James A. Bell, M.D., Ph.D. General Orthopedics
What I like most about this profession is helping people recover from traumatic situations or get back to their favorite sport.
James A. Bell, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic trauma, sports medicine and joint replacement. He is also certified in Sports Medicine. He joined Desert Orthopedic Center in 1996.
A native of New York, Dr. Bell knew at a young age that he wanted to be a doctor. With anatomy as his favorite school subject, it was only natural for him to pursue medicine.
Commenting on his specialty, Dr. Bell says, ”Orthopedic trauma is like a puzzle. You have to determine your plan of action and treat the injuries with the most serious consequences first.”
Dr. Bell received his Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Rochester, NY, and his Master’s and Ph.D. in physiology from Pennsylvania State University. He earned his Medical Degree and served his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Southern California.
Following graduation at USC, Dr. Bell spent four years in the U.S. Army as an orthopedic surgeon serving at U.S. hospitals and traveling around the world. Prior to joining DOC, he was Chief of the Department of Orthopedics and Lieutenant Colonel for the 67th Combat Support Hospital in Wuerzberg, Germany.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a member of the American Medical Association, California Medical Association and the Riverside County Medical Association.
Dr. Bell serves as the team physician for Palm Springs High School football games and is also a team physician with the United States Figure Skating Association.
- University of Southern California School of Medicine
Medical School - University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center
Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1988-1992 - University of Michigan Health System
Residency, Surgery, 1985-1988
- Palm Springs Life Magazine, 2014
- Palm Springs Life Magazine, 2013
- Top Doctors:LA Area, 2013
- Top Doctors:San Diego Area, 2013
Educational Videos
Treatment options for Knee
- Meniscal Tears
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Uni Condylar Knee Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Knee Joint Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement
- ACL Reconstruction Patellar Tendon
- ACL Reconstruction Hamstring Method
Treatment options for Hip
Shoulder
- Arthroscopic Sub-acromial Decompression Surgery
- Shoulder Instability
- Rotator Cuff Bursitis
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Labrum Reconstruction
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- SLAP Repair
- Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
- Biceps Tendon Rupture
- Superior Capsule Reconstruction
- Shoulder Joint Replacement
- Clavicle Fracture
- Mid Humeral Fracture
- Open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humerus fracture
- Shoulder Anatomy
- Scapula Fracture
Elbow
Hand & Wrist
- Hand Anatomy
- Finger Fractures
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Mallet Finger
- Metacarpal Fractures
- Wrist Fracture
- Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
- Ganglion Cyst Removal
- Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
- Trigger Finger
Foot & Ankle
- Achilles Tendon Tear Repair
- Ankle Instability Surgery
- Ankle Fracture
- Ankle Sprain
- Ankle Arthroscopy
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Foot Fracture
- Foot and ankle anatomy