Ajay C. Kanakamedala, MD

My goal, as an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at St. Luke’s University Health Network, is to help every patient get back to the activities they love, whether that means playing sports competitively or doing daily activities without pain. I strive to listen to each patient’s concerns, help them understand their options and develop a plan that is personalized to their specific needs. I specialize in sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, hip and elbow.

I routinely perform minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to manage ligament, labrum and cartilage injuries. I also perform open cartilage restoration procedures, primary and revision ligament reconstructions, shoulder replacements and fracture care of the upper and lower extremities. From joint-preserving knee osteotomies to shoulder replacements, I routinely use CT imaging and cutting-edge 3D modeling software to plan surgeries based on each patient’s unique anatomy. I only recommend surgery when absolutely necessary and use evidence-based biologic approaches to promote healing and recovery. Having had injuries and surgeries myself, I know what it is like to go through the recovery process. I understand that post-operative rehabilitation is as important as a perfectly executed surgery, and I am there with my patients every step of the way until they get back to where they want to be.

I have published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters and have received multiple awards for my surgical technique presentations and research. I am regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences and am on the Arthroscopy Journal editorial board. I am an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. I serve as a team physician for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team and travel internationally with the team. I also provide medical coverage for the Premier Lacrosse League.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and obtained my medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where I graduated in the top 4% of my class with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. I received multiple awards during this time, including the Harold Henderson Sankey Award for the top graduating student in orthopedic surgery. After finishing my orthopedic residency at the NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital in New York City, I completed my fellowship in sports medicine at the internationally renowned Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, where I trained under the leaders in the field of sports medicine and gained extensive experience taking care of professional NFL, NHL, NBA and Olympic athletes, as well as collegiate, high school and recreational athletes.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and family and staying active with weightlifting, tennis, running and skiing. We also love traveling and seeing new countries.