Orthopedic Sports Medicine | Orthopedic Surgery
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Arthroscopy | Orthopedic Surgery | Repetitive Motion Injury | Sports Injuries | Sports Medicine
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Specialities:
Orthopedic Sports Medicine | Orthopedic SurgeryExpertise
Arthroscopy | Orthopedic Surgery | Repetitive Motion Injury | Sports Injuries | Sports MedicineMy 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.
school Education
Medical School
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2018
Residency
- NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 2018 - 2023
Fellowship
- Steadman Philippon Sports Medicine Fellowship, 2023 - 2024
star Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions from our nationally recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of St. Luke's University Health Network.
“The team from the doctors and nurses are very great and the receptionist was very helpful all did a great team work”
July 28, 2025
“I like working with St Luke's the staff the nurses and the doctors were very great very wonderful just keep up the good work”
July 28, 2025
“Dr K. Was professional, friendly, informative and thorough.”
July 21, 2025
“Dr. Ajay Kanakamedala is, quite simply, the gold standard for what every physician should strive to be. His attention to detail, compassion, expertise, and professionalism are unmatched. From my very first appointment through every step of treatment, his communication was clear, thoughtful, and reassuring-truly unlike anything I've experienced as a patient. He made me feel heard, respected, and confident in my care. Dr. Kanakamedala is a rare combination of intelligence, capability, and genuine compassion-a true unicorn in his field. I will be recommending him without hesitation to anyone and everyone I know.”
July 20, 2025
“Dr explanate everything about my right knee, showing me the x-ray taken in June.”
July 7, 2025
“Dr Ajay is outstanding and also his team is great as well”
June 27, 2025
“The Dr and other staff were excellent at evaluating my situation and recommending care. The doc was Insightful In making a dx and treating me.”
June 20, 2025
“Very thorough all care was great”
June 18, 2025
“Dr K was exceptional! He is knowledgeable and caring.”
June 15, 2025
“Everything was fine. People were very helpful and courteous.”
June 14, 2025
“I have been given the absolute best care related to my injury after 5 months I've come a long way and it definitely has a lot to do with the support and encouragement I have been given by Dr Ajay”
June 12, 2025
“Very good experience.procudure,excellent.”
June 11, 2025
“I was treated w/care & compassion. Not just this visit but throughout my emergency stay & follow up visits. I am so pleased with the outcome of my surgery & the level of expertise by Dr. K. & the whole St. Luke's team!!! Excellent care!! Thank you!!”
June 9, 2025
“I had knee that was hurting and the Doctor fixed it”
June 9, 2025
“Dr Ajay is a very attentive and respectful person, the times I have been accompanied by my husband, Dr Ajay answered the questions very kindly and easy to understand.”
June 9, 2025
“The wait time in the office was about a minute and I was early. Very impressive. All of the staff, receptionist, nurses, xray people were very courteous and respectful. Dr K was great. He explained everything, listened to my questions. I was impressed by the whole office visit experience.”
May 16, 2025
“Good visit”
May 5, 2025
“I have nothing but good things to say about all the providers I have met so far. Including staff”
May 2, 2025
“I was very impressed with all staff and with the doctor.”
April 28, 2025
“All was good”
April 6, 2025
“Received excellent care from Dr K!!I was rushed into St Lukes ER Anderson for traumatic Fall and Dr K took me into surgery the same day to repair my hip. He was very kind and is an excellent surgeon! I wholeheartedly appreciate all he did for me!”
April 5, 2025
“I had a very good experience”
March 31, 2025
“My Doctor was outstanding and the best I have ever had as a doctor”
March 28, 2025
“I am very pleased with the care and treatment that I received.”
March 26, 2025
“Great visit, took extra time to explain the diagnosis and further management. All my questions were answered.”
March 2, 2025
“Dr. K and his office staff were incredible. The ladies at check out made me feel so special and were complimentary. While it had nothing to do with my medical issue, they left a lasting impression of friendliness and caring. The medical assistant personable and the physician assistant spent time asking how the last few months have been for me and sharing her knowledge In a comfortable manner. And Dr. K. He's a class act. I hope I don't need surgery but, should that be in my future, I would trust him with me care. Thank you all!”
March 2, 2025
“Very good”
February 7, 2025
“Exemplary visit Doctor and staff were wonderful”
February 6, 2025
“Dr . Ajay K . Was vet curtious professional abd gave me some answers .”
February 6, 2025
“The care was good with AJAY KANAKAMEDLA”
February 1, 2025
“Dr. Kanakamedala is the best! Very compassionate, caring and knowledgeable!”
January 28, 2025
“Kind, friendly, competent”
January 19, 2025
“I had a very good experience in Dr. AJAY KANAKAMEDALA office.”
January 14, 2025
“Dr. K was excellent! He apologized for running late. He was thorough in his exam as well as his explanations. He was very kind and concerned. If I needed treatment for an orthopedic issue in the future , I would 100% make an appointment to see Dr. K!!”
December 26, 2024
“The doctor was great inform me of my problems with left knee and treated the problem. And called me on the phone later.”
December 22, 2024
“Everyone was corteous to mr. .”
December 15, 2024
“I previously went to another orthopedic doctor but I like this Dr. Kanakamedala much better.”
December 5, 2024
5.0 RATING
“Dr K is awesome! Very detailed provider who explains care well to patient understanding”
July 28, 2025