Who Are the Best Orthopedic Specialists?

Houston’s competitive orthopedic market ensures people can access some of the nation’s finest musculoskeletal care. With numerous renowned practices and hospital systems in the area, finding the best orthopedic specialists may take time.

This comprehensive analysis examines Houston’s premier orthopedic providers to help you find exceptional treatment.

Methodology

Texas ranks second for the most active orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. With so many specialists to choose from, this list compiles details on the top nine providers. It is based on an in-depth evaluation of each contender’s:

• Industry-specific education and training
• Technological solutions
• Patient outcome metrics, case studies and institutional reports
• Awards, recognitions, certifications and compliance 
• Hospital affiliations and research contributions
• Patient satisfaction scores and testimonials across platforms
• Reputation within the medical community
• Years of service and cross-industry partnerships 
• Versatility of care offerings

These nine industry leaders rightfully earn a spot in this roundup. These specialists deliver the highest orthopedic care in Houston and its surrounding areas.

1. Fondren Orthopedic Group

With over 50 years of experience serving Houston’s community, Fondren Orthopedic Group is one of the region’s largest providers of musculoskeletal surgical solutions. The physician-run medical center boasts a team of over 40 board-certified and fellowship-trained practitioners capable of practicing in specific subspecialties.

The industry leader applies a multidisciplinary approach to deliver cutting-edge, patient-centric care. This model integrates physical medicine, rehabilitation, interventional management and emergent orthopedic research to guarantee comprehensive care.

The Fondren Orthopedic Group is affiliated with several medical groups and is the official provider of musculoskeletal care for Texas Southern University’s athletics teams.

Key features:

• Comprehensive support in 10 subspecialties: Expertise in joint replacement, sports medicine, spine surgery, pediatric orthopedics, reconstructive trauma and more
• Advanced surgical techniques: Uses minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted surgeries and Ilizarov techniques for complex reconstructions
• Integrated care model: Collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and pain management specialists to provide holistic treatment plans
• Patient-centric services: User-friendly patient portal for scheduling, accessing medical records and communicating with providers
• Innovation: Actively participates in clinical research via its flagship research institute to advance orthopedic treatments and technologies

2. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine operates under the umbrella of the Houston Methodist health system. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Orthopedics as the Best in Texas, the nationally ranked hospital offers comprehensive musculoskeletal and sports medicine services in Houston and other Texas locations. 

A dedicated team of specialists provides expertise in sports medicine, joint replacement, spine care and more. The practice is known for its innovative approaches, including wearable motion analysis for athletic optimization and enhanced recovery protocols to minimize hospital stays.

Patients appreciate the orthopedic facility’s connection to an academic center, personalized treatment plans and research-guided solutions.

Key features:

• Multidisciplinary team: Collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and sports medicine specialists
• Advanced diagnostics: Implements wearable motion analysis and lab-based gait assessments
• Sports medicine excellence: Serves as an official provider for collegiate and professional sports teams
• Enhanced recovery protocols: Accelerated postoperative programs designed to reduce recovery time and improve outcomes
• Digital health tools: Patient-centric mobile app for education, medication reminders and virtual physical therapy sessions

3. Texas Orthopedic Hospital

One of Houston’s only specialty orthopedic hospitals, Texas Orthopedic Hospital partners with the Fondren Orthopedic Group and a team of board-certified physicians. It is a member of HCA Houston Healthcare — a purpose-driven group of hospitals that aims to treat at least a million patients in the greater Houston area every year.

Texas Orthopedic Hospital utilizes the latest technology and outcomes research to provide quality, cost-effective services for trauma, complex reconstructions and elective procedures. With over a dozen board-certified surgeons, the institution supports a collaborative model that brings together surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and rehab therapists to offer exceptional orthopedic care.

Key features:

• Specialized environment: A dedicated facility for orthopedic surgeries and treatments
• Hybrid operating rooms: Real-time imaging integrated with surgical navigation for complex cases
• Rapid recovery protocols: Post-op programs designed to shorten hospital stays
• 24/7 trauma services: Equipped for urgent and emergent orthopedic cases
• High-volume efficiency: Focused expertise for faster scheduling and lower complication rates

4. Lone Star Orthopedics

Lone Star Orthopedics offers a full spectrum of orthopedic and spine care services. It emphasizes personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Its board-certified specialists provide surgical and nonsurgical interventions, focusing on conditions such as herniated discs, rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and various hand and wrist ailments. 

The practice also integrates pain management procedures — including epidural steroid and facet injections — to alleviate discomfort and enhance patient outcomes.

Key features:

• Diverse treatment options: Management of orthopedic conditions ranging from ACL injuries to discogenic back pain
• Surgical expertise: Proficiency in procedures like total knee arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
• Pain management services: Offers lumbar and cervical epidural steroid injections, facet injections, and discograms
• Integrated care approach: Coordination with physical medicine, rehabilitation and neurosurgical services to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Accessible services: Convenient appointment scheduling and a commitment to patient education and engagement

5. Reconstructive Orthopedic Center (ROC)

ROC provides an integrated approach to orthopedic care, combining a clinic, surgical center and therapy center under one roof. Led by renowned surgeons Dr. Marcos Masson and Dr. Fernando Levaro, ROC specializes in complex reconstructions, pediatric orthopedics and limb salvage procedures.

The practice’s state-of-the-art facility has advanced surgical technologies, including computer-assisted and robotic-assisted systems. The ROC team works to provide patients with precision and optimal outcomes.

Key features:

• Comprehensive services: Offers same-day injury assessments, nonsurgical treatments and advanced surgical interventions
• Specialized expertise: Focuses on shoulder and elbow reconstruction, hand surgery, microsurgery, and sports medicine
• Advanced surgical techniques: Uses arthroscopic surgery, computer-assisted navigation and regenerative medicine approaches
• Integrated rehabilitation: On-site physical and occupational therapy services to support recovery and functional restoration
• Patient-centered care: Provides personalized treatment plans and emphasizes patient education and engagement

6. Dr. Stephen Esses, MD

Dr. Stephen Esses, MD, is a board-certified spine surgeon with over thirty years of experience in spinal and coccygeal pain interventions. He specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. His practice prioritizes shorter recovery times, low complication rates and a strong return-to-function philosophy.

Dr. Esses is dedicated to training the next generation of orthopedic professionals. He is an authority in advanced orthopedics and is a recognized publisher who often lectures to global audiences. Dr. Esses is affiliated with the Southwest Orthopedic Group and works with 10 hospitals in multiple Texas locations. He regularly partners with fellow practitioners and research institutions to design innovative techniques and implants that revolutionize spinal treatment.

Key features:

• Minimally invasive expertise: Specializes in endoscopic spinal decompression and discectomy with reduced recovery time
• Advanced imaging: Utilizes O-arm surgical navigation for real-time 3D visualization
• Integrated pain management: Partners with pain specialists and physiatrists to address chronic spine pain holistically
• Outpatient focus: Performs procedures in ambulatory settings for patient convenience
• Highly accredited: Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, the American Board of Spine Surgery, and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians

7. UT Physicians Orthopedics

UT Physicians Orthopedics is recognized for its advanced techniques and patient-centered approach to personalized care. The nationally known facility has fellowship-trained specialists and covers every major orthopedic subspecialty.

The institution’s academic affiliation with the University of Texas provides unique advantages, including access to clinical trials, cutting-edge research and physicians who are leaders in their subspecialty fields. This research-based environment fosters innovation and ensures patients receive treatments based on the latest scientific discoveries.

Key features:

• Research integration: Early access to novel therapies, clinical trials and innovative treatment protocols
• Subspecialty expertise: Nationally recognized specialists in various orthopedic fields, including sports medicine, oncology, pediatrics and trauma
• Personalized care: Patient-centered approach with individualized treatment plans
• Age-specific treatment: Provides pediatric and geriatric programs to support exceptional patient outcomes for a larger population
• Collaborative approach: Collaboration among specialists across orthopedics, radiology and rehabilitation 
• Education mission: Providers who mentor, teach and train future orthopedic leaders
• Multiple locations: Multiple clinics throughout the Houston area

8. Dr. Dean Smith, MD

Dr. Dean Smith, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He holds the highest certification in hand surgery and specializes in conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder. Practicing in Houston’s Texas Medical Center since 2001, Dr. Smith has earned a reputation for delivering excellent surgical and nonsurgical care.

He is recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures, including endoscopic and arthroscopic surgeries, and has been honored by multiple publications as one of Houston’s Top Doctors. Dr. Smith’s practice provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Key features:

• Specialized expertise: Focuses on hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder conditions
• Minimally invasive procedures: Offers advanced surgical options with reduced recovery times
• Recognized excellence: Named among Houston’s Top Doctors by various publications
• Comprehensive care: Provides both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options
• Patient-centered approach: Offers individualized care plans to meet specific patient needs

9. Memorial Hermann 

Memorial Hermann — owned by the Rockets Orthopedic Hospital — is known for providing excellent orthopedic and spine care. This hospital represents a unique approach in Houston’s orthopedic landscape — it is an entire facility dedicated exclusively to musculoskeletal conditions.

The hospital’s specialized focus allows for optimized workflows, expert nursing staff and equipment specifically designed for orthopedic procedures. This concentration of resources translates to improved patient outcomes and efficient care delivery.

Key features:

• Dedicated facility: Exclusively focuses on orthopedic and spine care
• Specialized staff: Nursing and support teams explicitly trained for orthopedic patients
• Advanced technology: State-of-the-art surgical suites designed for orthopedic procedures
• Comprehensive care: Full continuum of care from diagnosis to rehabilitation
• Quality standards: Upholds a reputation for patient safety and clinical excellence
• Efficiency: Streamlined processes optimized for orthopedic patient needs
• Location: Convenient Bellaire location serving the greater Houston area
• Partnership programs: Collaboration with various orthopedic physician groups

Comparing Houston’s Top Orthopedic Specialists

Houston’s top nine orthopedic specialists offer board-certified experts and a range of specializations. Some have multiple locations to cater to as many clients as possible. 

Provider	Number of board-certified specialists	Specialties	Locations in Houston
Fondren Orthopedic Group	40	10 sub-specialties supporting research-supported joint replacement, sports medicine and pediatric orthopedics	Over 12
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine	Over 30	Sports medicine, reconstruction and extensive research initiatives	20
Texas Orthopedic Hospital	15	Trauma and complex reconstruction	One
Lone Star Orthopedics	Three	Orthopedic and spine treatments	One
ROC	Two	Pediatric orthopedics and deformities	One
Dr. Stephen Esses, MD	One	Spine surgery and minimally invasive procedures	Five
UT Physicians Orthopedics	Depends on the consulting physician’s clinic	Almost all major orthopedic subspecialties	Multiple
Dr. Dean Smith, MD	One	Hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder conditions	One
Memorial Hermann	Multiple	Spine-related conditions	One

How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Specialist

These nine featured specialists deliver quality standards of orthopedic excellence. They range from hospital-run orthopedic clinics to highly specialized clinics and individual practitioners. While they all satisfy the quality, patient-centric service criteria, each has unique strengths in treating bone, joint and musculoskeletal conditions.

Choosing the right specialist will impact your recovery and long-term health outcomes. To identify the ideal orthopedic specialist for your case, consider the following:

• Range of services: Ensure the specialist has expertise in your condition.
• Credentials: Look for board certifications, fellowship training and industry-recommended third-party accreditations.
• Treatment approaches: Consider whether they offer minimally invasive options, the latest technologies and personalized treatment plans.
• Accessibility: Evaluate the convenience of the clinic’s locations and operational hours.
• Insurance and affordability: Confirm that they accept your insurance and offer transparent pricing or payment plans.
• Reputation: What are people saying about the facility and its specialists? Opt for patient-centric practices with a strong reputation for quality care.

Find the Best Orthopedic Specialist

Houston’s robust medical landscape makes it easier to access world-class orthopedic care. This list spotlights the nine best health care institutions, skilled specialist groups and highly trained practitioners dedicated to delivering top-notch care in Houston and its surrounding areas.

Factors like specialization, experience and treatment approaches determine the best orthopedic specialists. Whether you need joint preservation, spine surgery or sports medicine expertise, choose the specialist whose expertise most closely aligns with your needs.