I can not recommend Dr. Chen and his office staff highly enough. Every stage of my hip replacement went smoothly and with excellent results. My mobility has improved so much I don't even think about it. That is an excellent surgical outcome! read more

Dr Chen did both my knee replacements. One was 15 years ago and the other was 13 years ago and they are both great! I worked as an orthopedic RN and Dr Chen's Skill allowed me to keep working. I can't recommend him highly enough. read more

Dr. Chen did an amazing job on my right hip 4 months ago (April 2025). He is kind, thorough, and a superb surgeon. His staff is excellent, super organized, and there to walk you through the process. The Surgery Center experience was also amazing. Thank you everyone! I don't have the pain that I had before, and am probably 90% of the way to a full recovery. I am so grateful. read more

Everything about my 15 years experience being helped by Dr Chen and his staff has been positive! Dr Chen has successfully replaced both my hips, and my life has been dramatically changed for the better. Both surgeries, anterior incisions, were impeccably done, and recoveries went quickly and well after following his protocol. One was titanium on titanium, and the second was ceramic on plastic, and both are lasting well without any deterioration. For follow-up, Jackie and the office staff are so helpful, making sure everything stays on track and you are comfortable. I was able to get back to hiking in the mountains and to the gym! Endless thanks to Dr Chen and his crew! read more

I've been seeing Dr Chen for over 15 years primarily for knee issues. he's very skilled and thorough.

I cannot recommend Dr. Chen highly enough! He replaced my second hip 7 weeks ago, and my recovery has exceeded my expectations. He recommended doing the surgery in a Surgery Center, and that was wonderful! His office staff is very friendly and efficient. He is an outstanding surgeon!! read more

Loving my new hip and getting ready for next snowboard season! I looked for an orthopedic surgeon that also focuses on body mechanics, and found that Dr. Chen also has a firm awareness of the patient lifestyle. After surgery, I immediately felt symmetrical and walked straight, and now I finally have hip and back comfort. I am always greeted with kindness and expertise by Dr. Chen and his amazing staff. It's been a perfect journey thanks to Dr. Chen and his assistant Jackie. Thank you, Pacific Bone and Joint Clinic! read more

It's only been three weeks since receiving a total hip replacement from Dr. Chen, but having experienced fairly rapid recovery, this seems to be a good time to provide a review. I have been completely satisfied with Dr. Chen and associated office and Surgery Center staff, from pre-op, through the operation, and through the post-op follow-ups. I was kept well informed on the procedure and what to expect. I believe that the rapid healing of the incision area reflects well on Dr. Chen's skills, and my in-home and out-patient physical therapists both mentioned having seen many of his satisfied patients. If you are considering having total hip replacement, I very highly recommend Dr. Chen. read more

The man is a magician! Right hip replacement went much better than the previous left hip replacement ( different surgeon, 10 years ago)... I was up and about in one month. 8 months later, I feel 20 years younger... walking 2+ miles a day with no pain. Plus , he is a super nice person! read more

Can't say enough about the quality of care I received from Dr Chen and all involved with a total hip replacement in May, 2024. This review is coming from an MD. I could go on and on-but the bottom line is go here if you need a new hip. I am seven weeks out and sometimes I forget I had it done as I am utterly pain free. read more

I believe the five-star reviews which describe Dr Chen to be an extremely qualified surgeon, but if you, the patient, do not present the exact symptoms he is expert in treating, he is not particularly caring or good at listening or even asking questions which might elicit information to help you resolve your problem. Metaphorically, he is like a fine, specialized hammer--if you are not a nail, he doesn't have time for you. Too bad if you happen to be a rivet or a grommet. read more

Dr. Chen did a superb job on my right hip replacement. The area healed beautifully, and I was walking around in no time! He was always kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable in our interactions. In addition, his staff paved the way very efficiently by handling all of the paperwork and pre-surgery instructions in an efficient and respectful manner. I would absolutely recommend him for any surgery needed and will definitely request him if I should need any further work done. read more

Dr. Chen performed a total knee replacement for me on July 10, 2023. The entire experience has been very positive. My recovery has been smooth and my mobility has returned. I am so grateful to Dr. Chen for his expert surgical performance and follow-up care. I could hardly walk before the surgery and now I am almost completely healed. I can walk without assistance, not even a cane. I can climb stairs normally and can engage in most activities that I could before the surgery became necessary. (It has been almost 5 months since the surgery. My mobility improves every week.) His office staff is stellar in their organization and guidance through the process. I highly recommend Dr. Chen for orthopedic surgical needs. If I have a need for orthopedic services in the future, I will definitely be working with Dr. Chen again. Thank you, Dr. Chen read more

It's been 7 weeks since my right hip replacement. I am extremely pleased with the result. I had my left hip done 8 years ago by a different surgeon who performed a posterior approach. The recovery was long and painful. That experience caused me to be reluctant to go forward with the right hip. I wish Dr. Chen had been my surgeon then. His office has also been very accommodating as I live some distance away and they keep that in mind when scheduling appointments. If you are considering this surgery you will not be disappointed with Dr. Chen. read more

I am sure Dr Chen is a good surgeon but the rude woman he employs to answer his calls and schedule appointments needs some meds or a new job. I would lobby for both. No thanks ! But I will be lodging my complaint with the insurance companies and hospitals you are affiliated with. read more

I chose Dr. Chen to do a knee replacement based on a personal recommendation from another doctor, and many reviews. This is my story. Dr. Chen's initial replacement surgery went great. I was walking unassisted a week afterwards. But about 6 weeks later I started having pain in the knee, then a fever of 100.9°, then my incision became squishy. I called Dr. Chen, and he said my temperature wasn't high enough to indicate any problems. So I waited. My knee got more painful, so he said, "Send me a picture." OK, then he said it wasn't draining. OK, wait some more. Finally a week after I first complained about symptoms, I passed out one night and fell on the bathroom floor. My whole knee opened up and sent blood and pus everywhere. Finally took an ambulance to the hospital. I was delirious at that point. Turned out the knee was infected and had become septic. After over two weeks in the hospital including another surgery to put a spacer in, which never quit hurting until I finally had a proper prosthesis put in. So, it's been 9 months and counting to recover from my initial surgery because Dr. Chen tried to make a diagnosis from a phone picture, and ignored my other symptoms. I would call this negligence, at the least. What??...he can't make mistakes?? I didn't warrant an office visit? If you want a doctor who cares about your recovery and not just the procedure, and who checks up on you after the surgery (when I called him after my release he still didn't know I had developed sepsis), and cares about you on a personal level, look elsewhere. Dr. John Kronick at John Muir comes to mind. Chen cost me almost 9 months of my life and a LOT of pain, not to mention a brush with death from sepsis. read more

I recently had a total hip replacement performed by Dr. Chen. He did a great job. I'm pain free and on my road to complete recovery. Dr. Chen and his assistant, Jackie, are accessible and available to answer your questions. read more

I am now six weeks post surgery for a totally hip replacement. Dr. Chen did a terrific job. I was very nervous before surgery but many of my colleagues and neighbors reassured me that Dr. Chen was a master surgeon and that he had performed their own surgeries without a problem. I was further reassured by every physician, nurse and physical therapist that I encountered that there was no one as meticulous and careful as Dr. Chen. No one ever said a neutral " Oh he's good" or "It will be fine" but rather " He is the best" and " there is no one better than Dr. Chen." I also want to commend his staff. Jackie patiently helped me navigate pre and post op appointments to insure that everything went smoothly. Thank you Dr. Chen. read more

Dr Chen was excellent, I had total Knee replacement, he did a great job, the surgery was with little or no pain my recovery was good, I,m now pain free, Dr Chen is straightforward and Knowledgeable. Jackie and Bonita were wonderful and kind very efficient read more

After 74 years of hard use my hip rapidly deteriorated over a 6 month period in the midst of the pandemic. Hiking mileage dropped to zero as the pain increased. At the recommendation of my GP I made an appointment with Dr. Chen. His initial diagnosis was accurate and confirmed by x-rays at the follow-up. He prescribed physical therapy whose purpose was pretty much limited to pain reduction. My hip was not going to get any better. I scheduled my surgery with Dr. Chen's extremely well organized and caring staff as soon we had secured an appointment for our vaccine shots. I am so glad I didn't delay. The pre-op process coordinated by Dr. Chen's office with Alta Bates Hospital provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the surgery itself, the hospital stay and the post-op recovery phase along with all the at home preparations needed to make it as successful as possible. I was very well cared for from hospital check-in to check-out. Everyone thoroughly explained what was going to happen at each step - admin staff, hospital aides, nurses, doctors, physical therapists, etc. And, they were all ready to answer any questions. Within a few hours of surgery the physical therapist had me up on my feet and moving with a walker. Before leaving the hospital the next day I was able to stroll a good distance along the halls with the walker and practice some basic movements like getting in and out of the bed and a chair. At home I went from a walker to a cane within a week. I weaned myself off the heavy pain medication by day 5 and only occasionally needed a Tylenol after then. Home visits by a PT were very helpful to monitor my progress and introduce new exercises as appropriate. X-rays and post-op visits with Dr. Chen at 2 and 6 weeks showed that everything was as it should be. It's now been almost 7 weeks. For almost a month I've been back in the gym a few times a week doing upper body exercises and the stationary bike. I walk every day and do stairs. Yesterday I went on a comfortable 3 mile hike with no pain. At this point it's hard to distinguish any pain or discomfort I feel as being hip related or just simply due to old age! So, it looks like I'm almost back to normal (but now with no hip pain). The x-rays had shown similar deterioration in my other hip but it has not yet started to cause pain or impact my range of motion. When it is time though, I will not hesitate to schedule another surgery with Dr. Chen. read more

It's a little over three months since a total hip replacement from Dr. Chen and I'm extremely pleased with the results. Dr. Chen and Jackie prepared me thoroughly for the procedure. Staff at Alta Bates made my overnight stay relatively easy. Home and outpatient physical therapy have strengthened me so that I've resumed all normal activities, walking at ease and without pain. I'm still building up my endurance for longer walks, but having steady progress. At one point, about two months after surgery, my recovery seemed to stall, but after consulting with Dr. Chen and his staff, I modified my activities for a bit, and recovery resumed. It is wonderful to be free of pain and to move freely. Many thanks to Dr. Chen and to Jackie and Bonita. read more

Dr. Chen and his staff are THE BEST! I had my complete hip replacement in July and I literally felt no pain and was back to work full time in two weeks. He was recommended to me by friends who are doctors. I was told he was the best and had the most experience in the latest procedures. The office is in a great location! It's directly across the street from x-ray and surgery. The office staff is always inundated with calls and paperwork and making arrangements for surgeries and still it runs like clockwork. I thought it was odd to see complaints here regarding Dr Chen's personality. He is a lovely person. He is a professional. He is polite, introverted and focused on his work. He answers all questions and concerns honestly and completely. He is excellent at his craft and a kind person. If I need further hip or knee surgery I will definitely go back to Christopher Chen. read more

Dr. Chen replaced both my knees in 2015 and it improved my life enormously. That was a difficult year with 6 surgeries. Recently I fell and hurt my hip so I made an appointment. The receptionist embarrassed me in front of another patient by gleefully pointing out I had a $77 balance. She said I must bring the money for the appointment. I did. When I got there, she continued her grumpy approach and said I could not pay with my debit card because they had turned it over to a collection agency. She gave me detailed info about how to pay it. All of this was just racism and bad manners but then, after the doctor recommended that I have a cortisone shot, she REFUSED to make the appointment until she had evidence I had paid the bill. In 70 years I have never had anything like this happen. I owe the money but it is not thousands and even then I deserve respect and privacy. read more

Dr. Chen performed a total hip replacement for me in 2017. Everything about the procedure was absolutely perfect. When looking for a surgeon it was important for me to limit my reading of online reviews to those written by people who actually had surgery with the surgeon. I thought I'd try to help anyone out there who wants first hand knowledge. In 2017 I was a very active 54 year old with arthritis in my hip. The pain had gradually become too much. Walking was difficult and at times I resorted to using a cane. I was ready for a total hip replacement. When I interviewed potential surgeons I wanted to assess their actual experience at the procedure I needed. Dr. Chen had a great deal of experience at the minimally-invasive anterior procedure I preferred. The other surgeons I interviewed were fine but none conveyed the confidence and patient, thoughtful demeanor of Dr. Chen. I'm not one who wants to be entertained by medical professionals during office visits. What I look for is someone at the top of their field who will take the time to assess my situation, thoughtfully answer my questions, provide advice, and tell me what I can reasonably expect before, during, and after the procedure. I found Dr. Chen to be excellent at all of the above. My hip replacement two years ago was a huge success. I'm so glad I did it. I made a quick and complete recovery from the surgery and I'm back to being my usual very active self with no pain at all. Finally, his office team of Jackie and Bonita can't be beat. read more

I have just completed my second hip replacement with dr Chen. He is an excellent surgeon and I would recommend him highly. My first was in March and now I am just two weeks past my second. I am so happy with the results. He's an expert at the anterior approach having had years of experience with it and has his own special operating table at Alta Bates for this particular operation. He'll answer all your questions so ask away. Good luck with this not easy or fun but you'll be in good hands. That's what's important. read more

I have just had my second arthroscopy by Dr. Chen. The first one was more than 10 years ago and it is still without pain or problems. In October he did the other knee. Even the first night, I was able to sleep through the night without pain! Never used the crutches. Walked my dog the day after the procedure. I received competent care from Dr. Chen and his staff. Thank you! read more

In 2007, when I needed a hip replacement I was on the hunt for an orthopedic surgeon. As a nurse, I had been out of the 'hands on' clinical setting for a few years. I knew the best folks to ask were my former co-workers at Alta Bates. The resounding response from other nurses from various department was Dr. Christopher Chen. He is extremely meticulous, precise and careful in the care of his patients. Dr. Chen has been my joint MD since 2007. His expertise has assisted me through three joint replacements. He essentially has kept me on my feet. So, if you are reading this review in the hopes of helping you choose an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chen is your guy! I must also give kudos to Jackie and Bonita for their assistance during very stressful times in my life. read more

I had a total hip replacement by Dr. Chen in March, 2022. He is a fantastic surgeon. I recommend him without reservation. The nursing staff at Alta Bates also respects him and his work. I was in the hospital for just over 24 hours, but I had multiple positive comments about him from the nursing staff. I think these are probably the best sources of compliments a surgeon can have. read more

I've had 3 hip surgeries performed by Dr. Chen (2 replacements, 1 revision due to device recall). All of them were great experiences. Dr. Chen is very straightforward and extremely knowledgeable. I felt very well taken care of from start to finish. Jackie and Bonita are also wonderful. Really on top of navigating all the steps in the process. They've been a team for a long time are well oiled machine at this point. The last surgery was done at The Surgery Center on Telegraph. So much nicer than the hospital! More personalized care and even really good food. Can't recommend this office highly enough. read more

I had a hip replacement performed by Dr. Chen in January and I am pleased to report that I just went backpacking this June! (a short trip, but backpacking in the mountains nonetheless.) I am completely satisfied with my care from Dr. Chen and I appreciate his gentle and thoughtful manner and excellent, careful advice. I do recommend the surgery to anyone having doubts--in my case at least it has been miraculous. read more

Dr. Chen performed my hip replacement using the anterior approach two years ago. As I'm a medical social worker I decided to interview several surgeons (including Stanford docs) before making a selection. I decided to go with Dr. Chen due to his excellent reputation, his thorough explanation of what I was to expect, and his ability to listen to my concerns. (I had my other hip replacement two years prior with some complications.) The morning after my surgery I was walking with my walker 100 feet and able to go up 5 stairs. My recovery went very smoothly, and he was attentive and continues to be available in the event I have any questions. Despite the fact that his office decor may be a little "out of date", that is not what I find important in selecting a surgeon. I have always had great experience also in working with his staff who have been very efficient in getting claims and disability paperwork completed. If I needed any other joints replaced, I would definitely return to Dr. Chen. read more

In early 2019, after more than a year of PT and steroid shots, I had no choice but to get a hip replacement, something I'd hoped to avoid. My GP recommended Dr. Chen and he replaced my hip last July. My recovery was easy and the results have been outstanding. No pain, and full mobility. I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Chen and only wish I had seen him earlier. And I certainly agree with earlier commenters- nice office, short wait and very friendly. competent staff. read more

My review is late but I was very happy with Dr. Chen after two knee replacements. I couldn't walk before and now I go for walks and am very happy. Dr. Chen is professional and efficient. All the staff at the hospital recommended him. His office is small and you never have to wait. I felt very safe trusting Dr. Chen to do my knee s read more

Dr. Chen did my hip replacement four years ago. I'm a former college athlete and was concerned about not being able to be active after the surgery. No need for that worry! My follow up PT and a cautious rehab program (alternate exercise days with rest days) enabled me to return to activities I enjoy. Four years out from surgery, I now chase grandkids, ski, hike and walk a lot (8 miles) with no pain! Thank you, Dr. Chen! read more

I had put off having my hip replaced because I was too busy. By the time I scheduled my surgery, Covid hit. On June 22, I finally had the surgery. What a relief! Dr Chen was magnificent. I was up and about the first evening. Within 5 days I was able to walk without my walker. Dr Chen scolded me in my first post op visit that I was overdoing it. At doctor's orders I cut back. Nevertheless, I felt great. I was sleeping soundly and enjoying life without pain. I am now 4 months post surgery. I want to thank Dr Chen for the outstanding work he did for me. I also want to thank Jackie for being efficient and personable when I come to the office. It has been the best experience. read more

In October, I had my third joint replacement surgery in 6 years with Dr. Chen (one hip and two knees). To me, he is a "master" Orthopedic Surgeon and I highly recommend him. I have had excellent results for all surgeries. With this last knee replacement, I was walking in the house without the assistance of a cane or walker within two weeks. Soon afterwards I was walking without assistance outside. Dr. Chen's office staff worked to ensure that I would have a good experience. The entire surgery team at Alta Bates was top notch, the recovery team was so kind and patient, and the nursing staff could not have been more helpful. My family was amazed by my consistent progress. I am lucky to have found such an excellent surgeon. read more

Doctor Chen and his staff are very reliable, kind, professional, and considerate. The staff greeted me with cheerfulness and was very efficient. When I had a question about Doctor Chen's procedures, he answered them very patiently and explained in an understandable way. Doctor Chen has a friendly and polite, educated character and seemed to very much know what he was doing. I have no understanding as to why Doctor Chen is called a "cold fish" because he was amazing! The office itself was very comfy, with soft chairs and peaceful embellishments. The carpet reminded me of that long time ago in middle school where I would always lay on the rug to do my classwork. The negative reviews all turned out incorrect because everyone there was very considerate towards my pain and I was quickly seen after a short wait. I am extremely satisfied with my visit. Doctor Chen was an exceptional doctor and if I am in need of further medical assistance, I will surely come back again! read more

Dr. Chen replaced my right hip six weeks ago, and the whole experience was and continues to be excellent. All in-person appointments (before and after surgery) were professional, informative, friendly, reassuring, and helpful. The surgery itself at Alta Bates went extremely well, and I was walking without a cane or walker in the second week after my operation. Dr. Chen's office staff is friendly, well organized, and a pleasure to work with. If you need a hip surgeon, put Dr. Chen at the top your list. read more

Amazing. Dr. Chen is THE BEST! All of the staff at the hospital were amazed at my quick recovery -- then they found out that Dr. Chen performed my hip surgery and said, "Of course!" Zero pain. Zero. Remarkably fast recovery. Dr. Chen is kind, efficient, knowledgeable. THE BEST! read more

I haven't met the Doctor as on my first appointment (after having been sent across the street for xrays beforehand) I was told upon presenting my insurance card that they couldn't honor my appointment as I had Covered Californiai/Blue Shield and they didn't accept it, even though over the phone they said it was OK as I had a PPO. Blue Shield has them under contract and said that they were contractually obligated to take it. The office staff person confronted me and wrongly stated that she told me they did not accept Covered California patients, which was a blatant lie! They obviously accept patients by their age and/ or looks and demeanor, and make up an excuse to "get rid of them". Well, I wasted a non paid day of work dealing with these ageist elitists, and hope nobody else goes near them! Unless of course you fit their "accepted" profile. read more