The Repair-First Sports Medicine Surgeon
You were told no. That’s usually where we begin.
Dr. Steve Mora is an Orange County orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon specializing in complex tendon and ligament repair for patients who have been told “no,” are not ready to accept it, and need a surgeon whose standard is built for athletes who cannot afford to wait.
Repair first.
Modern orthopedic surgery defaults to reconstruction because it fits the schedule, the coverage, and the training most surgeons received. For his practice, Dr. Mora deliberately removed those constraints.
The biology decides.
The result is a standard where repair is the first consideration, replacement is the last resort, and the device in the operating room is whichever one serves the patient’s biology — not the supply chain.
This practice was built for a specific person: The impatient patient.
UFC fighters. Jiu-jitsu world champions. Green Berets. Executives who train like athletes and cannot accept a recovery that doesn’t return them to full capability. These patients set the standard at this practice. Every patient who walks through the door inherits it.
The PecFlex™ Grafting Technique
The chronic pec repair most patients are told doesn’t exist.
The PecFlex Grafting Technique™ was developed by Dr. Mora specifically for chronic pectoral tears — injuries most surgeons decline to repair. Patients have traveled from seven countries for this procedure. If you have been told your pec tear is permanent, that answer deserves a second opinion from the surgeon who built the technique to prove otherwise.
Healthcare Thought Leader
The thinking that happens in this practice doesn’t stay in the operating room.
Dr. Mora is a published author, frequent podcast guest, and sought-after voice on the topics of repair-first surgery, diagnostic depth, and the future of sports medicine. He has appeared on television, contributed to peer-reviewed publications, and built a growing presence on LinkedIn, where he publishes clinical perspectives that reach both patients and fellow surgeons.
His positions are specific, defensible, and worth the conversation — on air, in print, and in any room where the standard of care in orthopedic surgery is being debated.
"Dr. Mora is a doctor sent by God. He treated me, and the most amazing part is that I never had to come back — which says everything about how truly excellent he is at his job. Thank you, doctor, for your skill, your care, and your dedication. The world needs more professionals like you. I'm grateful to know you. Wishing you a long life and continued success in helping people."
— Ivan R
"I got an ACL reconstruction with Dr Mora. He is by far the best doctor that has ever treated me. He not only provides elite treatment. He also educates you along the way. I believe that his knowledge sharing has made my recovery much better. I am still a recovering patient, and I am confident that I will be running soon."
— Heriberto M
"Dr. Mora is a rockstar. I had a very old pectoralis major tear on my right side. I was told this could not be fixed by several other doctors. I found Dr. Mora on the Internet. We did a consultation, an MRI, and finally, surgery. The surgery was flawless. I feel great. Physical therapy is almost completed. The surgery eliminated the chronic pain in my bicep and back from the pec injury. Every day I'm so grateful. I happily paid out of pocket and would do it again without hesitation. If you're considering getting your old pec tear fixed, do it. Mora is a master."
— Randy M
"Dr. Mora performed a revision surgery for my chronic pec tear. The tear was over 12 years old when initially repaired, and 14 years old (and completely torn again) by the time I saw Dr. Mora. When I saw Dr. Mora, I was in really bad shape physically and my function was impaired to the point where it hurt even to work at a computer or to lay down in bed. I'm about 11 months out from surgery and have gained a tremendous amount of function that I honestly did not think was possible to get back. Surgery was 4/5/23 and the photos/video were taken on 3/11/24. I've seen dozens of orthopedic surgeons over the years and was constantly told I was not a candidate for surgery. My life was falling apart waiting for it to be repaired and luckily Dr. Mora was there to take my call."
— Matthew S
"Hands down, best orthopedic surgeon in Southern California! I was referred to Dr. Mora after sustaining a serious Lisfranc foot injury. Unlike most doctors who usually suggest surgery right off the bat (because it means $$$$$), Dr. Mora was willing to "wait and see" if the injury would heal without surgery. Unfortunately, it was determined that my injury would require surgery (a couple of screws). I consider myself to be physically active - In fact, I train and fight in Muay Thai Kickboxing, a combat sport. I was devastated to learn that post-surgery I would be on crutches for about 8 weeks and subsequently would need surgery to remove the screws. Approximately six weeks after the second surgery, I was released to start training again. After an eight-week fight camp, I had my comeback fight where I won via unanimous decision. I had no issues with my foot. Thank you to Dr. Mora and his caring staff for helping me "get back on my feet." They are extremely caring and were very flexible in scheduling my appointments. Dr. Mora is one of the top orthopedic surgeons in Orange County so definitely call ahead to make an appointment. You won't be disappointed!"
— Marie AK C
"I had shoulder repair surgery (for rotator cuff and labral tears) by Dr. Mora. I knew after he plated my sons broken collar bone that he was wonderful but then my opinion was solidified when he did my surgery. It's been three months since my surgery and today I can say that I am pain free and well into recovery. I didn't do physical therapy, but I did watch Dr. Mora's videos on YouTube and did the exercises religiously. Dr. Mora stressed to me how important it was to start moving my shoulder ASAP and he was sooo right. Friends that have had this surgery (by different surgeons) are shocked at my progress. I can't recommend Dr. Mora enough, he's amazing!...Before surgery I couldn't lift my left arm up further than my chest without excruciating pain and I couldn't put my hand on my waist either! Total success but YOU have to put in the work too! THANK YOU, Dr. Mora!"
— Bobb
"For something so negative as a torn rotator cuff, what an amazingly positive experience with Dr. Mora! He has quite a reputation as 'the guy you want' when it comes to knee & shoulder surgery in Southern California, just ask the countless MMA athletes he's worked on. From his MRI evaluation to the four-hour surgery, and even his own personal stretching techniques following physical therapy, Dr. Mora knows his stuff! See for yourself at www.YouTube.com/SteveMoraMD. Thanks Dr. Mora for making me pain free, once again!"
— Rock G
