Dr. Richard K. Ryu

About the Doctor

Dr. Richard K. Ryu is an orthopedic surgeon in Santa Barbara, California, with more than 21 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of California (San Francisco) School of Medicine, completed a transitional year internship at UCSF (1980–1981), a surgery residency at UCSF (1981–1982), and an orthopedic surgery residency at UCSF (1982–1985). Dr. Ryu is recognized as a Patients’ Top Choice, reflected in his 4.9/5 patient rating based on 207 reviews. Patients generally report positive experiences, highlighting efficient processes, helpful staff, and successful surgical outcomes that allow a return to previous activity levels. He has been designated an “Expert” in five conditions, with clinical expertise including knee injury, knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff injury, arthritis, and traumatic injury. He currently accepts new patients and a wide range of insurance plans including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicaid.

• Patients’ Top Choice awardee with a 4.9/5 rating (207 reviews)

• Over 21 years of experience in general orthopedic surgery

• Expert in knee injuries, rotator cuff injury, arthritis, and trauma

• Accepts new patients and Medicaid

Education & Training

Medical School – University of California (San Francisco) School of Medicine
Residency –

• University of California (San Francisco), Surgery, 1981–1982

• University of California (San Francisco), Orthopaedic Surgery, 1982–1985

Fellowship/Additional Training – University of California (San Francisco), Internship (Transitional Year), 1980–1981

Medical Conditions Treated

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid)

• Rotator cuff injury and tears

• Traumatic joint injuries (fractures, dislocations, ligament tears)

• Knee injuries (ACL/meniscus tears, patellar disorders)

• Shoulder injuries (impingement, labral tears)

• Hip and elbow arthritis or injury

• Sports‑related musculoskeletal conditions

• Tendonitis and bursitis

Medical Procedures Performed

• Knee arthroscopy (meniscectomy, ACL reconstruction, chondroplasty)

• Rotator cuff repair (arthroscopic or open)

• Shoulder arthroscopy (labral repair, debridement, biceps tenodesis)

• Joint replacement (knee, shoulder – if part of practice)

• Fracture fixation (open reduction internal fixation)

• Ligament reconstruction (e.g., ACL, PCL, MCL)

• Joint aspiration and injection (corticosteroids, viscosupplementation)

• Treatment of traumatic dislocations and soft tissue injuries

Services Offered

Dr. Ryu provides comprehensive orthopedic care for patients of all ages, with a focus on the knee and shoulder. He offers non‑surgical management (medications, physical therapy, injections) as well as advanced arthroscopic and open surgical techniques. He performs detailed physical examinations and interprets imaging studies (X‑ray, MRI, CT) to diagnose conditions ranging from arthritis and rotator cuff tears to sports injuries and trauma. His surgical expertise includes knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, fracture care, and joint reconstruction. Dr. Ryu is known for efficient processes, helpful staff, and successful outcomes that help patients return to their desired activity levels. Telehealth availability is not specified; please contact the office directly.

List of services:

• Orthopedic consultation for shoulder and knee problems

• Diagnosis and management of arthritis, rotator cuff injury, ligament tears

• Fracture and dislocation care (casting, closed reduction, surgery)

• Knee arthroscopy (meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction)

• Shoulder arthroscopy (rotator cuff repair, labral repair)

• Joint injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid)

• Open surgical treatment of complex injuries

• Post‑operative rehabilitation coordination

• Second opinions for orthopedic conditions

Accepted Insurances

• Aetna (HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO)

• CA State Medicaid (Medicaid)

• Cigna (PPO)

• CMS Medicare (Medicare)

• Elevance (EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO)

• Regence Health Plans (PPO)

• United Healthcare (HMO, Medicare)

Practice Locations

Address: 2936 De La Vina St, First Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: (805) 963-2729

Hospital Affiliations

• Summit Surgery Center-Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, CA