Dr. Don Sanders, M.D.
Contact & Location
310-784-2355
Torrance, CA 90505
About Dr. Sanders
Dr. Don Sanders is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Torrance, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Sanders performed 43 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#105 in California) and 31 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 74 procedures.
In California, Dr. Sanders performs near the state average in hip (43 vs 41), below the state average in knee (31 vs 47).
Dr. Sanders's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (43 cases) and knee replacements (31 cases).
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.
Dr. Sanders's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 48 to 92 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sanders's 43 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 47 | 20 |
| 2014 | 44 | 20 |
| 2015 | 42 | 18 |
| 2016 | 30 | 18 |
| 2017 | 41 | 15 |
| 2018 | 49 | 24 |
| 2019 | 48 | 22 |
| 2020 | 51 | 24 |
| 2021 | 40 | 19 |
| 2022 | 53 | 39 |
| 2023 | 51 | 28 |
| 2024 | 43 | 31 |
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. Sanders Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sanders's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 48 to 92 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sanders
How does Dr. Sanders's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Sanders has performed 74 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sanders ranks #179 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sanders perform?
Dr. Sanders's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (43 cases) and knee replacement (31 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sanders 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. Sanders 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. Sanders's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 74 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sanders's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sanders's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 48 to 92 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Sanders perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sanders's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (43 cases), knee replacement (31 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sanders affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sanders is affiliated with Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
How does Dr. Sanders compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Torrance?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Torrance, Dr. Sanders ranks #4 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. Sanders practices?
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. Sanders's 74 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. Brian Mayeda | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christen Mellano | 47 | 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.