Thomas P. Knapp, MD

Thomas P. Knapp, MD founded the shoulder program in Santa Monica with the idea of building a comprehensive program to take care of all aspects of shoulder pathology. Dr. Knapp is an experienced, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who, in addition to all other aspects of sports medicine, has devoted his career to specializing in arthroscopic surgery and reconstructive procedures of the shoulder. Dr. Knapp has authored numerous articles for medical journals, has been a frequent lecturer and instructor in training and educating other physicians, and is heavily involved in medical research and the development of new techniques and technologies. His invention of the Chia PercPasserTM, IdealTM Suture Shuttle with ChiaTM, and Healix Advanced KnotlessTM have revolutionized arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Other innovations include the KnappTM Sak II, the KnappTM Knee Sleeve, and the KnappTM Universal Hinged Knee Orthosis. Dr. Knapp joined Santa Monica Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group, a founding partner of Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, in 1995. Dr. Knapp is active in many leadership positions in the community, including prominent Santa Monica health systems, where he has served as Vice-Chairman of the Orthopaedic Section. He also has served as Clinical Instructor at a prominent Southern California School of Medicine. Dr. Knapp has also served as Team Physician for numerous local high school and college sports teams, as well as Venue Medical Director for the 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cups. Dr. Knapp graduated from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency. Dr. Knapp completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship with Santa Monica Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group.