Dr. Richard Ryu, a board certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, is the senior member of the Ryu Hurvitz Orthopedic Clinic. He is also one of the founding members and the current Surgical Director for Summit and Premier Surgery Centers located in Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Ryu utilizes minimally invasive and open surgery procedures to restore injured soft tissues and bones within the shoulder and knee joints.

Dr. Ryu specializes in:

  • Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery

  • Arthroscopic treatment of meniscal tears

  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

  • Arthroscopic treatment of patellofemoral instability, pain and maltracking

  • Arthroscopic labral and SLAP repair

  • Sports Medicine

  • Arthroscopic treatment of arthritic knee or shoulder

  • Arthroscopic treatment of frozen shoulder

  • Arthroscopic treatment of the AC joint and SC joint

  • Arthroscopic knee ligament reconstruction

  • LifeSpan medicine

Dr. Richard Ryu, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, graduated cum laude from Yale University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended UCSF Medical School where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honors Society. Dr. Ryu completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at UCSF, and then spent his fellowship year with additional training in sports medicine and arthroscopy at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

Dr. Ryu began his private practice in Santa Barbara, California in 1986. He has been serving as the Team Physician for UCSB, Westmont College, the Santa Barbara Foresters, Santa Barbara High School, Bishop Garcia Diego High School and the Cate School for numerous years. He has also served on the board for various local non-profit organizations, and has been a Foundation Trustee for UCSB since 1996.

Dr. Richard Ryu is a past President of the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and has served on its board of directors, in addition to his appointments as Chairman of the Education Committee, the Ethics and Standards Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Program Committee.

Dr. Ryu was designated a Master Shoulder Surgeon in 1997 and continues to teach complex shoulder surgery to other orthopedic surgeons who visit the Orthopedic Learning Center in Chicago. Dr. Richard Ryu recently completed a six-year term as a California delegate to the Council of Delegates for the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, and has been a visiting professor or guest lecturer at the Mayo Clinic, Yale University, UC San Francisco, Tulane University, UCLA, UC Irvine, Temple and UC San Diego.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ryu, please complete the below form, or call Dr. Ryu’s office at 805-963-2729 Ext 3

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Richard Ryu, MD Reviews

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Richard Ryu, MD
Average rating:  
 10 reviews
 by Susan R
MCL Tear

Dr Ryu performed my husband's knee surgery a couple of years ago and did an amazing job! So it was without question that I chose him to care for my right knee MCL tear. He was thorough in his explaination of how I would feel for the next few weeks, a recovery timeframe and what physical therapy would entail moving forward. I just completed my follow up appointment with him and all is well, better than well!. Great office staff, sincere and caring doctor - look no further. Thank you, Dr. Ryu:)

 by John Clark
Amazing job

I recently had surgery on my right meniscus and I was very nervous to have the surgery done but the staff was amazingly nice and understanding. He had a tough call to make during surgery but in the end it was the right one. I’m already up and walking around doing all the things I did before the surgery in May. Would 100% recommend. Thank you!

 by Max
Feeling Great

In September of 2018, Dr. Ryu performed surgery on my left shoulder/bicep. I am a very active guy, and I like to perform weight training 5-6 days a week. When I first was injured, I noticed a serious difference in the movements that I could perform in the gym. I was very sad and depressed, as lifting has been a huge part of my life for the past 5 years. Ever since my surgery, it is like I have been reborn! I never thought that I would be able to train as hard as I could before my injury. However, 7 months post op and I am back and better than ever! I am working out 5-6 days a week just like I used to, and performing extremely well. The other day I hit 115 pounds on the bench press for 10 reps and 40 pounds on shoulder press for 8 reps. While these numbers might not seem high at first, I only started lifting again in February as I had to do P.T before I could get back at it. From shoulder surgery to be able to perform those numbers has given me serious hope for how far I will be able to go in the future. All I can say is that Dr. Ryu is the best. He is professional, caring, kind and most of all knowledgeable! He answered every single question that I had with ease, and he also put up with all my post op anxieties. Not only that but he has a great staff as well who are willing to help no matter what. All I can say is thank you, Dr. Ryu and staff. You have given me my life back

 by Noble Powell
Shoulder Pain

I had immobility and pain in my right shoulder for several years. It got to the point where I was unable to do normal activities and I was unable to sleep or roll over on my right side. I had Dr. Ryu perform laperoscopic surgery in the morning and in the car, on my way home I was able to move my arm with very little pain. Within 6 months and therapy I had no pain and a full range of movement. It has been a year now and I am back to a full workout without pain! I highly recommend Dr. Ryu and his wonderful staff.

 by Bill Norton
Rotator cuff surgery

Left shoulder rotator cuff torn badly. Physical therapy didn't help Second opinion from Dr. Ryu resulted in arthroscopic repair by him and so glad to report it's practically like new. I'm 71 years old and believe me I feel awesome and very thankful Dr Ryu could do such a great job.

 by Suzanne
The Best!

I am an avid tennis player and hiker - I tore my meniscus which limited my activities. Dr Ryu clearly explained the diagnosis, the surgical procedure and the recovery time. He repaired my meniscus and my knee is back to new. Dr. Ryu also explained the need for me to continue my exercises to strengthen legs and prevent future injuries. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

 by Peter Cohen
Two for Two:)

Dr Ryu repaired my left shoulder rotator cuff 6 years ago and it was a complete success. Last July he did my right side and this one was more extensive but also came out perfect. He is very clear in what to expect and more importantly, how to ensure a good result. I am also terrified of doctors and he was very supportive in the pre-opp. I am now 7 months post op and just had all my restrictions lifted. I am back lifting weights (lite ones at first) and am excited to get back to my weight lifting routine. Dr Ryu, and his entire team, are professional, always on time, and competent. I would recommend them 100% and would only use him to rebuild whatever fails next:).

 by William Kindberg
Shoulder Surgery-Rotator Cuff

I am 68 years old and a lifelong surfer, paddler and woodworker. Last February I underwent shoulder surgery for a significant rotator cuff tear, a muscle tear and bone spurs. Dr Ryu assured me i would be able to return to my sports. It seemed at the time doubtful. The surgery went well and Dr. Ryu provided me with a DVD of the important parts of the procedure. It was fascinating. Screws were inserted into bone to reattach the torn rotator cuff and I could see the bone spurs being ground away. After two months I was referred to physical therapy. Dr. Ryu has a close rapport with the therapist and together they tailored a program specifically for me. The outcome could not have been better. I am now back surfing and paddling with no complications. There are exercises to continue which will help prevent future injuries and I am confident going forward with the knowledge I have gained from Dr. Ryu and physical therapy that there will be no further problems. Dr. Ryu has been forthright, precise in his diagnosis and accommodated my many questions. I have spoken to many others, both friends and acquaintances who have been helped by Dr. Ryu with positive results and I would highly recommend him for any orthopedic care.

 by Gary Uratsu
Rotator Cuff

Dr. Ryu repaired my torn Rotator Cuff & torn Bicep Tendon in December 2016. I am 7 months post surgery and about 80% recovered with no pain and 100% range of motion. He is very knowledgeable, professional and an excellent surgeon. Listen carefully to his recovery and rehabilitation instructions and do exactly what he says. Dr. Ryu is adamant about continued strength conditioning to ensure 100% recovery. He is a leader in his field and I would highly recommend him...

 by Gary Uratsu

Dr. Ryu repaired my torn Rotator Cuff & torn Bicep Tendon in December 2016. I am 7 months post surgery and about 80% recovered with no pain and 100% range of motion. He is very knowledgeable, professional and an excellent surgeon. Listen carefully to his recovery and rehabilitation instructions and do exactly what he says. Dr. Ryu is adamant about continued strength conditioning to ensure 100% recovery. He is a leader in his field and I would highly recommend him...