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About Francis B. Gonzales, MD

Francis Gonzales, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in adult hip and knee joint replacement surgery.

Dr. Gonzales is fellowship-trained in direct anterior hip replacement, which is a muscle-sparing approach that allows for accelerated recovery. He has earned national recognition for his expertise with this less invasive technique and trains surgeons around the country on this approach.

In total knee replacement, Dr. Gonzales uses leading-edge computer navigation technology that has been shown to improve accuracy in implant placement, which can enable a more natural feeling knee and longer lasting implant. He was the first to use IASSIST computer navigation in the U.S. leading to a study demonstrating improved precision in restoring leg alignment compared standard instruments used in knee replacement surgery.

Dr. Gonzales also has advanced training and experience in complex deformities and hip and knee conditions requiring revision surgery.

Dr. Gonzales earned his medical degree from Georgetown University. He performed orthopedic surgery training at St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, an academic affiliate of Columbia University in New York. Dr. Gonzales completed adult hip and knee joint reconstruction fellowship at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic in Alexandria, VA. He is board certified in general orthopaedics.

Dr. Gonzales was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Orange County, CA. His inspiration to pursue a life in medicine stems from his mother and father, who are both physicians. Dr. Gonzales especially enjoys seeing his patients return to an active lifestyle.

"I believe a successful joint replacement starts with listening and educating the patient, then making decisions as a team that are unique to each person. Patient care begins at the first office visit, continues through the hospital stay to a full recovery at home, all the way to a renewed active lifestyle."

When not practicing medicine, Dr. Gonzales spends his time with his wife and daughter. He also enjoys running, golf, and playing basketball.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Insurance Information
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans, but you should verify that your plan covers this provider and all services and locations. The information in the link below does not apply to affiliate providers, who are not employed by UC San Diego Health.
Health Insurance Plans Accepted
Open Payments Program Notification
For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.
View Open Payments data for Dr. Gonzales

Medical Degree

  • Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC

Fellowship

  • Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic Alexandria, VA

Residency

  • St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY

Gender

  • Male

Languages

  • Spanish

Date Joined Staff

  • 2010-09-14

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • General Orthopaedics

Conditions and Treatments

  • Total Hip Replacement Surgery Using a Muscle-Sparing Anterior Approach
  • Revision Surgery
  • Tissue-Sparing Partial and Total Knee Replacement Surgery
  • Hip Replacement
  • Hip Surgery
  • Knee Surgery
  • Knee Replacement
Insurance Information
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans, but you should verify that your plan covers this provider and all services and locations. The information in the link below does not apply to affiliate providers, who are not employed by UC San Diego Health.
Health Insurance Plans Accepted
Open Payments Program Notification
For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.
View Open Payments data for Dr. Gonzales