Why patients choose Dr. Hacker
Why Trust Dr. Hacker as Your Orthopedic Surgeon
Performed Over 6,000 Orthopedic Procedures
With more than two decades of surgical experience, Dr. Hacker is one of San Diego’s most trusted orthopedic specialists in knee, shoulder, and joint replacement surgery.
Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon
Completed advanced fellowship training in sports medicine and joint reconstruction, mastering the techniques that define modern orthopedic care.
High-Volume MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon
Among a select group of San Diego surgeons with extensive hands-on expertise in robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement for greater precision and faster recovery.
Nationwide Leader in Orthopedic Clinical Trials
Serves as Principal Investigator on FDA-regulated studies through Horizon Clinical Research, giving patients early access to breakthrough therapies years before they reach the general market.
Team Physician
Dr. Hacker has been trusted by elite athletes to deliver the same expert care he provides every patient — from weekend warriors to adults seeking lasting relief from arthritis.
Complete Range of Treatment Options
Offers the full spectrum of orthopedic care under one roof — from physical therapy and PRP injections to minimally invasive arthroscopy and advanced joint replacement — ensuring each patient receives the least invasive effective treatment.
Comprehensive orthopedic care
Areas We Treat
Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy
Joint Replacement
Regenerative Treatments
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
- Biologic & Cell Therapies
- Lipogems Stem Cells
- Cartilage Restoration & Repair
- Image Guided Injections
Specialty
Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
- Meniscus Repair and Surgery
- Rotator Cuff Repair
Specialty
MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
- Robotic (MAKO) Total Knee Replacement
- Robotic (MAKO) Partial Knee Replacement
- Robotic (MAKO) Total Hip Replacement
Specialty
Regenerative Treatments
- Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment
- Biologic & Cell Therapies
- Lipogems Stem Cells
- Cartilage Restoration & Repair
- Image Guided Injections
Patient stories
What patients say
★★★★★ 4.9 · Google Reviews
★★★★★
“They carried me around Africa for a month and allowed me to walk with the elephants!”
— Nance H. · Bilateral knee replacement
★★★★★
“I have been a healthcare administrator for over 45 years and literally know hundreds of physicians. In my opinion, Dr. Scott Hacker is among the very best. Personally, I will see no other Orthopaedic Specialist.”
— Robert B. · Knee arthroscopy
★★★★★
“I had robotic partial knee replacement performed by Dr. Hacker. I am over the top thrilled with the results. I have full use of my knee with no restrictions at five weeks post-op, and my scar is amazingly small and clean.”
— Mary Jean · Robotic partial knee replacement
★★★★★
“I can now walk, move, get up and down without pain, I can exercise and am losing weight. My quality of life has improved dramatically. Thank you Dr. Hacker.”
— Melissa D. · Full & partial knee replacement
Verified patient reviews
What patients are saying on Google

Meet your surgeon
Dr. Scott Hacker, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.O.S.
A board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with over two decades of experience. Partner at Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group, San Diego. Trained at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail, CO. Team physician for the US Olympic Team, US Olympic Ski Team, Denver Broncos, and Colorado Rockies.
My philosophy: the right treatment is the one matched to your goals — sometimes that’s surgery, often it isn’t. We start with listening, take the time to explain every option clearly, and together choose the path best suited to the life you want to live.
As a principal investigator for FDA-regulated clinical trials since 2010, I also offer select patients early access to emerging orthopedic therapies not yet available elsewhere in San Diego.
Patient education
Dr. Hacker has written extensively about orthopedic conditions
ACL tears, meniscus injuries, rotator cuff repair, joint replacement, PRP therapy, cartilage restoration — explained in plain language so you can make an informed decision about your care. Browse the full library of articles written for patients, not physicians.
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Cartilage Injury of the Knee: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in San Diego
Knee cartilage injuries are among the most challenging conditions I treat at Grossmont Orthopaedic Medical Group in La Mesa. Unlike…
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Patellar Dislocation Treatment in San Diego: From First Event to Surgical Stabilization
When the kneecap slips out of its groove, patients often describe a terrifying unstable sensation — they feel and sometimes…
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ACL Tear Treatment in San Diego: Surgery, Recovery, and Return to Sport
Hearing the pop and feeling your knee give out is a moment athletes describe with remarkable consistency — and it’s…
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