Dr. Christen Mellano, M.D.
Dr. Christen Mellano is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Torrance, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Mellano has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#336 in California) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 38 procedures.
In California, Dr. Mellano performs below average in knee (21 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Mellano's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (21 cases) and hip replacements (17 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 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 38 in the most recent data, a 192% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Mellano's 21 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Mellano Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Torrance, CA 90505
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Mellano's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 192% from 13 procedures in 2019 to 38 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 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Mellano ranks #321 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Mellano perform?
Dr. Mellano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases) and hip replacement (17 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 the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Mellano's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 38 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Mellano's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Mellano's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2019 to 38 in the most recent data, a 192% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 38 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Mellano perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Mellano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (17 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.
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 126 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). 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 38 Medicare procedures are below the Torrance average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Torrance.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Andrawis | 126 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Todd Shrader | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Don Sanders | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Tye | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Mayeda | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Nuccion | 28 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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