Scott Ball, MD

Scott Ball, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement surgery for both the hip and knee, and salvage reconstruction for failed joint replacements. Using minimally invasive approaches, he helps facilitate reduced complication rates and faster recovery. Dr. Ball has expertise in hip resurfacing surgery, a technique that is used to preserve the hip bone, allowing younger patients with good bone quality to resume high levels of activity in sports such as surfing, skiing, basketball, and running.
His care emphasizes a comprehensive, personalized approach and open communication with patients. Dr. Ball also strives for individuals to go through treatment smoothly, with as little psychological stress as possible, and the full comfort of knowing they are in expert hands. His ultimate goal is for patients to have a rapid return to a high quality of life.
Dr. Ball has been honored with awards for clinical and basic science research and has published a number of articles on the subjects of hip resurfacing, cartilage tissue engineering and osteochondral allografts. He is currently studying the effects of hip replacement on the muscles surrounding the hip, to optimize post-operative muscle function and recovery. He is also doing research to understand the underlying mechanism of complications from metal-on-metal implants to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected reactions. A regional expert on this topic, Dr. Ball is frequently consulted by surgeons on adverse reactions to hardware used for joint replacement surgery.
He completed a fellowship in joint reconstruction at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles and residency training at UC San Diego School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College) in Philadelphia. He is board certified in general orthopaedics.
Dr. Ball was named a top doctor in orthopedic surgery by the San Diego Medical Society in both 2009 and 2010. He was also honored as a San Diego Health Care Champion finalist in the San Diego Business Journal in 2010.
Outside of work, Dr. Ball enjoys surfing, skiing and travel. He is married and has two children.