A True Miracle: Out of a Wheelchair and Pain-Free After Decades If you have ever suffered a severe physical injury, or watched a loved one go through it, you know the despair of thinking, "This is just what I have to deal with now." You accept the daily, grueling pain and prepare to just get used to it. I am writing this to offer you real, tangible hope. For two decades, my son lived with severe, unrelenting daily and nighttime pain from a complex traumatic injury to his foot and ankle. Multiple doctors told us the exact same thing: nothing could be done. We were stuck in a hopeless situation; ultimately we always had a wheelchair ready for the days that just became too much or he used a scooter around his house. Then we found Dr. Eric Ferkel. From our very first visit, everything changed. Dr. Ferkel examined my son thoroughly, ordered precise scans, asked deep questions, and acted with the absolute authority and expertise you expect from a legendary name in orthopedics. He mapped out exactly what was wrong and created an aggressive, precise "plan of attack" to completely rebuild my son's foot and ankle. Going into such a complicated surgery, our goals were modest. We hoped for some decent function and the basic ability to walk. After twenty years of interrupted sleep and constant agony, we fully expected there would still be daily pain. We couldn't have imagined what was actually possible. Today, we are just four months post-surgery from a total ankle and foot rebuild, and we are witnessing a miracle. My son recently woke up after a night of deep, completely uninterrupted sleep--his first night without pain waking him in decades. Just yesterday, I watched him walk down 11 steps, completely light on his feet, not even having to consciously think about his foot or ankle. Dr. Eric Ferkel didn't just perform a successful surgery; he gave my son his life, his mobility, and his future back. If you have been told your orthopedic situation is hopeless, do not give up until you see Dr. Ferkel. He gave our family a miracle. read more

Dr. Eric Ferkel is a spectacular doctor and kind person. He reconstructed my ankle bone "Talus" and I am very happy to be walking. Four years ago I injured my ankle at work. I went to the doctors from Workman's comp. They did one surgery to tighten the muscles and reconstruct some that were torn. After 2 surgeries, and no positive results. I asked for a second opinion. Dr. Ferkel was enthusiastic and explained to me with the skeleton in front to make sure that is working. Last year in March 2024 I had the surgery. In the beginning I used crotches, then I graduated to a knee rover and lastly I can now walk using bth feet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! read more

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Dr Eric Ferkel was outstanding from beginning to end. He is compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, and understanding. He explained in detail all options so you understand what to except throughout the process with no pressure. He is an expert in his field. My husband had his right fused. He is pain free. He has more movement than before. The UCLA Loop app was very helpful. It was easy to use especially for a person who doesn't know or use technology. It connects with the dr and team members seamlessly and they respond quickly. My husband was in the hospital, we had a family emergency and he needed to get discharged right away to see his mom before she passed. My husband sent a message very early in the morning and they responded right away. He was discharged within a few hours and was able to be with his mom before she passed away. As Dr Eric Ferkel's patient my husband 100% recommends him. read more

I broke my fibula at work and had ORIF surgery. It was a pretty bad break and my job is physically demanding so I need to get back to my previous strength. I'm almost 2 months post-op now and I have zero pain. Dr. Ferkel was respectful and knowledgeable from the first time I met him to the follow up appointment. Dr. Ferkel and his staff were really helpful throughout my surgery and recovery. Wendy from is staff is amazing as well. She really helped me get through a horrible worker's comp experience. I highly recommend Dr. Ferkel if you ever need an Orthopedic Doctor. read more

Eric Ferkel, MD - X-Ray - Sports Medicine Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing outstanding doctor He should be top 10 in the country ! Thank you Doctor Ferkel read more

This is my first time writing a review and it is due to Eric Ferkel's demeanor. He was giving condescending answers to questions. I cannot speak to his surgery skills, but I can vouch to say that his bedside manners were very poor in our interaction. He would answer basic questions like "how long will this take" with answers like "well everything takes time, just like this conversation so everything takes time." Not sure if he was having a bad day or was tired, but this is no excuse to treat your patients in that manner. Also went for a second opinion today and received the complete opposite news as he suggested. He stated that without surgery you will never be able to straighten your leg ever again. Second opinion today stated that the injury will heal by itself, but to just monitor if things get worse. Update: The doctor did call back and apologized for his behavior, so I have updated my review from a 1 star to a 3 star. read more

Dr. Ferkel is my running savior! A gifted ankle surgeon, a tireless advocate for insurance coverage, and a very nice person. Wish I could give him 6 stars. He did a complex bone graft and ligament stabilizing surgery after I was unable to run due to chronic ankle problems. The surgery was a smashing success; I'm fully back to running now with zero pain. Best of all, he convinced the reluctant insurance company to (rightly) cover the surgery - which they initially denied as being too cutting-edge. (He's now done many of this same surgery so it's no longer experimental.) These days it's hard to find any doctor who is gifted, energetic, and willing to wrestle with the greedy insurers. Dr. Ferkel is the best! read more

I sought out a second opinion for a problem that I've been having for years and came to this clinic today for the first time. Like most ortho clinics, they were extremely busy and I didn't get in until well over an hour past my scheduled appointment time. I know it was my first visit to the clinic but they also billed and collected 2-3x what other providers do for the office visit when there was nothing out of the ordinary done at the visit. The Dr. was nice, but it's definitely an ortho mill. I would say give this clinic a try if you need an ortho doc. But as I say, be prepared to wait around a long time because there are dozens of patients coming in and going out of there all day long. Wear a mask because the waiting area has lots of people in it, not all of whom are wearing one. The clinic is in the Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys - not remotely a spectacular area and parking is awful. This is always death if you're on crutches. Or, even with no crutches, be prepared to walk a ways to actually get in to the clinic. read more

Dr Erik Ferkel is a remarkable doctor for whom I will be forever grateful for making a positive impact on my life. From the initial days of uncertainty to the long challenging process of my recovery, his guidance and reassurance, encouragement and expertise helped me regain my strength. His patience in explaining every step of the process & answering my countless questions gave me sense of comfort & confidence. I am thankful for his ability to provide not only exceptional medical care but also emotional support during my treatment. read more

Dr. Ferkel: SKILL - My incision for an achilles repair was non-invasive and a 3 cm horizontal slit into the folds of my ankle vs. the standard long vertical procedure. BEDSIDE MANNER - Dr. Ferkel treated me like a relative! I called him from Australia when the injury happened and he CLEARLY explained my options and the pros and cons of each followed by his recommendation. RESULTS - I've had no pain and took less than 20% of the pain meds ... it was a nice clean cut, procedure and I'm healing and feeling great. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ... METICULOUS SURGEON ... WONDERFUL MAN AND SMOOTH PROCEDURE / PROCESS. read more

*I never actually even saw Dr Ferkel so upgrading to two stars in fairness. This is not a review of the care I received as I received no care.* Since my review posted, Dr Ferkel and his office management have relentlessly tried to contact me after hours to make this right. If they had spent half as much energy getting my records in order before my appointment as they did trying to get this review changed, things would have been different. read more

Im a primary care physician and so I can always tell which doctors are great, which doctors are good, which doctors are shady, and which doctors are terrible. I have no relationship to Dr Ferkel and I actually work for a completely different health system. Also I rarely leave reviews for other doctors, but I am highly impressed with Dr. Ferkel's professionalism, kind and sincere heart, and his reputation. I would classify him as great. He really helped me out when I needed prompt assistance with a patient and he made sure to get the patient in quickly for assistance and did an outstanding job in taking care of the patient's needs. I will be sending him the majority of my foot and ankle patients from now on. read more

As a 54 year old male that works a physically demanding job and physically active hobbies (hiking/spinning/paddle boarding), I was worried knee surgery would reduce my mobility. After doing some research, I saw Dr. Ferkel for knee surgery (torn meniscus). He is professional and thorough. He explained the options, the potential results, recovery and gave his recommendations. Fortunately, he was able to repair the tear in my meniscus, rather than having to cut some out. The surgery and recovery went smoothly and at 6 months, I am almost 100 percent, with zero mobility issues. I keep joking that I am expecting to wake up in the recovery room, rather than having the perfect results I have. I highly recommend Dr. Ferkel and wouldn't hesitate to see him again for any future knee injuries. read more

I have been told I need arch reconstruction surgery for about 20 years. I did not have trust in previous surgeons I had spoken to. Once I met Dr. Eric Ferkel, I knew I had found a surgeon I could trust. Dr. Ferkel listens, explains, and re-explains. It is clear from my interactions with him that he has a love for his craft. The surgery performed went amazingly well. I am left with little pain immediately post-surgery and the results I have seen in the X-rays are remarkable. Dr. Ferkel and SCOI keep up with my progress on a daily basis. Dr. Ferkel is always available to hear any of my concerns, even after hours and on weekends. This is amazing and extremely comforting to know after such a dramatic surgery. I would recommend Dr. Ferkel to anyone, even my closest family. read more

I thank Dr. Erick I. Ferkel for wonderful work and dedication, respect and time. Dr. Ferkel fixed my foot and toes after 20 years having a lot pain. Now I have a normal foot. I thank Dr. Ferkel and his staff for all your help and caring. Always Bless. read more

So where i Start? From the Jump the staff was awesome ( Dr. Eric Ferkel, Jessica Thwaite, Jenny Chaves, Wendy Pineda) I can In with a Very Jacked up Left & Right Ankle! I had Surgery on my left Ankle about 7 weeks ago and I feel 1,000 % better, yes surgery pains but the pains before are all gone. They listen to your issues and get it resolved. They give you advise on what to do before surgery and after and if you do as instructed you will be Great. I cant wait to do my Right Ankle with this same staff! I trust Eric this is why I am excited to do my right ankle. Thank You Dr, Eric Staff for your patience, kindness, and with such a successful surgery! Edwin H P.S if Patients complain its not you its them! =) read more

Dr. Ferkel is my savior whenever any of my limbs are on the fritz. As I get older, I wake up with my arm hurting, then my leg, then my whole body. He has saved me after a tumble down the stairs when I tore all the ligaments in my ankle. Dr. Ferkel always welcomes me with a warm smile and never makes me feel bad about my injuries. He is caring and attentive. He is the best in the industry and I wouldn't trade him in for the world! read more

There is not enough stars in the sky for me to put next to his name. This man is an orthopedic Angel. He took his time and researched and studied the best way to fix a problem I've had for many, many years. I had just about given up on life and the thought of ever walking or being free of this never ending pain. His encouragement and knowledge have given me a second chance. This is the man if you any foot/ankle issues and the tougher the case, the better he is. Oh and everyone else in the Porter Ranch are great too...I love Jessica and all the staff. Again, thank you all read more

Eric Ferkel, MD - This is the BEST doctor ever. He gave me a second chance and did what no other doctor would even consider doing. - Sports Medicine Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Dr. Ferkel is amazing. I tore my Achilles and was incredibly particular about finding the best surgeon in LA. I'm very active and it was extremely important to me to have it done correctly. I interviewed several and found Dr. Ferkel to be the most experienced. I had another experienced surgeon tell me he was going to use screws without question, but Dr. Ferkel did it without! I think he said he does about 100 of these surgeries a year and he's worked on many professional athletes. He is passionate about the Achilles and has the loveliest bedside manner. I love that he has also studied integrative medicine and incorporates a mind-body perspective. Lastly, he even called me a couple of times leading up to the surgery after-hours to answer questions. THANK YOU DR. FERKEL! I'm dancing and running again! read more

Eric Ferkel, MD - My last Achilles follow-up appointment. Thank you, Dr. Ferkel. You are the best! - Sports Medicine Near Me - Los Angeles, California

None better as SCOI is the best. In and out with daily contact and highly efficient staff. Would have no other do any work on me, in this speciality. Very grateful for the high standard of care and expertise. read more

I have had knee sore and pain for over three years and have not visited local physical therapists for same length of time due to Covid-19. On Oct. 10, I decided to see Dr. Ferkel, he and his staff at Southern California Orthopedic Institute took excellent care of me during the visit. After an X-ray and careful examination, Dr. Ferkel suggested injection with hyaluronic acid as first treatment; and sure enough, it worked right after the injection. Even my previous right hernia operated area pains have gone within about 12 hours due to my better walking posture. I will have two more injections in the next couple weeks, and I am sure my knees will get even stronger and better for more exercises to increase strength. MANY THANKS TO DR. FERKEL AND HIS STAFF AT SCOI!! read more

No words can explain what an angel Dr Ferkle has been to my father and I. My father was suffering and could hardly walk and doctor Ferkle performed a fusion that made my father a new man. He is an amazing doctor very personable caring and attentive to his patients. Thank you dr Ferkle read more

I would love to take time and tell you about my experience with Dr Eric Ferkel . I am a Register Nurse with 27 years of experience In critical care and post anesthesia care. Had an ankle pain for a while. Day came and I couldn't take pain anymore . As a patient I needEd to choose a specialist who is an excellent surgeon and most kind and supportive human being. Without any hesitation I choose Dr. Ferkel, E because I work with him and took care of his patients more than 10 years and I have seen only excellence and love to his profession and most importantly patients . He makes this special connection with patients , lets you feel safe and protected, lets you feel loved. I had a surgery 6 weeks ago and no even one second I regretted that I chose him. Dr Ferkel ones more proof than he is exceptional physician . Anyone who needs surgery I would strongly recommend being his patient. Thank you for your time. Whoever is reading this review. Yoshida read more

Dr Ferkel is the man!! Were a basketball family and injuries are part of playing & training all the time. My son rolled his ankle the first time a few years back, Dr Ferkel had him back on track and ready to play in just a few weeks. My son rolled his ankle recently, we went back to Dr Ferkel who was able to diagnose him very quickly. He is now with a PT group that specializes in basketball related injuries, if you have to see a Dr, look no further!! Dr Ferkel and his team are the absolute best! read more

Because of Dr Ferkel reviews, I hoped he could help me. So far I don't have a problem with him, but with the follow up through from his medical assistants, example calling into insurance, returning calls, getting hung up on by assistance in the middle of a question also insurance company getting hung up on(which they have recorded). Which is delaying treatment Pain relief. I have the same insurance for over 40 YEARS! Never never had problems! read more

Incredible Orthopedic surgeon, who is a kind and caring doctor. He spent a significant amount of time explaining in detail my diagnosis and treatment plan. He actually cares about his patients and takes the time to get to know them and follow up with any questions or concerns. He is by far the best surgeon I've ever had the blessing of working on me. Since surgery I am back doing everything I used to do years ago. I would definitely recommend Dr Eric Ferkel to anyone!! Thank you! read more

An absolute lifesaver! A real life superhero of orthopedics! Dr Ferkel is amazing. My father had surgery with him a few months ago on his ankle and is healing perfectly but just recently my fathers knee has gotten worse to the point he was having trouble walking and Dr Ferkel got us in and did his magic to help in anyway possible with his pain. Dr Ferkel truly cares for his patients and their wellbeing. You never feel rushed when with him and he goes above and beyond always. I recommend Dr Ferkel to everybody. Thank you Dr Ferkel and staff for all that you do. read more

Dr. Ferkel , Thank you so much for being a great doctor, for being kind and concerned. Thanks for fixing my knee! I'd be a very sad girl if I couldn't work out again! read more

This Hass to be the worst doctor appointment I've ever gone to in my life. After being requested to show up 30 minutes early to fill out paperwork then sitting in the lobby an extra hour was still never being seen I absolutely walked out. To hear the receptionist say four other people that went in before me that all had times scheduled after me were there for different appointments is the biggest excuse I've ever heard. I would never ever let a Doctor Who is that disorganized in his staff office procedures and protocols to ever even think about operating on me. Never mind knowing the failed surgeries he's already done on people that I know and family members. Would highly not recommend his doctor for anything definitely not waiting wasting a morning sitting in an office. read more

Don't waste your time going to anyone else. I am an avid long distance backpacker, mountain biker, and climber so clearly my feet mean a lot to me. I drove down from SF after two local doctors missed a navicular stress reaction on my MRI, but I could tell something wasn't right with my foot. Dr. Ferkel and his fellow Dr. Mathewson (not sure on spelling) were amazing. They found the injury and some associated issues that were causing my problem and took the time at the end of their days to be incredibly thorough in explaining them to me. I never thought I would be so grateful to someone who just told me I need to be in a cast for weeks, but I am! Hopefully the delay in diagnosing the injury because of the two local doctors hasn't lead to my injury progressing to where it needs surgery, but if it does, I will find a way to do it in LA so I could have Dr. Ferkel do it. read more

Dr. Eric Ferkel and his staff are the best one.The doctor is very nice and listens to you. I have ran over 130 half marathon and over 36 marathons. As you can see, I love running. Tore my meniscus a year ago and went to several doctors that told me to completely stop running. Dr. Ferkel understood what running means to me. That's a hard thing to find these days. It's been over a year since my surgery and since then I have run 3 Full Marathons and 15 Half Marathons and continue to do what I love. Thank you Dr. Eric Ferkel for giving me a second chance. Your friend #sattlerTIME read more

I love my Euflexxa results not 100% but sooooooooo much better.... now if we can get the left knee and something for the lower back I will feel capable of so much more than I anticipated after my fall at work Thank You Dr Ferkel and your staff for assisting me. I would refer everyone I know in need and a special thanks to your PA read more

I initially presented to Dr. Ferkel with foot pain which I thought was the result of two prior surgeries for metatarsal neuromas. He told me that the very last thing he would ever want to do would be to perform yet again another surgery on my foot. Ferkel was game to try every type of treatment, whether conventional or non-conventional, to alleviate my pain. I tried more PT than I want to remember, cortisone, high speed ultrasound, and PRP injections. Nothing worked. He finally suggested, as a last resort, foot surgery. And foot surgery during a pandemic to boot! I am 3 months post-op, and each day I get better and better. I am grateful to Dr. Ferkel for his patient approach to my medical needs. BTW, in addition to being a great doctor, he is also very kind and has a great sense of humor. He isn't always on time but he is very thorough. I am most thankful! read more

Dr. Ferkel is hands-down the best foot and ankle specialist I have ever come across. I say this because he pays such close attention to small details that you will rarely experience with other surgeons. Not only does he have the highest skill level in his field but he is also a regular guy that you could have a real life conversation with who will actually listen to your concerns, not your typical orthopedic surgeon. Very genuine, one of a kind and highly recommended! read more

I am so very pleased with the results of my ankle surgery with Dr. Eric Ferkel. He has taken very good care of me and it has now been 5 months since my surgery (I have a pin in my fibula and a few screws in my ankle). I already have been skiing in December and taking long, steep hikes. I still have a bit to go to get my full range of movement but my progress is amazing and I am so pleased! Thank you Dr. Ferkel!!! read more

Whoever could leave anything but rave reviews for Dr. Ferkel has been previously spoiled, doesn't understand the health industry or is just a negative person. Eric has wonderful bed side manners, is overly generous in making sure his patients are extremely well informed and looked after. He is a top notch surgeon. I recently had ACL surgery and have never in my life had anyone else take such strides in assuring my health and safety during and after a procedure.... I have had 7 surgeries to date. This was hands down the best experience I've had. read more

Dr. Eric Ferkle, the son of Dr. Ferkle senior, is a super nice guy. With that being said, my follow-up appointment had to be changed twice because the doctor firstly was out of town then for some unknown reason. When I did get to my appointment, insult was added to injury by making me wait over 30 minutes with no indication of how long it would take to be seen. When I saw a pharmacy rep come out of the doctors office, I was done. Get it together Drs. Ferkle. Also, the SCOI front desk staff (all of which need to take a vacation and then come back and either get new jobs or take Zoloft) are cold and unhappy. All in all, if you have unlimited time to spend and love being juggled around treated like a nuisance instead of a person, then this place is for you! read more

Dr. Ferkel was there for me since day 1. Ruptured my Achilles and he helped me with a wonderful bedside manner and excellent treatment (surgery through to PT planning). Can't say enough about him and the staff at SCOI. 5 stars here. read more

After breaking an ankle on one foot and a bone in the other, the only good thing was Dr. Ferkel. From the very first meeting, he was so attentive, warm and competent that I felt able to get through this really difficult time under his care. He was there for me anytime I needed and when I had a bad reaction to the anethesia, he responded quickly and made sure that I was totally fine before scheduling the surgery for the 2nd time. I felt good going into the next surgery because of Dr. Ferkel. He kept in contact with my husband, calling him on his cell to keep him informed and calm. I cannot say enough about Dr. Ferkel and would recommend him to anyone. I'm walking and have healed remarkably well under his care and give him 10 stars! read more

Dr. Ferkel was very thoughtful in his examination and explanation of my condition and I felt confident choosing him as my surgeon. He was also very personable and I felt he really listened and cared. I wanted to be careful choosing my surgeon as this was my third ankle surgery. The outcome has been good and I feel very fortunate to have him as my doctor. read more