David William Fabi MD
San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group
Adult Reconstruction Specialist and General Orthopaedic Surgeon
Recent Recipient of Leaders in Total Joint Replacement: Generation Next Award for recognition as one of Top 40 Nationwide emerging orthopaedic surgeon leaders.
Dr Fabi is a board certified, internationally renown, fellowship trained innovative pioneer and high volume joint replacement specialist. He trained at the prestigious Rush University, a world renowned joint replacement center where he trained with the best and brightest in the field. There he learned cutting edge techniques, treatments and how to treat complex joint disorders. Dr. Fabi is also one of the earliest adopters of Robotic Joint Replacement and is one of the acknowledged experts in the field of Robotic Joint Replacement. Dr. Fabi also writes book chapters and publishes numerous articles in the subject of joint replacements. Being an expert in the field, he also give numerous lectures around the country.
Personal Approach to Treating Patients
Providing patient care is a blessing and is not a privilege I take for granted. I pride myself on doing all I can to improve the quality of life of my patients in a compassionate educated and thorough manner. When the physician and patient communicate effectively and work together for a common goal, optimal treatment can be attained. In addition, I value connecting with my patients on a professional and above all, personal level.
Education
Publications
- Fabi DW, Goldstein WM, Gordon AC. Dislocation of an S-ROM Total Hip Arthroplasty Secondary to Traumatic Femoral Stem Dissociation from the Metaphyseal Sleeve. Journal of Arthroplasty January 2009.
- Fabi DW, Gonzalez MH, Goldstein WM. Acetabular Cup Revision with the Use of the Medial Protrusio Technique at an Average Follow-up of 6.6 Years. Journal of Arthroplasty February 2010, Epub ahead of print May 11, 2009
- Fabi DW, Mohan V, Goldstein WM, Dunn J, Murphy B. Unilateral Versus Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Risk Factors Increasing Morbidity. J Arthroplasty. 2011 Aug;26(5):668-73. Epub 2010 Sep 28.
- Levine BR, Fabi DW, Deirmengian C. Digital Templating in Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Orthopedics. 2010 Nov 2;33(11):797
- Fabi DW, Levine BR. Porous metal in orthopedic applications. (Accepted to 11th International Essen Symposium Proceedings Volume November 2010)
- Fabi DW, Levine BR. Majoras N. Chronic renal failure and catastrophic failure of an acetabular component: a case report. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011 Jun 15;93(12):e681-4
- Hsu A, Kim JD, Fabi DW, Levine BR. Adverse Reactions in Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty: Two Cases Presenting as Pseudo-septic Acetabular Component Loosening. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2011 Oct;40(10):509-513
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Paprosky W, Sporer S, DellaValle CV, Klein G, Levine H, Hartzband M. Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Revisions: A Review o Causes, Clinical Outcomes and a High Incidence of Early Failure. (Accepted to Orthopedics 2012).
Book Chapters
- Fabi DW, Levine BR. Book Chapter: “Porous Coatings in Metallic Implant Materials”. Handbook of Materials for Medical Devices 2nd Edition.
- Fabi DW, Levine BR. “Managing Severe Bone Loss in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty with Highly Porous Titanium and Tantalum Cones”. Knee Arthroplasty: Types, Procedures and Risks. (Review Book to be published 2012)
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Rosenberg AG. Management of the Stiff Knee: Case Presentations- Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty. Techniques in Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, edited by Dr. Giles R. Scuderi with Drs. AJ Tria, Michael Kang, and William Long.
Periodicals
- “Complication Rate twice as high for bilateral than unilateral TKA”. Orthopaedics Today. November 2010.
- “New Joint a Good Fit?”. Union Tribune San Diego Newspaper. February 19, 2013
Online Presentations/ Articles
- 2013
- Fabi DW,(contributor) Painful workout injuries. Mensfitness.com
- 2012
- Fabi DW, (contributor) Symptom-reducing new year’s resolutions. Lifesscript.com
- 2011
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Paprosky W, Sporer S. Metal-on-Metal Hip Revisions: A review of Common Causes and a High Incidence of Early Failure. 2011 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Meeting ePoster Presentation.
Submissions/projects
- Fabi DW, Nicole Majoras BA, Brett R Levine MD. Efficacy of Fibrin Sealant Evicel in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.
- Fabi DW, Levine BR. Book Chapter: “Porous Metals in Orthopaedic Surgery”. Thin films and Coating in Biological Applications (Springer)
- Fabi DW. Jung E. Levine BR. Porous tantalum cones in revision total knee arthroplasty. (To be submitted 2012).
- Fabi DW. Septic arthritis of the native hip. The Adult Hip: Arthroplasty and its alternatives 3rd edition. Editors: Rubash H, Clohisy J, Callaghan J, Della Valle C, Rosenberg A, Parvizi J. (to be published 2013)
- Fabi DW. Patient-specific and customized knee replacements: an unproven yet promising technology and are we looking at appropriate outcome measures. (review article to be submitted 2012)
- Fabi DW. Wile PB. Cadaveric analytic comparison of Conformis customized knees versus Biomet Vanguard knees.
- Fabi DW. Levine BR. Chapter “Hard-on-Hard Bearing Surfaces in THA: What to do when it all goes wrong”. Contemporary Controversies in Adult Reconstruction. World Clinics in Orthopaedics. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers
Awards and Honors
- 2019
- Recently awarded TOP DOC 2017 by San Diego Magazine
- 2018
- Recently awarded TOP DOC 2017 by San Diego Magazine
- 2017
- Recently awarded TOP DOC 2017 by San Diego Magazine
- 2016
- Recently awarded TOP DOC 2016 by San Diego Magazine
- 2013
- “Leaders in Joint Replacement: Generation Next”- One of the top 40 nationwide emerging leaders among orthopedic surgeons
- 2011
- Finalist for Physician in Training Award Mid-America Orthopaedic Association, Tucson, Arizona 2011
- 2009
- UIC Asok K Ray Award for Superior Knowledge of Orthopaedics (Highest Average In Service Exam)- Top of Orthopaedic Resident Class
- 1997-2000
- University Honors Award
- 1996-1998
- James B. Angell Scholar Award
- 1996
- Dave Floyd Citizenship Award for Model Student-Athlete
Courses
- Basics in Arthroscopy, Rosemont, IL 2006
- Senior Residents Hip and Knee Symposium, Smith and Nephew, Memphis 2007
- Current Concepts Joint Replacement, Las Vegas 2008
- AO Basic Fracture Course, Denver 2009
- Depuy Fracture Course, Miami 2009
- Current Concepts Joint Replacement, Las Vegas 2010
- Smith and Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Certification Course
- Stryker Anterior Hip Approach Cadaver Lab, San Diego 2010
- Stryker Conserve Plus Hip Resurfacing Cadaver Lab, Las Vegas 2010
Consulting Relationhips
- Medtronic/Aquamantys consultant and speaker
- Conformis consultant, researcher and speaker
Positions
- 2012 - present
- Balboa Rehabilitation Center Orthopaedic Director
- 2012
- UCSD orthopaedic resident clinical instructor
- 2011 - present
- Systemwide Ortho Product Committee Member- Scripps
- 2011 - present
- Scripps Orthopaedic Care Line Committee Member (Enhancing Joint Replacement Care)
- 2009 - present
- Junior Board Member Save a Star Foundation for Drug Awareness
- 2008-2009
- Educational Chief Resident UIC Department of Orthopaedics
- 2001-2002
- Anatomy Tutor for UIC College of Medicine
- 1997-1998
- Risk Management Chair for Phi Delta Theta Fraternity University of Michigan
Organizations
- 2010 - present
- San Diego California Medical Society
- 2004 - present
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- 2000 - 2007
- American Medical Association
- 2000 - 2004
- Society for Prospective Surgeons
- 1996 – 2000
- Phi Delta Theta Fraternity University of Michigan
Community and Public Service
- 2002
- Volunteer for Mentoring Children Program in Evanston, Illinois
- 1998
- Volunteer for Highland Park Hospital
Research
- 2009
- University of Illinois Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomechanical
Engineering.
Under: Dr. Mark Gonzalez and Dr. Farid Amirouche. Initial stability of porous press-fit tantalum acetabular components in acetabuli with and without rim defects: a cadveric experiment
- 2007
- University of Illinois Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Biomechanical
Engineering.
Under: Dr. Mark Gonzalez and Dr. Farid Amirouche. Biomechanic Analysis Using a Finite Model of Initial Fixation of Trabecular Metal Acetabular Cups in Simulated Revision Hip Arthroplasty.
- 1998
- Hearing Institute, University of Michigan
Under: Dr. Margaret Lomax. Investigated gene sequences in bird cochleas in order to map the human cochlear genes for the Human Genome Project.
Course Instruction
- 2013
- Conformis Cadaver Lab, Surgeon to Surgeon Training, La Jolla, CA (February 2, 2013) Course Instructor: David Fabi, MD
- 2013
- Conformis Cadaver Lab, Surgeon to Surgeon Training, La Jolla, CA (January 22, 2013) Course Instructor: David Fabi, MD
- 2012
- Conformis Cadaver Lab, Surgeon to Surgeon Training, La Jolla, CA (August 25, 2012) Course Instructor: David Fabi, MD
- 2012
- Conformis Cadaver Lab, UCSD Surgeon to Surgeon Training, La Jolla, CA (August 29, 2012) Course Instructor: David Fabi, MD
Presentations
- 2013
- Fabi DW. “Hip” Revision Experience and a Discussion of Managing Acetabular Defects. University of California San Diego Grand Rounds. (March)
- 2013
- Fabi DW. Arthritis and Up to Date Treatment Options. Oasis Senior Center, San Diego, CA (February)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Conformis Surgical Technique and Pearls. Surgeon to surgeon Lecture. Pasadena, CA (December)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Anterior Total Hip Replacement. Oasis Senior Center, San Diego, CA (October)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Conformis Surgical Technique and Pearls. Resident and Surgeon to Surgeon Lecture. Riverside, CA (September)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Conformis Surgeon Training Session (Surgical Instructor), San Diego, CA (September 2012)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Conformis Surgeon Training Session (Surgical Instructor), San Diego, CA (August 2012)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Basics of Trauma. Scripps In-service. San Diego, CA (July)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. 21st Century Knee Arthritis and Custom Knee Replacements. Oasis Senior Center, San Diego CA (June)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. DVT Prophylaxis in Joint Replacements. Bangladesh Medical Association North America. Carlsbad, CA (June)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Revisions: A Review of Causes and a High Incidence of Early Failure. Symposium on Metal-On-Metal Total Hip Replacement. ASTM international. Phoenix, AZ (May)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Patient Outcomes with the Aquamantys Bipolar Sealer. Palm Desert, CA (April)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. 21st Century Hip and Knee Arthritis. San Diego Orthopaedics Breakfast Seminar
- 2012
- Fabi DW. 21st Century Hip and Knee Arthritis. Scripps Rehab In-Service San Diego, CA (March)
- 2012
- Fabi DW. Hip and Knee Arthritis. AORN meeting. San Diego, CA (January)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Up to date Arthritis Treatment Options. OasisPresentation. San Diego, CA (October)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Arthritis Treatment Options. Vi Rehab Facility. San Diego, CA (October)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. What’s New in the World of Arthritis. California Academy of Physician Assistants. San Diego, CA (August)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Joint Pain and Current Treatment Options. St Brigid’s. San Diego, CA (June)
- 2011
- Fabi DW, Nicole Majoras BA, Brett R Levine MD. Efficacy of Fibrin Sealant Evicel in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case-Control Study. 2011 Rush Arthroplasty Alumni Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL (June)
- 2011
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Paprosky W, Sporer S. Metal-on-Metal Hip Revisions: A review of Common Causes and a High Incidence of Early Failure. 2011 Rush Arthroplasty Alumni Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL (June)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Joint Replacement: Is It Right For You? Oasis Presentation. San Diego, CA (June)
- 2011
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Paprosky W, Sporer S. Metal-on-Metal Hip Revisions: A review of Common Causes and a High Incidence of Early Failure. 2011 Mid-America Orthopaedic Association Meeting. Tucson, AZ (April)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Arthritis in Today’s World. San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group Breakfast Seminar. San Diego, CA (April)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Novel Arthritis Surgical Treatment Options. Primary Care Physician Forum. San Diego, CA (March)
- 2011
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Paprosky W, Sporer S. Metal-on-Metal Hip Revisions: A review of Common Causes and a High Incidence of Early Failure. 2011 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA (February)
- 2011
- Fabi DW. Arthritis and Cutting Edge Treatment Options. Rehabilitation Nurse Coordinators’ Netowrk. San Diego, CA (January)
- 2010
- Fabi DW. Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options. Arthritis Foundation. San Diego, CA (November)
- 2010
- Fabi DW. Advances in Orthopaedics for the Primary Care Physician. San Diego, CA (October)
- 2010
- Mohan V, Fabi DW, Goldstein WM, Dunn J, Murphy B. Unilateral versus Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Risk Factors Increasing Morbidity. 2010 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. (March)
- 2010
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Paprosky W, Sporer S. Metal-on-Metal Hip Revisions: A Retrospective Review of Causes and Treatment Outcomes. Rush University Fellow Thesis Day. Chicago, IL (June)
- 2010
- Fabi DW, Levine BR, Deirmengian C. Digital Templating in Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. 27th annual Rush University Forum for Research and Clinical Investigation. Chicago, IL.
- 2010
- Fabi DW, Nicole Majoras BA, David Fabi MD, Pranay Patel MS, Brett R Levine MD. Use of a Novel Fibrin Sealant in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. 27th Annual Rush University Forum for Research and Clinical Investigation. Chicago, IL.
- 2010
- Nicole Majoras BA, David Fabi MD, Pranay Patel MS, Brett R Levine MD Use of a Novel Fibrin Sealant in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. Wright State’s 2010 Medical Student Research Symposium. Dayton, OH. (October)
- 2009
- Fabi DW, Gonzalez MH, Amirouche F. Initial stability of porous press-fit tantalum acetabular components in acetabuli with and without rim defects: a cadaveric experiment, UIC Senior Thesis Day. Chicago, IL (June).
Hospital Affiliations
- Scripps Mercy Hospital
4077 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
Tel: (619) 294-8111 - Mission Valley Heights Surgery Center
7485 Mission Valley Rd, Suite 106
San Diego, CA 92108
Tel: (619) 291-3737