If I could give this surgeon a million stars, I would. Dr Steven Barnett replaced my hip 9+ years ago. Being that I was in my 20s, I desperately did not want to have total joint replacement but after seeking consultation from a dozen different orthopedic surgeons across socal, it became clear that a THR was my only resolve. I went with Dr Barnett because he spent nearly 2 hours answering my VERY long list of questions and concerns. Together we went into the procedure with a plan A, B, and even C based on the concern of the integrity of my femur head since potential need for a bone graft may have been necessary. He was honest and upfront about not fully knowing the scope of the bone integrity. I appreciated him being forthright and transparent. His bedside manners were some of the best I've ever experienced from any medical practitioner. It is thanks to Dr Barnett and his team, that I had a smooth recovery with no surprises or road blocks of any kind. It is truly incredible how excellent my mobility, my strength and overall flexibility is. Nearly a decade later and I often forget my hip is bionic! I believe it's 75% the doctor(s) and the other 25% is the patients responsibility in terms of successful outcome. I couldn't be more pleased with Dr Barnett exceeding his part. I hope that he's still practicing when it's time for my revision because he will surely be my first choice. I've even recommended him to several other friends/family friends - all had similar fantastic experiences. Reading through the reviews on here, I feel like a lot of negative feedback is due to the patients neglect of doing their own research and homework. Not to mention the importance of after care. You get what you put in when it comes to post op care and therapy. I not only paid for extra physical therapy beyond what my insurance covered, but I've worked with myofascial specialists, chiropractor and ROLFing clinicians. The culmination of all of the above over the years has me in the best shape of my life! I'm more active and stronger now than I ever thought possible thanks to Dr Barnett and the entire team of therapeutic practitioners that have helped keep me dialed. Thank you Dr Barnett's team for redeeming and exceeding my quality of life! read more

3 years since hip replacement. Thigh muscle never a problem before surgery has been painful every day since. I now need a walker just to get around the house. After surgery got a letter that he no longer accepts Medicare. read more

I fell in Hawaii and broke my hip. the surgery there was not very good and I lost approximately 5/8 inch in my leg Dr Barnett performed the revision surgery and got back the same length in my leg He is an incredible surgeon read more

Very good knee replacement Nice staff Everyone made me comfortable I loved the mobile pt Went Bach to my dancing activities after 6 weeks read more

In 2021 Dr. Barnett performed a hip replacement on me. I had had the other hip replaced 2 1/2 years prior with no problems at all. The doctor that replaced the first hip did the operation through the side of my hip, which healed perfectly. I would have went back to him but he had since retired. Dr. Barnett told me that he goes through the front of the thigh because it heals faster and they don't cut the muscle. I trusted him to do the best work for my situation but this did not work out well for me. He said they stretch the muscles apart rather than cutting but now I am left with a large scar, large scar tissue, and muscles that feel like they never went back to where they should be connected, like they stayed over stretched. I am weaker in that thigh and do not have total range of movement or use like I do with my other hip, I also feel like I have nerve damage from this operation. Please be careful when deciding to go with a doctor that has new fancy ideas of a traditional surgery, many times the tried and true way is better than "lets try something new". read more

It is rare that you have such a high level of care and professionalism like what we received in Dr. Barnett's office. Also, Hoag Orthopedic Institute was excellent. We were treated like royalty! We highly recommend Dr. Barnett. read more

I just had both of my knees replaced by Dr. Barnett & highly recommend him & his team!!! Professional, knowledgeable, no-nonsense & experienced. read more

I feel so Lucky to had my Hip surgery done by Dr Steven Barnett. His staff was so caring&professional. Immediately after my hip surgery I felt great& all my pain Disappeared! My leg&thigh muscles was sore- but within few months of Pt sessions I was able to bounce right back into playing doubles&6mos later I was back to playing Singles matches. I feel soo happy that I feel as though I am going back to being 21 years old again. Dr Steven Barnett has "Magical Hands" & "You Rock" read more

Great surgeon, very understanding & a kind person!! Everything you could ask for in a surgeon!

NO NO NO!!! This doctor performed a knee replacement on my 82, minimally active, less than a year widowed mother- in-law, during a pandemic with a vaccination available around the corner. She was sent home the next day to unskilled care with prescriptions of pain pills and muscle relaxers. He never saw her in person again and continued to refill medications for her "pain". When her primary physician saw her and sent her to the emergency room, she had double pneumonia and never came out of the hospital. Find a different doctor. read more

I was handicap for pain on my left hip and less pain on my right one.. until I decide to get surgery to be able to walk without so much pain. I check with a many medical professionals until make the choice with doctor Barnett.. and my life change at age 75 till today almost 82 walking fast every evening at Dana Point Harbor over 3 miles. My gratitude to this magnificent doctor that make my life at my age so easy and comfortable, check with me normally every 3 years and said.. OK Carlos? My silence is total, my smile show my answer .... read more

Day seven after having my right knee By Dr. Steven Barnett At the Hoag orthopedic Institute and I am feeling absolutely fantastic have nothing but great things to say about everybody involved in this whole process. Thank you very much read more

Do not go to this doctor. He and his staff are rude and do not pay attention to details. On day of my surgery, the doctor was not updated as to what surgery he was to perform on me (total knee replacement) and used an antibiotic that I am allergic to even though this information was stated on my patient forms, as well as in conversation with the anesthesiologist night prior to surgery. As a result, I became extremely ill from adrenal failure and had to go to ER twice for emergency treatment. It has been over a year now since the surgery and I am still experiencing the side effects and my knee is worse than before the replacement. I now am under care with another orthopedic doctor who actually cares and is not an operating factory that Hoag orthopedic group is. read more

I had both back and hip issues that I had to deal with and so I consulted with both specialists at OSI. Dr. Deckey and Dr. Barnett collaborated with each other and recommended that Dr. Barnett do the hip replacement surgery first. Not only was my hip back to normal in short order but the lumbar pain is gone as well. I couldn't be more pleased with their technical knowledge, their patient-oriented approach and Dr. Barnett's surgical outcome. Bob C. read more

Dr. Steve Barnett did a great job with my wife's hip replacement. We had read about the direct anterior approach to total hip replacement online and reviewed the doctor's own page at http://www.stevenbarnettmd.com before deciding to visit his office. With this approach, an incision is made at the front of the hip and the muscles are parted instead of cut. This leads to a much quicker recovery and less pain. Another orthopedic surgeon had already recommended hip replacement but we wanted a second opinion by a surgeon practicing the anterior approach. Drs. Barnett and Gorab are two such surgeons affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA. The office is quite large and busy, supporting several doctors. Dr. Barnett was friendly at our first appointment, but got right down to business and made clear that my wife needed a right hip replacement to permanently relieve her pain and restore mobility. We decided to schedule surgery because she could no longer tolerate the pain after having tried chiropractic, stretching, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage and pain medication. Because Dr. Barnett is busy and in-demand, and due to the holidays, the soonest surgery date was two months later. As the date approached, we attended an informative hip replacement class at the hospital which answered many questions and lowered our anxiety level. We also visited Treanna Mather, the physician's assistant, to ensure that everything was in order. She had digital X-rays taken in the office, discussed what to expect, and showed us the titanium implant that would be used. The pre-op instructions were clear but required us to visit -- with great pain -- several different facilities for chest X-ray, EKG, blood tests, and medical clearance. I'm told that everything can be done at St. Joe's, but we have to use facilities contracted with our HMO. My wife also donated 1 unit of her own blood for use if needed after surgery, and she ended up requiring it. On the morning of surgery in January 2010, we checked into St. Joseph Hospital where my wife changed into a gown, the hip was cleaned for surgery, and the nurse started an IV. After my wife was taken to the OR, the anesthesiologist gave an epidural to numb the lower half of the body and then gave medicine to induce sleep. The surgery took about 2 hours, during which time I waited in a special surgery waiting room. The waiting room was new, comfortable and staffed by helpful personnel who kept me informed of the status. Dr. Barnett visited briefly to let me know that all had gone very well. My wife stayed in recovery for 2.5 hours and was then brought up to the orthopedic unit. She later reported that she slept soundly during the surgery and was unaware that it had even taken place. I first saw my wife in her room in the new building at St. Joseph's. The private room was clean and well-appointed and I was able to stay overnight, sleeping comfortably on a padded guest bench in the room. Several hours after surgery, a physical therapist (PT) came and took my wife for a walk down the hall, using a front-wheel walker. The hip pain was already gone but there was temporary muscular pain from the surgery itself. Dr. Barnett and Treanna visited that evening and again the following morning to be sure that all was well. The nursing staff, PT and occupational therapist at St. Joseph's were first class. My wife received excellent care by the friendly and accommodating personnel. She was regularly monitored and visited throughout the first night and following day. Her pain was so much better that she did not even request medication but the nurse recommended she take it to be prepared for PT. After two more PT visits, she was ready to go home -- the day after surgery! The typical stay is 1-2 nights. My wife has been home for two days now and already feels improvement. She will receive home PT twice a week for three weeks to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip. She is using a walker now but expects to need only a cane in one week. After 3-4 weeks she will be able to walk without assistance. We clean and dress the surgical site every day. The 6-inch vertical incision in the front hip, above the thigh, is half the size of that with a traditional lateral or posterior approach. Expect a thick scar nonetheless. We could not be happier with the results so far. Full recovery will take weeks, but to be walking the same day of surgery is a miracle. We felt very comfortable with Dr. Steve Barnett's experience, as he performs 5-10 knee/hip surgeries, twice a week. My wife and I found the whole experience to be quite positive, especially the outcome to date. read more

Last year dr Barnett performed a left knee replacement for me which was followed by a right knee replacement this year. Both surgeries went very well. Dr Barnett is a great surgeon and I would recommend him instantly to anyone looking for his services. He is focused on his job and tells you the truth from the get go. As a patient you must consider your personal physical condition . There is always a problem if you don't follow what the surgeon tells you. Needless to say I had a great outcome. Thanks to a talented doctor. read more

Steven L Barnett, MD - This is my left knee from last year. - Sports Medicine Near Me - Orange, California

Amazing Surgeon...Fabulous Result! Having my hip replaced was no longer an option, but a necessity. At 59 I felt I was too young to keep living with the constant pain I had experienced for a long time... my diagnosis: Osteoarthritis. Once I made the decision for surgery, finding the right doctor and hospital was top priority. I researched many websites (much like this one), watched videos and educated myself on the newest techniques, materials and outcomes...you should too. Given the fact this is major surgery, I believe it's important you do your own research. The Orthopaedic Specialty Institute Medical Group where Dr. Barnett's office is located is a busy place! I was very impressed with his personal staff and how efficient the whole experience was from the moment I walked in to when I left. Prior to meeting Dr. Barnett I had seen 2 other surgeons in my search. Once we met I felt the confidence and trust I was looking for. Not only was he a highly skilled and qualified surgeon, (he has completed 1000's of successful hip surgeries) but his clear and easy communication style elevated my concerns right away. I knew then and there he was the one to perform my surgery. After my consultation I was able to meet with his surgery coordinator and schedule my surgery and start the process. I have to honestly say I felt a huge relief knowing I was going to get the help I needed to becoming whole again. With many years of being a competitive athlete, add to that a few injuries, time had taken it's toll. I literally couldn't walk without pain and could only climb stairs one step at a time. The surgery went very well and the Hoag Orthopedic Institute and it's staff were amazing. HOI is rated one of the top Orthopedic Hospitals in the Nation by US News & World Report for the past 3 years. They are the highest volume provider of joint replacement in California, their outcomes stellar. In my research I was also looking for the newest technology in joint replacement surgery and HOI has it all. Physical therapy was a must afterwards not only for getting strong again after surgery, but I needed to relearn to walk correctly after years of limping. Tomorrow is my 3 month check up with Dr. Barnett and I can't wait to show him how well I'm doing...with zero pain! read more

Dr. Barnett did a knee replacement. The whole experience was wonderful. For my appointments he was always on time and very knowledgeable. The surgery was done at Hoag Hospital and they did a great job educating me. There was one class to explain the medications we would receive, what medications you shouldn't take the week before surgery and what to expect. They explained what items that might help you at home, like a walker, cane, shower chair, toilet lift, ice machine, etc. The second class was for you and your "buddy" to help you both know what you need to know about walking and moving around. It was helpful for my husband to feel more comfortable with helping me. My favorite part was their attention to infections. We were given Sage wipes to clean our entire body the night before and the morning of surgery to help prevent infections. I was able to return home the same day and the recovery was much easier than I expected. After the first week I only needed a cane to walk, especially on the stairs. 11 days out, I only use my cane outside, I don't need any pain pills and I have 95% of my knee function back. The home care they offer is wonderful. Tim from Sea Crest is wonderful. He guided me on what activities I could add as I heal. He also was able to answer my hundreds of questions. Overall, the surgery and recovery was much, much easier than I expected. read more

I am a small woman who had a hip replacement - nothing out of the ordinary. He injured my SI joint, caused sciatica, huge pain and months of physical therapy. His PA did not give me a prescription for PT until I finally got through to him. A year later (surgery was 9/19), I have to get adjusted every month by a chiropractor, as the SI joint keeps getting displaced, and the surrounding area is painful. Would not recommend him for small people. Last visit he was not helpful in recommending solutions read more

I had a total knee replacement with Dr. Barnett in October 2020, and I would like to give him and his staff my highest recommendation. The office and all of his staff, including his PA Treanna, were outstanding! The office is clean and Covid compliant and the appointments are always on time. Everyone was friendly, polite, and professional. The surgery went quite well. It is now 3 months later and I am pain-free and able to resume all normal activities. I work out for an hour a day and usually walk for close to an hour a day and my knee has been great. If you are in need of a total knee replacement, then you probably can't do better than Dr. Barnett. read more

I had bilateral knee replacement surgery in June and am doing fantastic! Dr. Barnett is an artist. Update: Over the holidays we took a 3 generation vacation to Maui. My brother had previously arranged for an electric scooter thinking I would not be able to keep up with the group. Not only did I not need the scooter, I hiked and snorkeled like a maniac! Thanks Dr. Barnett! read more

Fourteen years ago, I was really glad to get my hip replacement. Fast forward to 2016 when the problems started. After driving 2 hours to get to appointment, he was not willing to tell me WHY I was having trouble. I found out through my own research that I had metallosis(?) and on Sept 12 I had a hip revision. The fact that Dr Barnett chose not to disclose what was a class action lawsuit and that's why I was suffering made my decision to never recommend him nor return to him. read more

Dr Steven Barnett is an amazing orthopedic surgeon and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a joint replacement. He is board certified, very personable, has great communication skills and a wonderful staff. During the summer of 2012, I began having pain in my left hip. By summer 2014, the pain had become so severe that I was also having back pain and was walking with a limp. I finally decided that I should have a doctor examine my hip and x-rays revealed that the hip joint was bone on bone and the only remedy was a total hip replacement. I interviewed 3 orthopedic surgeons (all had good reputations) and learned that a friend of mine had both hips replaced using the anterior procedure by an orthopedic surgeon in Santa Monica. She strongly suggested that I choose an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in hip replacement (a surgeon who does at least 500 hips per year) using the anterior procedure which is suppose to be less invasive. I then began looking for a surgeon in Orange County who specialized in hip replacements using the anterior procedure and found Dr. Barnett who I choose to do the surgery in the first interview. On November 5, 2014, I was admitted to Hoag Orthopedic Hospital in Irvine at 9:00am, in surgery at 11:00am, in recovery at 12:00pm, walking with a walker (100 steps) at 5:00pm, dinner at 6:00pm, asleep sometime after 8:00pm, up early the next morning with Dr. Barnett bedside checking on me, breakfast at 8:00am followed with physical therapy, lunch at noon, home by 6:00pm. I spent only one night in Hoag which is a beautiful hospital with a wonderful staff. During the next six weeks, I did physical therapy and was back on the golf course in 7 weeks with no pain. Further, during the recovery at home, I was never in excessive pain and used only half my pain meds. I give all the credit to Dr. Steven Barnett for replacing my hip and bring me back to normal giving me a new lease on life. Thank you Dr. Barnett for a great job. read more

Dr. Barnett's surgical intervention (7/22/11) in my traumatic injury on vacation was tremendous. (I took a large fall in a steam room at a resort spa and a hip replacement was the only solution.) Every single medical practitioner who heard who my surgeon was to be said how fortunate I was to have him at the helm. He checked in each day after surgery and took time to explain things thoroughly. His team is caring, focused and committed to medical excellence as well. I had my first physical therapy session today back home in Ohio and they were amazed at my mobility/range of motion and how well I can walk. I and my husband highly recommend Dr. Barnett and the Orthopedic Institute and their caring staff. read more

Review update: I spent half of 2010 and most of 2011 going to one specialist after another, hoping to find some solution to Barnett's botched surgery. There was no good news. The conclusion of all my many tests revealed that Barnett had performed such an incompetent job on my hip replacement that the iliopsoas muscle is now mostly scare tissue. The result is that I am in constant pain and cannot raise my leg. In addition, the scare tissue has irreparably damaged the nerves going down my thigh. I went to see Barnett on May 24, 2012, two years post-surgery. He asked me how I was doing, and I told him. His response was: "Then what are you doing here? Why are you seeing me?" Unbelievable. I contacted several attorneys with the aim of filing a malpractice suit against Barnett, but now one would take the case. Not enough money in it, one attorney said. This quack should not be allowed near an operating table. Totally incompetent and with about as much concern for patients as a stale carrot. read more

on 11/5/12 I had a knee replacement and have been in pain ever since. Dr Barnett insisted that the knee was perfect, period. I later found out that one of my legs is now 1/2 inch shorter than the other, and that the implant was slightly crooked. Do not trust this man with your health!!!! I consider him VERY UNETHICAL read more

Find another Doctor. We were referred to this physician through our insurance. My husband has been suffering for over a year with what was first diagnosed as a groin pull. CT scan revealed the femoral head had eroded 75%. Dr. Barnett spent about 10 minutes with us. Told my husband to lose weight, get a cardiac clearance and come back for surgery while he watched my husband walk out of his office in excruciating pain. No referral for pain management or aspiration of fluid build up on his hip which was recommended on the CT report and something that could have been done in his office. Thankfully, we have found a new doctor for the hip replacement and a pain management doctor who did the hip aspiration that resulted in great relief from his pain. read more

Dr. Barnett replaced my mom's hip after a recent fall. The surgery went great and my mom had minimal pain post-operatively. I highly recommend Dr. Barnett and also the anterior approach he uses for hip replacements! read more

Dr. Steven Barnett was the 5th surgeon I consulted with for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Heads (bilateral). The previous 4 advised me to have one of my hips replaced right away, but Dr. Barnett advised me to "wait and see" before jumping right into a hip replacement. I was literally stunned when he told me he has had patients with my exact stage of AVN resolve without treatment! I know one thing for sure...he isn't just out for the almighty dollar, but has his patients best interest at heart! He was kind, informative and listened attentively to my concerns. Besides being an excellent surgeon (I've done a lot of research on hip surgeons), he truly cares! I HIGHLY recommend him (I did have to wait 3 weeks to get in to see him because he's very much in demand). read more

Dr. Barnett completed a hip replacement on my grandmother a few years back, and both of us could express nothing but gratitude towards him. My grandma is experiencing no pain and she is so happy with how well the surgery went. Dr. Barnett is an incredible surgeon with years of experience and I consider him VERY ETHICAL. His dedication and advice to patients is very reassuring and helpful. He is extremely honest and to the point about what needs to be done before, during, and after the operation. I completely recommend this orthopedic surgeon for knee and hip replacements. Again, my grandmother is very pleased with the results surgery and she is so glad she chose him to perform the hip replacement. Dr. Barnett is the best of the best. read more