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Your Trusted Orthopedic Care Provider in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute was founded with a vision to advance musculoskeletal care in the Eastern Sierra region. Established by Drs. Michael Karch and Timothy Crall, our practice has grown through strategic additions of specialists like Dr. Brian Gilmer in 2014 and Dr. Stephen Knecht in 2019. We operate as a full-service orthopedic department in partnership with Torrey Pines Orthopedic Group, combining decades of collective experience with cutting-edge technology. Our team of surgeons, physician assistants, and athletic trainers prioritizes patient-centered care, understanding firsthand the impact of injuries on active lifestyles. We specialize in sports medicine, joint replacement, fracture treatment, and orthobiologic therapies while maintaining academic rigor through research and education.

Our commitment extends beyond clinical excellence to community wellness programs that promote holistic health. With locations in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, we serve both residents and visitors with accessible, high-quality orthopedic care. Our practice emphasizes meticulous treatment protocols, innovative surgical techniques like robotic-assisted joint replacement, and comprehensive rehabilitation services. We maintain industry leadership through continuous medical education, hosting annual conferences, and publishing scholarly research. Our mission remains focused on restoring mobility and improving quality of life for every patient we serve.
Services
Shoulder Arthroscopy Knee Arthroscopy Sports Medicine Joint Replacement Fracture Treatment Orthobiologic Therapy Physical Therapy Urgent Care Remote Consultation
Highlights and features
  • We offer board-certified orthopedic surgeons with specialized training in sports medicine and joint replacement
  • Our practice utilizes robotic-assisted surgical technology for precision joint replacements
  • We provide comprehensive care from urgent injury treatment to long-term rehabilitation
  • Our team includes physician assistants and athletic trainers for continuous patient support
  • We maintain academic partnerships for ongoing medical research and education
What people say
Exceptional surgical outcomes Compassionate medical team Effective rehabilitation programs Expert sports injury care Advanced joint replacement techniques
Services
Joint Replacement Surgery
Our robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures use advanced VELYS technology for precise implant placement. Board-certified surgeons perform hip and knee replacements with improved alignment and reduced recovery times. Patients benefit from personalized rehabilitation programs and state-of-the-art implants that enhance mobility and joint function.
Sports Medicine
Specialized care for athletic injuries includes arthroscopic surgery and biologic therapies. Our team treats ACL tears, shoulder dislocations, and fractures using minimally invasive techniques. We develop customized recovery plans for athletes at all levels to restore performance capabilities safely.
Orthobiologic Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and amniotic tissue treatments stimulate natural healing processes. These biologic interventions enhance tissue repair for conditions like tendonitis and osteoarthritis. Our protocols combine growth factor therapies with physical rehabilitation for optimal recovery outcomes.
Fracture Care
Comprehensive fracture management includes emergency stabilization and surgical repair. We treat complex breaks using internal fixation and external devices. Our approach combines immediate injury care with progressive rehabilitation to restore full function following bone trauma.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Advanced shoulder arthroscopy addresses rotator cuff tears and instability issues through small incisions. Using 2mm instruments, we perform repairs with less tissue disruption. Patients experience reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgical techniques.
People
Michael Karch
Orthopedic Surgeon
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement and robotic-assisted procedures. Dr. Karch pioneered advanced hip replacement techniques in the Eastern Sierra region.
Brian Gilmer
Orthopedic Surgeon
Sports medicine specialist with expertise in knee and shoulder arthroscopy. Dr. Gilmer treats complex ligament injuries and provides comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletes.
Stephen Knecht
Orthopedic Surgeon
Foot and ankle specialist with extensive experience in trauma surgery. Dr. Knecht manages complex fractures and reconstructive procedures for lower extremity conditions.
Timothy Crall
Orthopedic Surgeon
Founding member with expertise in hand and upper extremity surgery. Dr. Crall provides urgent care for acute injuries and reconstructive solutions for chronic conditions.
Richard Brown
Orthopedic Surgeon
Specialist in spine and upper extremity disorders. Dr. Brown combines conservative treatments with surgical interventions for comprehensive musculoskeletal care.
Questions
What orthopedic specialties do you offer?
We specialize in joint replacement, sports medicine, fracture care, shoulder arthroscopy, and orthobiologic therapies with board-certified surgeons in Mammoth Lakes and Bishop.
Do you provide urgent orthopedic care?
Yes, we offer same-day appointments for acute injuries including fractures, sprains, and sports-related trauma at both our Mammoth and Bishop locations.
What advanced surgical technologies do you use?
Our practice utilizes robotic-assisted joint replacement systems and minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for enhanced precision and faster recovery times.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Request appointments online through our patient portal or contact our Mammoth office at 760-924-4084 or Bishop location at 760-872-7766 during business hours.
Do you accept remote consultations?
Yes, we offer remote evaluations for patients who can provide MRI imaging for review prior to in-person consultations in Mammoth Lakes.
What rehabilitation services are available?
Our physical therapy department provides customized rehabilitation programs for all orthopedic conditions with experienced therapists at both practice locations.
Reviews (1)
Ana Tobio
Jun 02, 2021 Report
When other doctors in the area misdiagnosed or dismissed me, Dr. Gilmer at Mammoth Ortho did not! Hes extremely knowledgable and was very detailed answering my concerns and questions. He fixed my knee for good! Dr. Gilmer, the admin staff, the medical staff and the physical therapists at Mammoth Ortho are super intelligent, friendly, and made me feel genuinely cared for! They are truly the best!!! Ive never been so satisfied with my medical care!