David J. Burnikel, MD

Dr Burnikel was thorough, honest, and compassionate in his care. His experience and expertise are extensive and his recommendations were helpful honest and rooted in what was best for the patient the staff was also kind and efficient. The XRay technician stood out as well as she was personable and very knowledgeable

Thank you!

I normally go to UCSD Medical facilities for most of my health needs, especially joints and pain issues, however I have been looking for something closer to me and my referral department offered Synergy Orthopedics as a closer option for me.
Their app and online questionnaire needs vast improvements. There are way too many problems with both and they should not be sending patients to either until both are fixed. They are aware of the issues and still send patients to the app and site to fill out forms even though they don’t work correctly.
I also have issues with some of the forms that they have you sign, but it’s because of policies of the office and nothing to do with the doctor.
As for Dr. David J.Burnikel, I went there with a Meniscus tear seeking advice and solutions for repair and help with pain. I have been doing PT for quite some time and my muscles are getting stronger, however the pain and restriction of movement is getting worse.
Dr. Burnikel’s only solution for helping me was a cortisone shot and because I’m going to be having a total reverse shoulder replacement soon I’ve been advised against getting cortisone shots until after surgery. Other than that, he told me there was nothing to offer to help me.
When he left the room, I looked up treatments on my phone and top doctors in the field advised the option of surgery, which Dr. Burnikel said he found not to help at all, cortisone shots, a knee brace, which he never mentioned and anti inflammatory medicine, which he never mentioned or offered was also recommended. It was also recommended to elevate and definitely use crutches and/or a brace and physical therapy, which I have already been doing and Dr. Burnikel recommended I continue.
He also told me that it was impossible to repair this injury. I found out this is not necessarily the case. It may just take an extremely long time to heal or with surgery which he said wasn’t an option.
I am going to get a second opinion as doing some research has shown me that there are more options and treatments available that he didn’t offer or mention.
I believe some doctors are not as interested in medicine and healing as they should be when I, the patient can simply do some research and come up with a few more solutions and options. He should have taken more time and effort.
Just do the research!
When I can do the research sitting in his office and have to ask for a brace and wear it in between exercising to help me to walk and support my knee, I tell you something isn’t right about this scenario.