Dr. Wahl Headshot

Christopher J. Wahl, MD

“Our challenge is not just to bring people back to the same level, but to always strive to improve their performance as well.”

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Dr. Wahl is a fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializing in treating athletes of all ages and problems related to the knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle.

He developed a regional and national reputation in the treatment, innovations, and study of high-energy, complex knee and shoulder injuries. While he enjoys treating all athletic soft tissue and bony injuries, his specific interests include knee ligament reconstruction and revision, cartilage transplantation and repair, osteotomies, partial and total knee replacements and peri-articular fracture management.

Specialties and Areas of Focus

  • Knee
  • Shoulder
  • Sports Medicine
  • Elbow
  • Ankle

Background

From 2004-2012, Dr. Wahl served as an Associate Professor and team physician at University of Washington in Seattle, where he cared for the UW football, men’s basketball, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and tennis teams.  In 2013, Dr. Wahl was named Head Team Physician for the San Diego Chargers.  He has been listed among the national and regional ‘Top Doctors’ in U.S. News & World Report, Seattle Magazine and Seattle Met Magazine.

Dr. Wahl attended medical school and residency at Yale University. He then completed a sports medicine and shoulder surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, where he assisted in the care of the New York Giants football team. Dr. Wahl then completed the AO John Border Traveling Trauma Fellow in Augsburg, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland. He was the recipient of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Fellowship, teaching and learning at notable sports medicine facilities across South America.

In terms of treatment philosophy, “Every person and injury is unique–it is important to understand the factors that are most important to a person and their goals and then to tailor a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation approach that is likely to achieve those goals. In sports medicine, we have to excel on three levels: prevention, treatment, and training. Our challenge is not just to bring people back to the same level, but to always strive to improve their performance as well.  The continual advances in research-proven philosophies, techniques, instruments and implants that improve our patients’ outcomes make this a very exciting time.”

Outside of his clinical life, Dr. Wahl enjoys road & gravel cycling, mountain biking, skiing, and all other outdoor mayhem with his wife, kids and Weimaraner’s. 

Awards

Castle Connolly Top Doctor 
2010-2024

Seattle Magazine Top Doctors
2010-2012, 2021

Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
2011-2013, 2024

San Diego Magazine
2013

U.S. News & World Report
2011-2012

Super Doctors
2011

Education & Credentials

 

Medical School

Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut

Residency

Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut

Fellowship

Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York

Board Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Affiliations
University of Washington Logo

Patient Resources

Getting Ready For Your Visit

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In order to complete any outstanding paperwork and/or process any required changes to your patient information, we ask that you come to our office at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled visit time.

Please bring the following items to your appointment:
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  • A list of your current medications
  • Any and all x-rays, MRIs and medical reports available
  • Insurance information and card
  • Referral or primary care authorization, if your insurance carrier requires it  (please check with your carrier)
  • Information about what treatments and medications have been tried in the past
  • Medical records from prior visits that you think may be helpful
  • New patients: please download a patient registration form and bring a completed copy with you for your visit.

Reviews

News & Events

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