Dr. Christopher Hajnik
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery
Encinitas, CA
19 years experience male
Locations
Office
Encinitas, CA
Phone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Blue cross blue shield
United healthcare
About
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
155 Answers
44 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Unlikely: Based on your age, the more likely scenario is patellofemoral syndrome, which will often respond to anti-inflammatory medication and focused physical ... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: It depends on the diagnosis. There are too many possibilities to consider in this format. You may benefit from a visit to your pcp to help determine... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Possibly surgery: If the meniscus is causing knee locking and/or your knee is now unstable during pivoting activities, you may need surgery.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 73-year-old male asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Not long: You should be evaluated as soon as possible by your hip surgeon or another orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Probably: I'm no expert on insurance jargon, but the meniscus is a type of knee cartilage that is treated with arthroscopic surgery.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Many things: Rest, ice, over the counter pain meds, and activity modification is a good starting point. Your orthopaedic surgeon can give you more specifics.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Conservative: Begin with low-impact exercise, weight-loss, and over-the-counter pain meds. Your surgeon may recommend joint injections as well. Surgery as a last ... Read More
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
No: Spine or muscle strain won't, but a kidney infection can. See your primary care physician.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: Symptoms such as pain and knee locking may require surgical intervention.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 54-year-old female asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: It all depends on your symptoms and your response to conservative treatments such as over-the-counter pain meds, icing, low-impact exercise, weight lo... Read More
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Pro-: Joint replacement or arthroplasty, when performed correctly with the proper indications, is a true success story in that it can return patients to man... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: My orthopaedic diagnoses can now be treated arthroscopically when surgery is indicated. Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon regarding your particular p... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Don't Know: Worsening symptoms 3 months after a hip replacement can mean anything from simply overdoing it in rehab or having inadequate rehab to having an infec... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Pain: Pain and inability to move the joint that it crosses.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
No: Patellofemoral syndrome is a common source of anterior knee pain and it is often related to mild patellar maltracking. Usually physical therapy, acti... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Patience: Recovery from surgery for a hip fracture can take up to a year, with a significant proportion of patient regressing in their ambulatory status compare... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Yes: Many factors come into play. Usually conservative treatment with bracing and pt is affective for acute, non-recurrent patellar dislocation. Recurren... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: Yes, but many factors affect the success of meniscus repair. These include age of the patient (better if younger than 40), location of the tear, and ... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Pain and instability: Pain and an unstable feeling especially with pivoting type activities may indicate an acl injury.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: A torn meniscus does not usually heal on its own. However, sometimes it will become asymptomatic (i.e. Doesn't hurt). Depending on the overall degen... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
No: When performing a hip replacement, your surgeon will ensure that your hip is stable. Thus, laxity at other joints should not affect the stability of ... Read More
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Not Necessarily: Often a PCL injury can be treated with bracing and physical therapy. It depends upon other pathology within your knee, and your functional requiremen... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
High: Following strict criteria, only 5-10% of patients with knee arthritis are appropriate candidates for partial knee replacement. The goal of knee arthr... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Normal: As it is a man-made device, it is not unusual to hear/feel painless clicking in your knee after a successful knee replacement. If concerned, have you... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Sometimes: Patellofemoral syndrome is often successfully treated with aggressive, committed physical therapy aimed at strengthening the inside portion of your qu... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Scar tissue: Rehab after a total knee replacement is a race between the formation of scar tissue and achieving appropriate range of motion. Appropriate pain contr... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: I tell my patients that their job rehabing the knee is much more difficult than my job replacing the joint. On a pain scale of 1-10 (with 7/10 being ... Read More
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
No: Meniscus tears will not heal on their own, but they may become asymptomatic. Cortisone acts as a local anti-inflammatory agent and may decrease the s... Read More
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Usually not: Nerve blocks and IV pain meds usually provide good post-op pain relief.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: If your meniscus is amenable to repair, you will usually be non-weight bearing for 4-6 wks. Early therapy will focus on range of motion. Follow your... Read More
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Possibly: Age, genetics, and activities can all contribute.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Possibly: Hip dislocation is a risk after this surgery. Make certain that you follow your surgeon's instructions before attempting certain yoga poses.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
PT: Your knee has both static stabilizers (acl and pcl) and dynamic stabilizers (quads and hamstrings). Hamstring and quadricep strengthening is usually ... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: It depends on whether you are referring to articular or meniscal cartilage (there are two types within the knee). Many factors influence a recommenda... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Yes: Most surgeons follow a protocol of IV antibiotics for 24 hrs after the surgery. This is evidenced-based. Antibiotics are usually advised for other p... Read More
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: Usually anywhere from 30 min to 3 hrs depending upon the amount of pathology being addressed by the surgery.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
None: Assuming that you mean an uncomplicated total hip replacement, you should be up with physical therapy by the day after surgery if not the day of surge... Read More
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Work on motion: I usually don't prescribe pt for a simple knee arthroscopy. Usually a stationary bike is sufficient to help with achieving good range of motion.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Yes: Your gp can usually make a generalized diagnosis. If necessary, they will refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Concerning: You could have inflammation of your rib cartilage or asthma. More info is needed. You should probably see your gp.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Don't know: Possible piriformis strain or trochanteric bursitis. If symptoms continue, see you orthopaedic surgeon.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: First, you should be assessed by your orthopaedic surgeon to help identify the problem. Reasons for your problem can include patient factors such as ... Read More
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Depends: While certain diagnoses such as osteoarthritis typically cause hip pain later in life, some problems such as avascular necrosis, dysplasia, or perthe... Read More
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Hard to say: Many joints make noise, and without accompanying pain, it is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
Sometimes is may be an indication that there is ... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Yes: Usually a dislocated patella will spontaneously reduce with knee extension.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Follow directions : Usually 4000 mg per day of Acetaminophen and 1600 mg per day of Ibuprofen are safe. All medications have side effects and risks so please follow the ... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
3 months: Assuming that it has been repaired with surgery, you are looking at 3+ months of protected knee motion to allow for the repair to heal.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Hajnikanswered
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery 19 years experience
Rest: Rest, ice, compression, and anti-inflammatory medications (follow advice on the label) can help with the acute symptoms. Physical therapy may help as... Read More
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
367
Thank you notes
Apr 6, 2015
Great doctor. Consistently gives thoughtful, insightful and expert advice.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Hajnik is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Hajnik is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you so much i've been freaking out. Do you have advice for knee bone contusions? I have some on my left patella from an injury 2YrsAgo
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I am still under my surgeons care I just can't seem to get satisfactio
HealthTap member
A friend is about to go thru this.Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, PA
Graduated 2003MD
Awards
Top Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgeon , First Place, California - Winter
2013
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
CORE Orthopedics PC
Scripps Memorial Hospital
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