About us

Sandesh Rao, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee care, with advanced expertise in joint reconstruction and replacement. He offers a full spectrum of treatments, from nonoperative management to minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, partial knee replacement, outpatient joint replacement, and robotic-assisted procedures. Dr. Rao also has specialized training in complex and revision joint replacements including management of periprosthetic fractures and prosthetic joint infections. He utilizes multiple approaches to hip replacement surgery —including direct anterior, anterolateral, direct lateral, and posterolateral. The ultimate goal is to collaborate with patients to deliver care that is personalized, holistic and patient-centered.

A native of the D.C. area, Dr. Rao earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Osler Medical Residency Program, becoming board-certified in internal medicine before pursuing orthopaedic surgery. He went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and fellowship training in adult reconstruction at Rush University in Chicago.

Dr. Rao is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Maryland Orthopaedic Association, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He has authored over 50 publications and presented his research at national meetings. His research interests include identifying strategies to best optimize patients for hip and knee replacement surgery while striving to identify strategies to minimize risk in the process.

Outside of work, Dr. Rao enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis and basketball.