Dr. Christen Mellano, M.D.
Contact & Location
310-257-1500
Torrance, CA 90505
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Dr. Mellano performs more knee replacement procedures than 49% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #246 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Mellano
Dr. Christen Mellano is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Torrance, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Mellano performed 31 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#246 in California) and 16 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 47 procedures.
In California, Dr. Mellano performs below the state average in knee (31 vs 47), below the state average in hip (16 vs 41).
Dr. Mellano's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (31 cases) and hip replacements (16 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Mellano holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Torrance is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Torrance area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Mellano extend back to 2019, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 47 in the most recent data, a 262% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Mellano's 31 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 22 |
| 2023 | 17 | 21 |
| 2024 | 16 | 31 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Mellano Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Mellano's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 262% from 13 procedures in 2019 to 47 in the most recent data.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Mellano
How does Dr. Mellano's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Mellano has performed 47 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Mellano ranks #285 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Mellano perform?
Dr. Mellano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Mellano in Torrance?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Torrance in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Mellano represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Mellano's total volume across all insurers at roughly 160 to 200 procedures against the 47 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Mellano's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Mellano's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2019 to 47 in the most recent data, a 262% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 47 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Mellano perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Mellano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Mellano affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Mellano is affiliated with Providence Little Company Of Mary Med Ctr Torrance, Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
How does Dr. Mellano compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Torrance?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Torrance, Dr. Mellano ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Torrance has 156 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Mellano practices?
Providence Little Company Of Mary Med Ctr Torrance (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Torrance Memorial Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Torrance, California
Dr. Mellano's 47 Medicare procedures are below the Torrance average of 92. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Torrance.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Andrawis | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Tye | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Todd Shrader | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Don Sanders | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Mayeda | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Magovern | 38 | Shoulder |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.