Richard D. Ferkel, MD
Specializes in Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Knee, Shoulder, Foot, and Ankle, Cartilage Restoration, and Sports Medicine.
Fellowship:
Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine, Reconstructive Knee, and Shoulder Surgeon
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Dr. Ferkel grew up in Illinois and attended UCLA where he played football for two years. Subsequently, he graduated from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and accomplished his orthopedic training at UCLA.
He completed fellowship training in sports medicine and reconstructive knee and shoulder surgery at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute and had additional training in foot and ankle surgery at that time.
He is currently the director of the sports medicine fellowship program at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. Dr. Ferkel has published numerous articles regarding the shoulder, knee, foot and ankle, and sports medicine. He co-edited the book, "Prosthetic Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee," and authored the textbook "Arthroscopic Surgery of the Foot and Ankle." He lectures extensively all over the world. In addition, he has invented numerous surgical devices and performed live surgery throughout Europe. He has received numerous awards and was selected to be in the book entitled "The Best Doctors in America."
Dr. Ferkel is an Assistant Clinical Professor of orthopedic surgery at UCLA and was chief of arthroscopic surgery at Wadsworth Veterans Hospital for fifteen years. He is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, International Society for Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
He is a qualified medical examiner (QME) for the State of California Industrial Medical Council, Department of Industrial Relations.
Dr. Ferkel started the Athletic Training Program at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. In addition, he has been the team physician for Crespi Carmelite, Oaks Christian, and Harvard-Westlake High Schools, and Los Angeles Valley College for many years. He has worked with the U.S. Olympic teams, specifically the U.S. Soccer Team, the Special Olympics, and is a consultant to the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
Outside of the office, Dr. Ferkel enjoys playing tennis, skiing, drumming, and spending time with his family. He also assists in fundraising for a variety of charities.
Dr. Ferkel is available to see patients at the Van Nuys and Westlake offices.
Specialties
- Ankle
- Cartilage Restoration
- Foot
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Sports Medicine
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Van Nuys (Main Office)
Southern California Orthopedic Institute
6815 Noble Avenue
Van Nuys, California 91405 -
Westlake
Southern California Orthopedic Institute
30870 Russell Ranch Road, Suite 330
Westlake Village, California 91362
“Exactly one year ago today, in a random act of kindness. Someone reached out to me and offered me the use of this scooter. After 3 days of juggling food, drinks, and crutches from my kitchen back to my bed (usually catastrophically) my life was made much easier and getting around much safer. It wasn’t made out of carbon fiber, didn’t have aero wheels or aero handlebars, but it got me where I needed to be. God is good!!! I could actually wiggle my toes again and the pain level was gradually diminishing. My follow up appointment was in a few days, and I was looking forward to the healing process and eventually getting back in the saddle. A very special thank you to Margot Botello Shinn for her kindness and generosity.
The longus tendon ruptured during the Race Across America in June 2018 and it took the insurance company two months to approve the tests and procedures to perform the necessary surgery to repair the damage. By that time, the tendon was garbage (surgeon's exact words) and was unsalvageable. Fortunately for me, I was referred to one of the best, if not the best foot and ankle specialist in the country. Dr. Ferkel was able to remove the damaged portion and attach the remaining length to the brevus tendon, clean out all the scar tissue, and tidy up and stabilize the entire joint. Prior to surgery, he asked me what my postsurgical goals were. I told him in no uncertain terms that I had some races to win, and one or two more records to set. He just looked at me and grinned and then walked out the door. Then he stopped, turned around and said to me, “let’s make it three.” I knew that I was in the right hands!!!
My surgery was on August 29th, 2018. On August 25th, 2019 (361 days after that operation) my team set a new record for the HooDoo 500. One down, two to go!!! To Dr. Richard Ferkel, the miracle that you performed for me, will forever be a reminder of the hours and the meticulous detail and effort that you gave to me and all your patients. God Bless”
– J P.
Patient Rating:
