Dr. William B. Stetson, MD

Orthopedist | Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery

4/5(25)

201 S Buena Vista St Suite 240 Burbank CA, 91505 Show map

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4/5

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About

Dr. William Stetson is an award winning orthopaedic surgeon who is double board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine and is the Olympic Team Doctor for the USA Men’s and Women’s Indoor Volleyball Teams. He is a sports medicine, arthroscopy and trauma specialist with an expertise in the surgical reconstruction of complex shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle injuries. Dr. Stetson has an active clinical, private practice and over 90% of his time is spent seeing patients, doing surgery, teaching and doing clinical research. He is a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) for the state of California and has served as an expert witness for the last 15 years in over 60 cases involving complex personal injury, workers compensation, malpractice and product liability cases.

Dr. William Stetson is fellowship trained in arthroscopic surgery and board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He specializes in the arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee and elbow with over 25 years of surgical experience. He has first-hand knowledge of athletic injuries having been an NCAA Athlete and All-American Volleyball Player at the University of Southern California.

He has over 25 years of teaching experience as a volunteer professor of orthopaedic surgery at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center where he teaches the residents orthopaedic surgery and arthroscopy. He has also served as the medical director and on the management committee of outpatient surgery centers. He is the author of over 50 peer reviewed publications and book chapters and has over 100 national and international presentations.

Dr. Stetson is recognized throughout the country for his numerous contributions to both the local and the medical community. Heavily involved in clinical research and academic development, Dr. Stetson has presented his research papers at orthopaedic conferences held domestically and internationally. Dr. Stetson is currently one of the team physicians for the United States Men’s and Women’s Indoor Olympic Volleyball Teams and the United States Olympic Committee. He was the Olympic Team Volleyball Physician for the United States for the London Olympics in 2012.

He has traveled all over the world teaching other surgeons arthroscopic surgery and founded his own non-profit Operation Arthroscopy. He has been named one of “America’s Top Orthopedists” for 15 straight years by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. He has also just been selected to the 2022 Southern California Super Doctors List. This marks the 11th time in a row he has been selected and he is now part of the Super Doctors Southern California Hall of Fame.

Dr. Stetson is passionate about education and sharing his knowledge of orthopaedic surgery. He has traveled extensively throughout the world to lecture and teach arthroscopic surgery to his colleagues in many different countries including Cuba, China and Romania. For his committed work to the Cuban people, he was selected as a Professor Emeritus of Havana University. For the last 6 years, he has been traveling to Romania twice per year to bring modern shoulder surgical techniques to the Romanian doctors. In Romania, he is a Visiting Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania. Locally, Dr. Stetson is also an Associate Voluntary Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Southern California where he instructs orthopaedic residents and medical students.

Dr. Stetson has started a non-profit organization, Operation Arthroscopy (www.operationarthroscopy.com), whose mission is to bring orthopaedic surgery and arthroscopy to countries and communities in need. In addition to humanitarian trips to Haiti, Cuba, Vietnam, Romania and Peru, Dr. Stetson and his surgical team regularly perform pro bono surgeries for those in need at his surgery center in Burbank, California.

Dr. Stetson attended the University of Southern California on an athletic scholarship where he was a two-time NCAA All-American in volleyball, a member of the NCAA National Championship Volleyball Team in 1980, captain of the 1982 team, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He was a five-time Gold Medalist with the US Open National Volleyball Championship Team Nike and played professionally in the United States and Germany. He attended the USC Keck School of Medicine and completed his Residency at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in 1994. He completed his Fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute in 1995 and has been in private practice for over 25 years.

Dr. Stetson was recognized as the University of Southern California’s Student Athlete of the Year in 1982 and also the Pacific 10 Conference Student Athlete of the Year in 1982. In 2007, Dr. Stetson was recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with their Silver Anniversary Award, given to former student-athletes who have gone on to excel in their chosen professions. Recipients of the Silver Anniversary Awards include, Troy Aikman (2014), Rodney Peete (2014), Tim Brown (2012), Bo Jackson (2011), Jack Del Rio(2010), Steve Young (2009), Danny Ainge (2006) Mike Singletary (2006), Mark Johnson(2005), John Naber (2002), Steve Largent (2001), Bill Walton (1999), Sally Ride (1998), Jack Youngblood (1996), Jim Ryun (1994) and many others.

Education and Training

USC Keck School of Medicine M.D. 1989

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California 1989

Board Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)

Orthopaedic SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryABOS

Provider Details

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Dr. William B. Stetson, MD

Dr. William B. Stetson, MD's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Rotator Cuff Injuries and How To Treat Them
Dr. Stetson explains a Rotator Cuff Repair on “The Doctors” TV show. Click here to watch the video.What is the Rotator Cuff?The rotator cuff comprises four separate muscles that surround the top of the shoulder. These muscles stabilize the ball of the shoulder joint to keep it in the socket....
SLAP (Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior) Tears of the Shoulder
What is a SLAP tear?The term SLAP tear refers to a tear of the superior labrum of the shoulder. The labrum is a piece of fibrous tissue made of cartilage, called fibrocartilage, which surrounds the glenoid or the socket of the shoulder. It forms a rim like structure which aids in stabilizing the...

Surgical question (distal bicep tendon)?
The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to repair surgically. If you do not get it repaired, you will most likely lose some strength in your forearm and hand including with rotation of the forearm. READ MORE
Fractured wrist
You should still go in for an evaluation. X-rays are sometimes necessary to determine if there is a fracture and if that is done, they will place a lead shield over your belly to protect your baby from radiation. READ MORE
Should I get it checked out
I am sorry to hear about your fingers, you need to go in right away to get an x-ray to make sure there are no fractures. READ MORE
Should a broken arm be on a cast?
Fractures of the arm bone or humerus can be treated in different ways depending on where the arm is broken. For humerus fractures in the mid-portion or what we call the diaphysis of the humerus bone, they are typically NOT treated in a cast, but rather with what is called a fracture brace. This brace gives compression of the arm and then with movement of the elbow, flexion and extension, the fracture will start to realign and heal. The majority of the time these fractures heal without surgery. Even if the bone heals a little crooked, you won't even notice it and you should regain full motion and strength of that arm! Hope this helps! Dr. Stetson READ MORE
How do you strengthen your elbow ligaments?
You really cannot strengthen your ligaments of your elbow but what you can do is to strengthen the muscles that surround the elbow and this will help protect the ligaments surrounding the elbow. READ MORE
What is the best exercise if you have bad knees?
If you have "bad knees", you should avoid any impact activities and stick to non-impact like a stationary bike or an elliptical trainer or swimming for aerobic activity. However, it has been my experience that people with "bad knees" often have other reasons for their knee pain. I would strongly recommend seeing an orthopaedic surgeon for a full evaluation before starting on any exercise regimen. READ MORE
Will a heating pad help tennis elbow?
Good question! A rule of thumb: "Warm-up and then cool down." Warm or heat on the elbow or any body part is just fine to get it going before you use it. This dilates the blood vessels and gets blood to the sight allowing you to start using it. After using it, working out or after a long day of use, cool it down or ice it. For tennis elbow, a heating pad (not too hot) for 10 minutes is fine and then for icing, take small paper cup (Dixie cup), fill it with water, put it in the freezer. When frozen, take it out and peel back the edges and do an ice massage on the sore part of the elbow for 10 minutes, that is the best way to ice for tennis elbow. Hope this helps! READ MORE
Does tennis elbow require surgery?
If treated properly, over 80% of the time tennis elbow gets better without surgery but in stubborn cases, it can take 6-8 months. Proper treatment includes rest, physical therapy, possibly a one time injection of cortisone or PRP (platelet rich plasma). A forearm band is also helpful to take pressure off of the area. Good luck! READ MORE
Thigh pain?
I would first have an evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon and get an x-ray to make sure you do not have an osteoarthritis of your hip! READ MORE
Knee question?
It sounds like tendinitis. I would get an evaluation from an orthopaedic surgeon. You do not want to run the risk of rupturing the quadriceps tendon which is the thigh muscle connection to the knee cap or patella. READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery?
Most people recover within 4 to 6 weeks from routine knee arthroscopic. However, some people do take longer if there is more damage than anticipated. For example, if there is any significant osteoarthritis of the knee, the surgeon may have to scrape it or do a significant "chondroplasty" which can delay recovery to 2-3 months. READ MORE
Which is better ankle fusion or ankle replacement?
With new technology, ankle replacement now has become a better option for osteoarthritis of the ankle. Depending on your activities, some ankle and foot orthopaedic surgeons will still recommend an ankle fusion (e.g. if you do hard, manual labor) while more and more are recommending an ankle replacement. Just remember, an ankle replacement will not last forever and if you have it done at age 39, there is a high likelihood that it will wear out and you may have to have another one done in your lifetime. READ MORE
How long is physical therapy after ankle surgery?
Depending on what surgery is done, most patients will do physical therapy twice per week for 6 weeks after ankle surgery and then convert to a home program. READ MORE
How do you know if your Achilles tendon is torn or ruptured?
I hate to say it but torn and ruptured are the same thing when it comes to an achilles tendon tear (rupture). I know because I have ruptured (torn) both of mine! The achilles tendon tears/ruptures down near the heel bone (calcaneus) and typically needs surgery whereas a calf strain (muscle attached to the achilles tendon) is higher up and heals without surgery. READ MORE
How long does it take for your knee to heal after meniscus surgery?
Depending on what is done at the time of arthroscopic knee surgery, most patients return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks after surgery. If there is more extensive osteoarthritis or loose articular cartilage, the recovery can take 2-3 months. More information can be found on my website at: www.sportsmedicinedr.com/patient education READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from a dislocated ankle?
It can take 3-4 months to recover from a dislocated ankle as often times there are significant ligament injuries that need to heal. READ MORE
Does a dislocated elbow require surgery?
A dislocated elbow should be first put back in place immediately. This is often done in the emergency room under sedation. Once the elbow is reduced, it is immobilized in a splint and sling for a week to 10 days then range of motion is started. Most people will not require any further surgery on their elbow as long as they regain their motion and there are no other significant ligament injuries or fractures. READ MORE
Can a dislocated elbow heal itself?
A dislocated elbow should be first put back in place immediately. This is often done in the emergency room under sedation. Once the elbow is reduced, it is immobilized in a splint and sling for a week to 10 days then range of motion is started. Most people will not require any further surgery on their elbow as long as they regain their motion and there are no other significant ligament injuries or fractures. READ MORE
How do you reduce swelling after ankle dislocation?
Rest, elevation, ice and compression (RICE). The best way to ice is to put ice into a bucket half full and then fill the bucket with water and submerge your foot in the ice bucket. The first two minutes hurt but after that, it will get numb and keep it in for no longer than 15-20 minutes. READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Faculty Titles & Positions

Co-Founder Stetson Lee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 2020 -
Team Physicians United States Men’s and Women’s Indoor Olympic Volleyball Teams -
Team Physician United States Olympic Committee -
Professor Emeritus Havana University -
Visiting Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy -
Associate Voluntary Clinical Professor University of Southern California -

Awards

NCAA Silver Anniversary Award Year
Southern California Super Doctors 2012

Treatments

Torn Meniscus
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Acl Tear
Frozen Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Rotator Cuff Tear
Tennis Elbow
Patellar Tendonitis

Dr. William B. Stetson, MD's Practice location

William Stetson

201 S Buena Vista St Suite 240 -
Burbank, CA 91505

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New patients: 818-848-3030, 818-653-8792, 818-563-2120

Fax: 310-659-6237

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Dr. William B. Stetson, MD's reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Stetson

4.0

Based on 25 reviews

Dr. William B. Stetson, MD has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 25 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Orthopedist | Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Combining Athletic Expertise and Medical Innovation to Transform Lives

A highly esteemed orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Stetson is making waves in the medical community with his extensive experience, dedication to patient care, and commitment to education. With over 25 years of surgical expertise, he is fellowship trained in arthroscopic surgery and board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). His practice focuses on the arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow, making him a sought-after expert for athletes and active individuals alike.

In 2020, Dr. Stetson co-founded Stetson Lee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine with Dr. Christopher Lee, establishing a clinic dedicated to providing top-tier orthopedic care in a private practice setting. Their shared vision is to combine clinical excellence with a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring patients receive the highest quality care tailored to their individual needs.

As one of the team physicians for the United States Men’s and Women’s Indoor Olympic Volleyball Teams and the United States Olympic Committee, he has played a pivotal role in supporting athletes at the highest level. Notably, he served as the Olympic Team Volleyball Physician for the United States during the London Olympics in 2012. His expertise has earned him recognition as one of the country’s “Top Doctors” for over a decade, and he actively shares his knowledge through various media appearances and published articles in national sports publications.

A passionate advocate for education, Dr. Stetson has dedicated much of his career to teaching and mentoring. His international work includes lecturing on arthroscopic surgery techniques in countries such as Cuba, China, and Romania. His efforts in Cuba earned him the title of Professor Emeritus of Havana University, while he currently serves as a Visiting Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania. Locally, he is an Associate Voluntary Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California, where he instructs orthopedic residents and medical students.

Dr. Stetson’s philanthropic endeavors are exemplified through his non-profit organization, Operation Arthroscopy. This initiative aims to provide orthopedic surgery and arthroscopy services to underserved communities worldwide. His humanitarian work has included missions to Haiti, Cuba, Vietnam, Romania, and Peru, as well as performing pro bono surgeries for those in need at his Burbank surgical center.

An accomplished athlete himself, Dr. Stetson was a two-time NCAA All-American volleyball player at the University of Southern California, where he also earned recognition as the Student Athlete of the Year in 1982. His commitment to sports and education has been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, which honors former student-athletes who excel in their professions.

Learn More about Dr. William B. Stetson:
Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/3391993-William-Stetson-Orthopedist, through Stetson Lee Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, https://www.stetsonlee.com/dr-stetson or through Operation Arthroscopy, https://www.operationarthroscopy.org/

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