Dr. Raynor is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed fellowship training in sports medicine at the Steadman Philippon Institute. He’s sought out for his skills in treating problems of the knee, shoulder, and hip through minimally invasive procedures.

His expertise and dedication to patient care have earned him significant recognition, including being named by D Magazine as the best doctor from 2019 to 2024 for his outstanding clinical excellence.

We commend him for utilizing advanced arthroscopy in every operation, which enables patients to experience less pain and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.

People who suffer from a knee injury would surely benefit from the all-encompassing knee treatments he offers, from fractures and anterior pain to complex knee injuries.

However, several people we spoke to wish that he’d offer more renewal surgeries.

He really explained things to me since I do not know anything about orthopedics

“Dr. Raynor took the time to listen to me and then proceeded to examine me and my explained his diagnosis. He performed a minor painless procedure which has already started to work. He scheduled a follow up with me in six weeks and explained next steps if we are not seeing the desired results. I like that he is so caring and made me feel so at ease. He really explained things to me since I do not know anything about orthopedics. I would highly recommend anyone see Dr. Raynor if they are having issues with joints or bones.” 

-Ellen Turner, Google Review 

His expertise and technical knowledge were outstanding, yet understandable

“Dr Raynor spent an exceptional amount of time during my initial consultation explaining the hamstring injury and my options. His expertise and technical knowledge was outstanding, yet understandable. We drove 4.5 hours from Louisiana for this appointment. I am glad we made the journey in order to obtain the best care available.” 

-D Farr, Google Review 

Having cared for players on both the New York Giants and the New York Mets, Dr. Thornton is widely recognized as one of the trusted sports medicine specialists in the Texas region.

What sets him apart is his extensive knowledge in handling shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow-related injuries, which is rare because most Dallas orthopedic doctors only specialize in up to three body parts.

This broad expertise translates to practical advantages for patients. He can identify how problems in one area (like a knee alignment issue) may be contributing to pain in another, such as your hip or lower back, giving you more comprehensive solutions.

We were also impressed to discover that he offers biologic therapy, a highly advanced treatment that precisely targets disease pathways, leading to reduced inflammation and pain.

Despite these capabilities, there were concerns about his post-operative care. Some of his previous clients were upset with him for not paying attention to inquiries about the pain they felt weeks after the surgery.

He is very personable and really made me feel at ease

“I first met Dr. Thornton through a workman’s comp injury. I had torn my rotator cuff and biceps tendon. Dr. Thornton through the entire process of the consultation, surgery, and recovery was top notch! He is very personable and really made me feel at ease. Because of his expertise and the rehab process I am about 6-months ahead of schedule. In talking to other nurses at the hospital many told me that if they had to have surgery, he would be who they select. I just went back to him for knee pain this week and I had the exact same experience.” 

-Chas Hilger, Google Review 

He did exactly what he said he’d do

“Dr Thornton is a wonderful surgeon. He explained everything in plain English. He did exactly what he said he’d do. He fixed my arm. The staff are extraordinary. I work in a hospital. So I know how things are “supposed” to be. Well, they were fantastic. From the front desk to check out. The nurses and techs in pre-op and recovery were absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to get hurt again and receive that treatment once more. Of course I’m kidding. Or am I? Great bunch of people. Nice large clean office. I very highly recommend them.” 

-Kenneth Kane, Google Review 

Dr. Peters is a veteran who performs hundreds of surgeries annually. He’s particularly skilled in hip and knee reconstructive operations, having completed a fellowship training under nationally known surgeons Charles and Gerard Engh.

His extensive background has equipped him to handle challenging cases, including total joint replacements and even botched prior operations from other doctors. This is comforting for those who have lost hope that they can still recover from their injuries.

His reputation for successful operations has spread far beyond Dallas. We found out that many people traveled from distant cities just to seek his help—a strong testament to his skillfulness.

That said, some patients pointed out that he sometimes arrives almost an hour late for appointments. 

He explained the knee replacement process completely, so I knew what to expect

“Patient care from the hospital staff from the moment of check in and until I was discharged was excellent. Every staff member was professional and dedicated to providing a pain free experience. Dr Peters provided outstanding care and follow up. He explained all steps of the knee replacement process completely so I knew what to expect. His office staff are also superb in providing follow up and bring available for questions.” 

-Brad Haynes, Google Review 

He took the time to explain my hip condition in detail

“I had an excellent experience with Dr. Peters. From the first consultation, he took the time to explain my hip condition in detail and made sure I understood all of my treatment options. His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care made me feel confident throughout the process. After my hip surgery, Dr. Peters and his team provided outstanding follow-up care and support. I’m recovering going through PT, almost now pain-free and back to my normal activities. I highly recommend Dr. Dr. Peters to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate hip specialist.” 

-Pablo Reyes, Google Review 

Dr. Kruse is a surgeon at Texas Orthopaedic Associates who specializes in shoulder-related services, such as rotator cuff repair, distal clavicle excision, subacromial decompression, and total shoulder replacement.

One thing we noticed is his use of innovative 3D planning technology to prepare for the procedure. He creates a digital model of your shoulder to better assess what’s needed for your operation, reduce complications, and improve outcomes.

In addition to his futuristic approach, he offers same-day surgery, which is a huge advantage if you need urgent care.

Nevertheless, no doctor is perfect. Several patients we spoke to said that the consultations were rushed to the point that they weren’t able to go into detail about the pain they felt.

He made me feel at ease and very optimistic about playing full tennis again

“I came in today for a consultation for a shoulder replacement with Dr. Kruse. It’s been bad for 7 years. I’ve been reluctant to have surgery because I’m a competitive tennis player.  It’s gotten so bad that I can barely reach a cabinet door. I heard about him through my tennis pro who just had a rotator cuff repaired and one month later he is now feeding balls in drills. ( it’s his left shoulder) he made me feel at ease and very optimistic about playing full tennis again in 5-6 months. I think he is awesome. My surgery is in 2 weeks.!” 

-Becki novak, Google Review 

So pleasant, helpful, and makes you feel like you’re the only patient

“Dr Kruse is an excellent doctor. I had left shoulder pain and then surgery on it. He is courteous, he shows problems on computer and then showed surgery and how repairs done. He is self explanatory and does it where the patient understands. All the staff is awesome. So pleasant, helpful, and makes you feel like you’re the only patient. So attentive. I would highly recommend this office.” 

-Mary West, Google Review 

Ever since he left Baltimore’s Institute of Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Sakowski has been highly committed to helping people walk again without any problems.

He took fellowship training in formulating solutions for foot and ankle conditions. He specifically offers bunion correction, Achilles tendon repair, and ankle replacement.

We particularly like the latest diagnostic tools he uses, allowing him to provide faster and more accurate readings that result in an expedited planning of treatment options.

Beyond the impressive equipment, most people we talked to praised his patient-centered approach. He ensures that you’re well-informed about your situation and feel confident and supported in the health choices you make.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is the long waiting time. Due to the high patient volume, it could take more than an hour before he can examine your injury.

They are very competent and responsive

“Dr. Rizkalla and his staff are the best !  They are very competent and responsive, and have gone out of their way to make sure that i was shown all details of my imaging products and the resulting diagnosis and treatment solutions. And — Dr. Rizkalla followed up with me for two tele-med status check-ups on my treatment progress and to see if I had any additional questions about my treatments.  How many specialists do you know that do this?? I hadn’t known any until now. I would encourage anyone that has spinal issues to go to Dr. Rizkalla — I certainly will for any future issues.” 

-Mark Henley, Google Review 

He’s knowledgeable, professional, and understands what’s going on in my neck

“Dr Rizkalla, was referred to me by my orthopedic doctors. He’s very knowledgeable, professional and understands what going on in my neck area. I’m a high risk patient due to not having immune system and having radiation in the neck area. His willingness to take on this surgery, understanding that I’m high risk, and things that could happen. He’s very honest, laying out all possibilities, and his concern to help reduce the pain, makes me trust him more. His staff are top of the line and as caring as he is. Again all professional and caring.” 

-RANDY WALKER, Google Review