After having a total knee replacement September 2011 in Santa Monica and patiently waiting for one year, I was still having pain. My surgeon told me my expectations were too high and that recovery "was dynamic". I knew it was time to find another opinion. After moving to Santa Barbara I diligently sought patient referrals. Everyone (at least 6 people) said "Dr. Zmolek, he's the best, he really cares, you will love him." I made an appointment and wow! What a difference the right surgeon has made. None of the "I'm the surgeon and I do surgery, have you tried physical therapy?" Dr. Zmolek carefully examined my knee, felt the scar tissue that had formed and suggested an arthroscopic procedure to get rid of it. After the first step it felt better, no cracking or swelling. He even improved the outside contour of my knee, which was a wonderful bonus esthetically. He said it "looked" much nicer. Now this is the surgeon you want. I am a young 61 yr. old woman and couldn't be happier with the care I received from Dr. Zmolek. I highly recommend him if you are suffering from knee problems. Grateful patient in Santa Barbara, franciecowley@yahoo.com read more

Dr. James Zmolek replaced my right hip on April 3, 2024. As I recovered I noticed that my hip was unstable in that it would move out of place moving forward. This would consistently happen when I popped up surfing, in many yoga positions and in the follow through in my golf swing. I just had revision surgery on my right hip on April 14, 2026. At my Post Op meeting with my orthopedic surgeon here in Honolulu, the doctor explained that the cup in my right hip was so anteverted that it was a miracle my right hip had not completely dislocated at some point. But there is more. The stem of the hip was rubbing on the outer rim of the cup releasing metal flakes into the surrounding tissue. This is called Metallosis and it makes the tissue necrotic. In an advanced state, Metallosis is toxic and it would have forced my hand in having my hip replaced. How is it possible that I needed a revision hip surgery only two years after James Zmolek replaced it the first time? I am pursuing this with a Patient Advocate and will report James Zmolek to Sansum Clinic / Sutter Health in Santa Barbara as well as the medical board. Scott Wilson Honolulu, HI May 5, 2026 read more

Since December 2020 I am not healed. It was total negligence leaving me stationary for four days after a surgery. To this day, I will never forgive him. Four days not moved except to go to the bathroom and back. I was forgotten shipped off to a non-Orthopedic floor and now I cannot in pain every single day. Negligence total negligence. I will never forgive you. My leg does not bend and I am in excruciating pain 24/7. Actually, if there was less than a that would be my rating. read more

I have consulted with Dr. ZMOLEK regarding my crackling knees and Rheumatoid Arthritis for the past few years now. He is always thorough with explaining to me the status of my health situation. He has given me good medical advice (in addition to the prescription meds from my Rheumatoid Specialist) which allows me to live my life pain free. I highly recommend him and his expertise to whoever may need it. read more

Very helpful, very insightful very timely. Great follow up, very good care. Thank you.

I just had arthroscopic procedure with Dr Zmolek. It was the best experience I could have hoped for. Confident and assured he performed exactly as indicated. I highly recommend him and loved the Sansum facility and outpatient surgical center. Dr. Kieding was my anesthesiologist and the two are an excellent team. read more

Dr. Zmolek has done one hip replacement & two knees for me. He is The Best in the field!