Dr. Erick Kawakita, MD

Exceptional! Very positive. Dr. Kawakita took the time to answer all of the questions that I had at my initial visit when he didn’t even know whether I was going to have him do surgery for me on my right knee. He showed us diagrams and a video explained everything in detail to myself and my advocate. The same with the second visit, he again spent more time than I expected, making sure that I understood exactly what was going to happen, and what to expect afterward, and the importance of the follow up therapy . I was very impressed with the staff members in the clinic how they keep things moving along on schedule, their positive attitudes. I was impressed with this surgery that he was doing where he would not be cutting the muscles and ligaments that a previous writer has mentioned. That was the procedure I was wanting to have. My surgery went very well in July 2023 and I will have him do surgery on my other knee if that becomes necessary. He was positively recommended by a friend.

Dr Kawakita was robotic and incredibly condescending. He spent 5-7mins explaining what a ball and socket joint is to me, as if I wouldn’t know already. Given his overly thorough explanation of a ball and socket joint, I would have expected him to be willing to explain other things but that was not the case. He told me that “joint replacements in young people are extremely unpredictable” and “young people are more prone to infections”. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to see why I was confused and required explanation. Young people being more delicate is counterintuitive AND I had a complication-free total hip replacement 10 years ago which would have made me 10 years younger. Things change but he should be able and willing to explain. He has terrible bedside manner, even for a surgeon.

Caused nerve sciatica problem in my spine, leg, knee and foot. 5 years suffering and counting.

My knee is worse now than before my knee replacement. I followed after care instructions exactly and went to physical therapy for almost 6 months. I regret having had surgery, my knee is stiff and painful. Dr Kawakita was not informative about what to expect. I was completely compliant with physical therapy and exercises and he has no answers for my continuing pain and stiffness. He makes me feel like it is my fault which I know it is not.

Not impressed. Saw him to get a 2nd opinion regarding hip replacement and all he talked about was how to use a cane. Then found out that he'd shared all details about my appt. with other ortho mds in the clinic....it's none of their business. What happened to doctor/patient confidentiality?? Won't be seeing him again.

His knee replacement procedure avoids cutting muscle/ligaments shortening recovery time and minimizing post surgery pain. He was trained by the surgeon who developed the procedure. Most knee surgeons are not trained in this new procedure. I have experienced NO significant pain including when I first walked on the day of surgery. Stairs were painless on third day following surgery. Excellent attention to prep before surgery and after. His statistics are outstanding. He is a man of precision.