Orthopedics, Sports Medicine: Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
San Diego, CA
Most recent review: Sep 13, 2025
Recent
4.6
32 Ratings
14 Comments
Dr. David J. Burnikel is a board-certified physician in San Diego. He specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for all orthopaedic conditions, including sports-related injuries. Dr. Burnikel is an expert in arthroscopic surgery for disorders of the knee and shoulder.
Dr. David J. Burnikel is a board-certified physician in San Diego. He specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for all orthopaedic conditions, including sports-related injuries. Dr. Burnikel is an expert in arthroscopic surgery for disorders of the knee and shoulder.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of Synergy Orthopedics through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
No explico nada sobre la operación de rodilla y estaba muy apurado no dió tiempo a hacerle preguntas.
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
dr. Burnikel's amazing
(2 months ago)
Aug-2025
Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. He even knew doctors from my hometown across the country. Truly grateful to have this doctor.
(3 months ago)
Jul-2025
He's the best
(3 months ago)
Jul-2025
He's excellent extremely intelligent and I'm very grateful he's my doctor.
(3 months ago)
Jul-2025
Very caring
(3 months ago)
Jul-2025
He was very trough with the instructions and was fast with the interview.
(4 months ago)
Jun-2025
Your appointment will be canceled if you do not arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time only to get about 3 minutes of the doctor's time.He has the assistance come in and ask questions, has the xray technician take xrays he them claims are not useful and sends you on your way.
I'm guessing my insurance isn't one that's preferred here.
(4 months ago)
Jun-2025
Friendly enough, but I felt very rushed and he didn’t seem to be familiar with all the details of my case. I left unsure of a decision I had made while there.
(4 months ago)
Jun-2025
Dr Burnikel is absolutely fantastic as is his staff! I have seen at least 3 other Ortho Drs and Surgeons in the last 8 years regarding chronic right shoulder pain. He was the ONLY one who properly diagnosed me and did not dismiss my concerns- after an MRI indicated a few things he was not quick to recommend surgery and we are trying other avenues first. He recommended a PT that was also extremely helpful, which was also a first for me after trying PT many times over the years for the same issue. I might still end up having to have surgery, but not once was I pressured into it and I cannot explain the relief Dr Burnikel provided me just by truly listening and properly diagnosing me. Thank you Dr. Burnikel- your attentiveness brought me to tears!
(4 years ago)
Feb-2021
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Synergy Orthopedics - Mission Valley
9095 Rio San Diego Drive Suite 450 San Diego, CA 92108
Dr. David J. Burnikel is a board-certified physician in San Diego specializing in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. With advanced training and extensive clinical experience, he treats a variety of orthopaedic conditions at San Diego Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Inc.
Dr. Burnikel is dedicated to helping every patient regain full range of motion and functionality so they can live a healthy, active life. He offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for all orthopaedic conditions, including sports-related injuries. Dr. Burnikel is an expert in arthroscopic surgery for disorders of the knee and shoulder.
A native of Pennsylvania, Dr. Burnikel earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. After completing the orthopaedic surgery residency program at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Dr. Burnikel served as an active duty orthopaedic surgeon in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Following his Navy service, he completed a fellowship in sports medicine at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston.
Dr. Burnikel is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
No explico nada sobre la operación de rodilla y estaba muy apurado no dió tiempo a hacerle preguntas.
dr. Burnikel's amazing
Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. He even knew doctors from my hometown across the country. Truly grateful to have this doctor.
He's the best
He's excellent extremely intelligent and I'm very grateful he's my doctor.
Very caring
He was very trough with the instructions and was fast with the interview.
Your appointment will be canceled if you do not arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time only to get about 3 minutes of the doctor's time.He has the assistance come in and ask questions, has the xray technician take xrays he them claims are not useful and sends you on your way. I'm guessing my insurance isn't one that's preferred here.
Friendly enough, but I felt very rushed and he didn’t seem to be familiar with all the details of my case. I left unsure of a decision I had made while there.
Dr Burnikel is absolutely fantastic as is his staff! I have seen at least 3 other Ortho Drs and Surgeons in the last 8 years regarding chronic right shoulder pain. He was the ONLY one who properly diagnosed me and did not dismiss my concerns- after an MRI indicated a few things he was not quick to recommend surgery and we are trying other avenues first. He recommended a PT that was also extremely helpful, which was also a first for me after trying PT many times over the years for the same issue. I might still end up having to have surgery, but not once was I pressured into it and I cannot explain the relief Dr Burnikel provided me just by truly listening and properly diagnosing me. Thank you Dr. Burnikel- your attentiveness brought me to tears!