted twice and left the room to take phone calls. He looked at my x-​rays, told me my hip needed to be replaced, did NOT examine me and would not answer any questions. He said, «if you decide to go ahead, schedule another appointment and we can talk then.» The staff is not very friendly and the whole place has the feel of a production line.
Since then I have had nothing but problems trying to get copies of my report and x-​rays so I can consult with another surgeon. Emails are not answered and phone calls are not returned even after multiple attempts.

I had total left hip replacement performed May 11, 2011. Before the replacement I was very active, I even went hiking two days before the surgery. Once I began to be mobile again I started having severe and unexpected knee pain. I was seen by Dr. Dearborn’s staff and was told to ice the knee and take more Advil. I was told to begin physical therapy which I did. My condition continued to deteriorate to the point that I could not walk without relying heavily on a cane. My right hand began to numb. I returned numerous times to the office complaining of acute pain and inability to walk. Each time I was told that the surgery itself was perfect. I was sent to a Neurologist and referred to a back specialist (both negative) and instructed to continue the physical therapy. Physical therapy consumed three hours a day, four days a week. I was on Advil constantly. I was in pain every time I stood, walked, or climbed steps. I was extremely incapacitated and unable to do most normal activities. Finally, I lost faith in Dr. Dearborn and began to try to find an answer on my own. Assuming that it was a complication of the surgery I had a sonogram for a torn gluteus medius muscle, again negative. Finally I saw another surgeon and was diagnosed with a failed surgery. I had hip revision surgery on November 30^th. I made a swift recovery and am fine today. Before the revision surgery I met one last time with Dr. Dearborn. At that meeting he initially refused to believe that the surgery had failed, and once proven explained that the only reason for such a failure was inadequate blood flow to the bone, i.e. my problem. At that time I asked him why a second surgery would succeed since my blood flow would not be different the second time around and he suggested that I pray. In fact I have had normal bone growth after the second surgery and the spike Dr Dearborn inserted into my femur was completely loose. The end of the spike had deformed my femur resulting in a permanent bubble i.e. it had acted like a crowbar in my leg. No wonder I was in pain. Before you consider using this surgeon, I would encourage you to consult with others. The minimally invasive procedure does result in a smaller scar but at the age when most of us are having this done, we are no longer bathing suit models. (The more traditional method does result in a larger scar but allows the surgeon more visibility during the surgery.) Dr. Dearborn when confronted with a problem did not help me. Most surgeries performed by most surgeons are successful. Most people will have positive outcomes. The test is when it is not positive, how does the doctor behave? In this regard I believe Dr. Dearborn utterly failed me. If you would like to discuss my experience please call me.

I have been seeing Dr. Sah for my knees and will eventually need both of them replaced. So far I have had nothing but a good experience with Dr. Sah. He calls patients back when they leave him messages. He listens as if you are the only patient in the office. I have already had several cortisone shots from him– sucessful– and I feel I am placing myself in good hands when I end up having my surgeries.

My husband had a total hip replacement by Doctor Dearborn at Fremont Hospital’s Joint Replacement Center on Nov 20^th. He was driving two weeks later! He just had his 6 week post-​op appointment and got the green light on his usual activities and plans to go back to yoga in a week or two. Dr Dearborn has a top notch staff. his partner, Dr Sah also has a great reputation, check out CJR website for more info
They are breaking ground for a new facility this year, would not even consider going any place else for knee or a hip replacement.

I agree with Sarah but am glad that most of you had great results
Dr Dearborn did my hip two years ago
all I will say is I am still in pain, I had a terrible experience
and I would not recommend this doctor
the only good thing I could say was Brooke is wonderful, and sweet
I had to have a revision replacement two weeks after the first one and I feel he was responsible for that and my continued pain and lack of mobility.
he is a very well respected doctor that is why I went to him, but I also had a very bad experience and would not want anyone I knew to go to him
don’t blame me for sparing you the details, just know he is not perfect as no doctors are. I am worse now than before my hip replacement and have been since surgery without the possiblity of getting better.
update
Wow I am the one that is still in PT after almost 4 years, who has suffered in pain and the doctors thinks I am bitter and angry. and he forgives me.
!!! that is interesting. I guess I should say. thank you
that is nice to know Doctor, that I am forgiven for being a problem for you
my comment is a fair review of my experience, that is what Unilocal is for, you have many good comments. but people need to be realistic and know that some do go wrong. as we both have said. I am not bitter or angry
just in pain. I had to sell my harley because I can not ride, I can not shave my legs, can not put on my own pants without laying down​.socks​.no. shoes, slip on only. I am sorry if this honest review hurt you, but this is what this is for. to give a review. oh yeah and my comments started as just supporting Sarah who also was not impressed I do not know her.
I do not mean you any harm, I just want to leave an honest review.

NEVER, EVER MAKE THE MISTAKE OF GOING TO THIS BUTCHER… ER I MEAN DOCTOR!!! I strongly recommend that you not use Dr. Dearborn as your orthopedic surgeon. He seems more eager to perform surgeries and collect the big $$$ instead of trying to care for his patients. He performed a knee replacement surgery on my mother in september 2008. He totally botched her knee. He has absolutely NO bedside manner. He never even came to the hospital to see her after the surgery. When she went in for her post op appt, he never bothered to show up. My mother was seen by an assistant. She has never been in more pain than she has these last 3 months. There is definitely something wrong with her knee. We finally made an emergency appointment to see him last week. He reluctantly agreed to see my mother (for the first time after he did her surgery i might add!) He was rude, insulting and refused to acknowledge that she had any problems. When we (very politely) asked if it was normal for him to never see a patient after he performed surgery, he became very defensive. He literally began to raise his voice with us and basically reprimanded us for even suggesting that we be seen by him. He became very indignant and even more rude. He said that he saw 25 new patients a day and did about 1000 surgeries a year and that if we expected to see him in a post op appointment, then we were in the wrong place. (Could it be more obvious that he cares only about doing the surgeries and collecting the big bucks rather than about the health and welfare of his patients!) He said he does not have time in his schedule to see patients on whom he did surgery. Funny – I thought that was what your surgeon was supposed to do! He became antagonistic and basically abruptly ended our consultation without any resolution whatsoever. He suggested she take Celebrex for 3 months and schedule a follow up appt at that time with his assistant. Interesting – our new orthopedic surgeon strongly advises against taking Celebrex considering that she is currently on a medication that could cause internal bleeding if taken with Celebrex. In sum, if your search for an orthopedic surgeon leads you to Dr. Dearborn, keep on searching. It was a huge mistake for us to choose him…