Dr. Rojeh Melikian, MD

For the past 652 days, I have regretted letting Dr. Rojeh Melikian persuade me to undergo microdecompression surgery. Three days before the procedure, I discovered a Spine Journal study involving 11,873 participants, which revealed that 33% of lumbar spinal stenosis surgeries result in failure, with 21% leading to worsened conditions. Alarmed, I forwarded the study to Dr. Melikian's assistant and requested additional time to reconsider, and acknowledged the surgery cancellation fee. Dr. Melikian personally called me following my email. During the conversation, he dismissed the professional study as irrelevant to my case, despite the fact that I exhibited one of the three key risk factors for failure outlined in the research. Additionally, he made it clear that canceling the surgery might result in him dropping me as a patient. Feeling pressured and confused, I reluctantly proceeded with the operation. Before surgery, my pain was occasional and only occurred after exercise—a fact… I emphasized during our phone call. After the procedure, my pain became incessant and significantly worse than before. Tellingly, Dr. Melikian advocated for a more invasive approach by conducting a peer review, in which he had to convince my insurance company to include an additional bilateral lumbar level, despite the findings of my MRI. This probably went beyond what was medically warranted, increasing fees and risks. It appears the decisions made were influenced by factors beyond my best medical interest. The outcome, devastatingly, has been a worsening of my condition. Moreover, Dr. Melikian failed to thoroughly discuss the risks of back surgery during our consultations. While these risks may have been mentioned in the surgical consent forms, such critical information should be clearly explained well before the operation to enable informed decision-making. Tragically, this conversation never happened in my case. I previously posted a review of Dr. Melikian on Google Reviews, but it appears to have been removed, though I did not delete it. It is surprising that Dr. Melikian's Google profile reflects only 5-star reviews, especially given the range of outcomes typically associated with spine surgery. The impact of Dr. Melikian’s apparently self-serving behavior has been life-altering for me. What could have been a minor inconvenience for him—a canceled Monday morning procedure—has profoundly affected my quality of life for the past 21 months and potentially for the rest of my life. Based on my experience, I strongly do not recommend Dr. Rojeh Melikian. The Spine Journal link for reference: Predictors for failure after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective observational study

A wonderfully patient surgeon. Would highly recommend!

Dr. Melikian is not only a fabulous doctor, he is also a kind caring person. He listened to me carefully, explained my condition and potential solutions thoroughly, gave me time and space to process the information and make a decision on which path to take, and once I was ready for surgery he did an incredible job. His office staff and the surgery center staff were amazing too. I could not have asked for a better experience than I had. I am recovering nicely and have confidence that I will be back pain free for the first time in many years. I could not have made a better choice in a doctor/surgeon than Dr. Melikian. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs surgery and wants a great outcome!

What an amazing surgeon. I had my consultation with Dr. Melikian based on the referral from my orthopedic who was certain that I will end up having a lower back surgery. Dr. Melikian took his time examining me and going over all of my diagnostics. He used simple terminology even though he was informed I’m in the medical field. I was really surprised by finding him taking the time explaining to me my condition and my options. He made the option of having a surgery clear for expectations and outcome. My biggest surprise is after all the time he spent with me. He informed me that I would be a good candidate for a lower back surgery. BUT I don’t have to have it done now. Which is something you never hear from a surgeon. He gave me some instructions and exercises and what not to do and advised me to watch for the symptoms. And to come back for another evaluation in one year. He’s the most conservative surgeon I’ve seen in my entire life. Extremely honest, warm and humble. Doesn’t… judge at all and makes you feel you’re talking with an old friend not an uptight medical professional. PLEASE SEE HIM FOR A SECOND OPINION BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR SURGERY.

Dr. Melikian changed my husband's life and we couldn't be happier. He had a herniated disk which was crippling him and not allowing him to work. After going to several other doctors who put him through years of tests and therapy, we found Dr. Melikain. He explained everything to us in plain English and was great at educating us about his condition. He has a wonderful bedside manner and is very caring. Surgery was done a few weeks later and recovery has been nothing short of amazing! We are forever grateful!

Dr. Melikian is amazing! He took time to listen to my concerns and was always available to answer questions before and after my procedure. Hands down the best surgoen I've ever known!

I am an ex-physical educator and have had 3 serious neck injuries during my 20's. Last year, as a 66 year old, I resigned to the fact I had to have my C5, C6 and C7 fused. I spent a month researching different surgeons, and finally chose Dr. Melikian. My niece is a PA and highly suggested one of her patients, who was the manager of a major sports injury group in Newport Beach. I looked him up and found that Dr. Meilikian belonged to the same group. I found that Dr. Meilikian's communication skills were awesome and very truthful. He has superb surgery skills, and I am extremely happy I went with him. After surgery, I took no narcotics nor medications. His post surgery meetings are meaningful, and it is obvious that he has cared that I healed properly. Best of Luck!!!

An angel sent from heaven. My dad had a herniated disk in his neck which was pushing on his spine. He was starting to get weakness in his hands and we weren’t sure what to do. His family doctor sent us to another surgeon but we felt like we needed a second opinion. We were luckily enough to find Dr. Melikian through a family friend who is also a doctor. He really took the time to answer all our questions and explain to us what was wrong and what my dad’s options were. He has excellent bedside manner, is very humble and has a great sense of humor. After surgery, my dad felt great! He had almost no pain. The weakness in his hands has been improving every day since. Thank you Dr. Melikian, you are an angel!

Dr. Melikian is obviously an extremely well educated, certified and experienced spinal surgeon but his conservative and easily understood risk vs reward outcomes were very helpful. He is very low key, empathetic and easy to understand. I would highly recommend Dr. Melikian to anyone contemplating spinal surgery.

After 2 previous operations which left her debilitated, my mother had severe back pain and was desperate. She had a lot of trouble walking and nobody could figure out what to do. We met with several surgeons and thankfully came across Dr. Melikian. At our first meeting, we felt immediately at ease with him and my mom chose to move forward with surgery. After surgery, mom felt great! He was able to fix all the issues which were keeping her from walking and cleaned out all the old scar from her previous operations. Now it's as if shes back to her old self again! I would highly recommend him Dr. Melikian to anyone who needs a spine surgeon. It was nice to meet a doctor who really cares for his patients.