The sky glowed with vibrant swirls of orange and red as the sun dipped below the horizon on a crisp winter evening. I found a seat in the corner of a cozy local café, awaiting Dr. Fabio Orozco. He arrived moments later, still in his blue scrubs topped with a hooded sweatshirt sporting his distinctive blue-and-orange double “O” logo.
As a health reporter in southern New Jersey, I first met Dr. Orozco nearly 20 years ago. His upbeat demeanor and infectious positivity left a lasting impression — and those qualities remain unchanged today. Despite having completed 11 surgeries that day, starting long before most of us were awake, Dr. Orozco exuded calm and energy. He settled into our conversation with enthusiasm, eager to share insights about his lifelong passion: hip and knee replacements.
For more than 30 years, Dr. Fabio Orozco has dedicated his career to helping people regain mobility and improve their quality of life. As the founder of Orozco Orthopaedics, with locations in Linwood, Manahawkin, and Hammonton, his practice seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with personalized, boutique care.
“I gravitated toward hip and knee replacements because they truly make a difference in people’s lives,” Dr. Orozco explains. “Years ago, implants weren’t as durable. But today, with advancements in technology and materials, they can last a lifetime.”
The evolution of surgical techniques and materials has revolutionized joint replacement procedures. One groundbreaking advancement is robotic-assisted surgery — a tool only 20% of orthopedic surgeons currently employ. One of the first surgeons in the area to adopt this procedure, Dr. Orozco is at the forefront of this innovation, using robotics to deliver unparalleled precision in surgery.
Robotic systems utilize 3D imaging from pre-operative CT scans to create personalized surgical plans. This technology allows surgeons to make smaller incisions, avoid cutting muscles, and ensure precise placement of implants. “The implants are sized in millimeter increments, and with robotics, we can achieve a level of precision that was unimaginable just a few years ago,” he says.
The benefits for patients are profound: shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and same-day discharge. “Patients walk and often navigate stairs the day of their surgery. They usually can go home the same day.” Dr. Orozco shares. Recovery now takes just three to four weeks — dramatically faster than traditional methods.
Dr. Orozco emphasizes the importance of patient involvement in achieving successful outcomes. “We’re like a machine — if we rest, we rust,” he says, encouraging patients to prepare for surgery and stay active during recovery. He also helps patients address pre-existing conditions like diabetes or obesity to optimize surgical results.
Whenever possible, his practice adopts a conservative approach. “We start with treatments like physical therapy and injections,” he explains. “Surgery is only recommended when other methods don’t work.”
Despite performing surgeries for a wide range of patients — from individuals in their 20s to those as old as 92 — Dr. Orozco maintains a boutique, concierge-style atmosphere. “We treat every patient with respect and care, ensuring their comfort at every step,” he says. His practice combines the personalized attention of a private clinic with the accessibility of insurance coverage, ensuring high-quality care is available to all. A key part of his success is his fantastic team who have worked alongside him for years. Their collective experience, dedication, and shared commitment to patient care create a supportive environment that fosters trust and exceptional outcomes. “My team is truly the backbone of everything we accomplish,” Dr. Orozco says with gratitude.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Orozco is a dedicated educator. “I teach surgeons from all over the world. I travel to instruct them in their countries, and they come here to learn from us,” he shares. “Teaching keeps you sharp. You’re always learning, exchanging ideas, and discussing cases.”
Dr. Orozco is also a strong advocate for embracing technological advancements in medicine. From robotics to artificial intelligence, he believes innovation is key to improving patient outcomes. “AI is the future, and we have to embrace it,” he says.
For Dr. Orozco, the ultimate reward is seeing patients return to the activities they love. Whether it’s a grandparent chasing after their grandchildren or an athlete returning to their sport, restoring mobility is life changing. “I strive to provide my patients with the highest level of care, both before and after their procedure. My ultimate goal is to help them return to their lives as quickly as possible.”
Balancing a thriving practice, a packed surgical and teaching schedule, and life with his wife and four teenage boys, Dr. Orozco is constantly on the move. What fuels his motivation? “I love what I do,” he says with a warm smile.
