Robert C. Klapper, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Group and Cedars-Sinai Health Associates. He also is Director of the Institute for Joint Replacement and Chief of the Division of Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Klapper is a pioneer in hip arthroscopy, a "keyhole" surgical technique that allows many patients to postpone or completely avoid total hip replacement. Currently, Dr. Klapper holds nine patents on the angled telescope and specially designed instruments used in the procedure (the hip joint's position deep within muscle and other tissue make it inaccessible with standard arthroscopic tools used to treat the shoulder and knee).
Dr. Klapper also designed a tool that is used when a hip implant has worn out over time and needs to be replaced with a new prosthesis. In the past, removing the old implant and cement required hours of surgery. Dr. Klapper's invention produces an ultrasound frequency that reduces the cement to a chewing gum consistency while leaving the bone unscathed.
Orthopaedic consultant to the TV show "ER," Dr. Klapper has written books, chapters and articles on arthroscopy, ultrasonic technology in joint reconstruction, water rehabilitation techniques for hip joints, and other topics. He also makes presentations to professional societies and provides instruction in hip arthroscopy.
A graduate of Columbia University, Dr. Klapper received his medical degree from Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons before interning in general surgery at Cedars-Sinai and the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Cornell University's Hospital for Special Surgery. He was a Dean's Research Fellow in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University, completing fellowships in biochemistry and orthopaedic surgery. He later completed a fellowship in implant/total joint replacement at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic.
The medical director of Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedic Association, Dr. Klapper founded, in 1995, the Sports Medicine Information Network, a company that uses digital animation to produce educational video that clearly depicts and explains sports injuries.
Dr. Klapper is also a Qualified Medical Examiner and he serves as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Southern California School of Medicine.
In addition to his medical pursuits, Dr. Klapper is an award winning sculptor and visits Italy every summer to work in Michelangelo's marble quarry.
Dr. Klapper practices at 8737 Beverly Blvd., Suite 303, Los Angeles, CA 90048. His phone number is (310) 659-6889.
