As a former dental specialist in private practice and now as his patient, I consider Dr. Skyhar the definitive choice for orthopedic care. My background allows me to appreciate the high level of clinical precision he brings to his work. He was remarkably meticulous in identifying the source of my shoulder pain and limited mobility, delivering a diagnosis that was both accurate and actionable. Furthermore, he excels at communication, explaining complex medical alternatives in clear, layman's terms. I was also particularly impressed by his technique; I experienced zero discomfort during the administration of a cortisone injection. What truly elevates my confidence in Dr. Skyhar is his distinguished history of medical leadership. Having served as Chief of Staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, he was responsible for leading the medical staff and serving as the primary liaison for clinical excellence. His tenure in this executive role focused on: Elevating Patient Safety: Overseeing hospital-wide protocols to ensure care met the highest safety benchmarks. Defining Surgical Quality Standards: Setting the agenda for surgical best practices and ensuring staff adhered to rigorous quality metrics. Clinical Governance: Leading the Medical Executive Committee to maintain the hospital's status as a regional center of excellence. Dr. Skyhar's commitment to these high-level standards--further evidenced by his past roles as Chief of the Department of Surgery and Physician Leader for the Scripps 'System of Excellence'--translates directly to the high-quality treatment he provides in private practice. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking an orthopedic leader who masters both the science of surgery and the art of patient care. read more

Two months ago, I had a really bad fall and dislocated my shoulder. To make a long story short, the first orthopedic surgeon I saw completely misdiagnosed me and refused MRIs as he said they were not necessary he knew it was wrong with me. He had indicated I might need a full shoulder replacement and then referred me to PT. For two months I have been at a pain level of 9+ and have not had any sleep. I finally had to demand MRI imaging because the pain was so excessive I needed to find out what was really going on. His office also totally messed up the request for the MRIs and I had to go twice. Another delay and more pain. I knew I needed a second opinion and was referred to Dr. Skyhar by two friends, and I have to say was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. He is one of the most caring and intelligent doctors I have ever spent time with. He reviewed the MRIs slide by slide and explained in detail what each slide was showing. He determined that I did not need to have any kind of surgery and that my pain that I was experiencing was neurological in nature. He even explained the MRI report by the radiologist that to be honest was not written correctly. He is a wonderful doctor. He is a kind and loving person and I cannot thank my friends enough for referring me to him. My husband said OK. we now know any orthopedic issue that we have guess where we're going: to Dr. Skyhar. His staff are absolutely lovely people truly a blessing to find a medical professional that really is truly an expert. read more

Amazing results and best bedside manner. Office is run so efficiently and with kindness.

If it wasn't for this man, I would be handicapped from being mistreated by the medical system. I am so grateful for his genuineness and masterful skill as a surgeon. You can trust him, he truly cares for his patients. read more

I am an active 61-year old that loves to walk, hike, bike, and backpack. This past year I have experienced worsening arthritis in my knee (due to bone on bone condition). My arthritis had gotten so bad that I was not able to do my normal daily walks on the coast. I tried everything and nothing worked. Then I visited Dr. Skyhar. He reviewed my knee and my MRI and suggested that I try 3 Hyaluronan injections. Over a period of 3 weeks I received the injections and 3 weeks later a miracle occurred - 90% of my knee pain was gone. I walked 10 miles this morning and I experienced no knee pain. I cannot sufficiently express my appreciation for this improvement - it is life-changing. I am back to biking 50 miles and walking 10 miles and with this comes a huge improvement in my mental happiness. Thank you Dr. Skyhar - I cannot thank you enough!! read more

Dr Skyhar has treated me for numerous things on this worn out body. I've had my two shoulders (rotator cuff)repaired so they are like new now. He repaired my torn meniscus on my right knee, never a problem since. I actually had Dt. Skyhar consult me to not do surgery a few times and try PT. He is not ooze to just operate if he thinks you can do without it. I highly recommend him for any knee or shoulder issues. Jeff Clave read more

I have gone to Dr. Skyhar for a few years now. He is an excellent doctor and surgeon and I would highly recommend him. He was the Doctor Who took my daughters cast off when she was 10 years old and I have known and had faith in him since. read more

We've gone to Dr Skyhar for years and have followed him to different locations. Would highly recommend! He's done my knee, my husband's knee and shoulder. read more

Everything about my experience with Dr Skyhar and his staff/office was a 10! I went to him for a bucket handle meniscus tear. He is so hands on, explained everything about my MRI and showed me everything on a big screen TV. Was able to schedule me for surgery as soon as possible to fit my schedule. The Office made sure I had my perscrption filled and in hand before surgery so that I had them ready after surgery. Dr. Skyhar and the whole surgery staff were all very informative the day of surgery and ON TIME! Very organized, Dr. Skyhar runs a tight ship. Dr. saw me 3 days after surgery to remove my bandage , clean my incisions and give me care instructions in person (not just hand me paper with instructions and tell me to remove my own bandage like other doctors do). He has a very personal touch and really cares about his patients. And my knee is doing great on day 5 after surgery. read more

Professional, honest, takes time with you and truly listens. Have had two prior surgeries performed by him. He tries to resolve issues without surgery first. Highly recommend this Doctor. read more

I have seen Dr. Skyhar about 9 times and he is outstanding. Excellent communicator and answers all your questions. I enjoy my visits even if there are needles involved. read more

I am truly blessed that I found Dr. Skyhar! He really took the time to investigate what was going on with my body and not just my shoulder. If it were not for him taking the interest and extra time to really look at things, I wouldn't now know That I was suffering from an auto immune disease. And that surgery would not have taken away my pain. I am really just so grateful to Dr. Skyhar and his team for taking the extra step and not just booking a surgery like my initial Dr. Had. God Bless You! read more

Great shoulder doctor. Did my rotator cuff and cut off a small portion of my right collar bone to improve movement in my right shoulder. We brought my son in to see him and when he just looked at him, even prior to any exam, could tell he had dislocated his shoulder several times. He's an expert, greatly respected and well liked. read more

Dr Skyhar has been the Orthopedic go to for my athletic dad and brother, so I knew when I'd likely need shoulder surgery that's who I'd want. I loved how he sat side by side with me and went over the MRI explaining it and showing me the problem, not just telling me. He's so personable and a great communicator. When I mentioned to my primary Dr I was going to have surgery and when I mentioned it to an anesthesiologist friend, they both said the same thing, "good choice, he's the best". I agree, now 3 months post surgery, I feel great, no more pain and a my recovery has been a breeze. read more

Great experience. Like many men- I put off any sort of treatment thinking the pain would go away or I would "work it out." After 3 months of physical therapy and still no improvement I went to Dr Skyhar thinking surgery was the only solution. He was quick to tell me that I did NOT in fact need surgery. It was just a "frozen shoulder"...... a shot of cortisone and I was back in the water and the gym again!!! To me- it was impressive that some who gets PAID to do surgery - told me not to have surgery. I have also had two personal friends have a knee and shoulder surgery and they also had a great experience with Dr Skyhar. read more

Dr Skyhar did an excellent job. I had rotator cuff surgery. Rehab was excellent and my shoulder is now pain-free. I had surgery 5 months ago and have made a full recovery. A good common sense approach. Thanks Dr Skyhar and Allison. read more

I shopped around talking to three surgeons and talked to all of my friends in the medical field, including past patients. All roads lead to Dr. Skyhar. He is extremely experienced and an expert in his craft. His staff are exceptional, responsive and always there to help in my experience. I had my rotator cuff surgery completed and it's a brutal recovery, but this is the place to do it IMHO read more

I was recommended to Dr. Skyhar by a friend. I sustained a knee injury skiing. I went to see Dr. Skyhar after the MRI. The knee was swollen and I had constant pain in it. Dr. Skyhar informed me that I had osteoarthritis in that knee. He then told me there was absolutely nothing to be done about it which was crushing. I had really been suffering and this was a devastating blow delivered with a hammer. I asked about medications or other treatments for arthritis and he told me that there were pharmaceutical drugs, but "those things will kill you!" Dr. Skyhar has the bedside manner and sensitivity of an ogre. He also knows nothing of alternate forms of medical treatment and seems to think drugs or nothing for osteoarthritis. He was curt, rude and hurtful at a very difficult time for me. After one year of diet changes and acupuncture, I am back to running without pain, playing beach volleyball, tennis and yoga. I highly recommend staying far away from Dr. Skyhar. I just don't think he can get excited about any patient he can't cut on. I recommend highly that you find someone else to care for you as I received absolutely NO CARE. Most sincerely, Krista Percival read more

Dr Skyhar has done both of my shoulders after tearing several tendons on each shoulder, I would highly recommend him if you have to have a rotator cuff repair; he is thorough and a great technician. read more

Dr. Skyhar has always been very professional. For over 6 years he has helped me with shoulder and knee issues. I would highly recommend Dr. Skyhar read more

As an update, I have continued to have great experiences with Dr. Skyhar. As good as they come....

Dr. Skyhar recently did surgery on my shoulder, and the results have been excellent. I had a large calcium deposit and bone spur removed, with an anchor put in to support my rotator cuff. My husband has had 2 shoulder surgeries performed by Dr. Skyhar, also with excellent results. His office is well run and very friendly. I highly recommend Dr. Skyhar read more

Dr. Skyhar is an excellent physician. I've seen him numerous times for a multitude of issues and you will not find a better physician.

I was 15 or 16 when I first saw Dr Skyhar at CORE orthopaedics. He advised against surgery for Osgood schlatters until i was 18. I had the surgery at 23 when I couldn't go any more. In the years in between I received no treatment for my knee and had a couple of years that were ok, but by my 23rd birthday I was in excruciating pain. I had a cyst in my patellar tendon. He cleaned up the bone fragments and anchored the tendon. I'm feeling great now. It's been a few years and I've had zero issues with my knee. I went half of my life in pain and it's gone now. I didn't see Dr Skyhar that many times, as I got the surgery done pretty quickly. He explained what I needed to know well and gave me peace of mind about the whole process. read more

Thorough, personable and skilled. Compassionate. Great sense of humor. A very caring physician. Runs pretty close to on time. Will walk over hot coals to advocate for his patients. read more

I recently had shoulder surgery and I cannot say enough good things about Dr Skyhar and his team. I found him to be honest, down to earth and pragmatic. His team are wonderful and despite being in some pain today (5 days since surgery) I'd be more than happy to have him perform future surgery on anything I need. In short, great guy, amazing team and first class medical care! read more