A Leader in Non-Surgical Orthopedic Care
In the specialized field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Stephen Derrington shines as a leading figure. His unwavering dedication to exceptional patient care sets him apart as a beacon of excellence.
As a prominent Regenexx physician, Dr. Derrington has significantly advanced the field. He has performed more Regenexx procedures than any other clinic in California, and ranked third in the entire United States in 2023.
Precision and expertise sit at the forefront of every evaluation. Specializing in treatments for joint, tendon, ligament, spine, and bone conditions, he pushes the boundaries of healing and recovery — and will tell you honestly when a procedure is not the right answer for your problem.
#1
More Regenexx procedures performed than any other clinic in California.
3rd
Ranked third in the entire United States for Regenexx procedures in 2023.
20+ yrs
Two decades in orthopedic medicine, from residency through fellowship to founding the practice.
Where the training came from
Dr. Derrington’s journey in medicine began at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, leading to an enriching internship at Wellington Regional Medical Center in Florida and a comprehensive residency at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His quest for mastery in regenerative medicine propelled him to complete a fellowship in Napa, California, under the guidance of Dr. Marko Bodor. That experience significantly advanced his skills in diagnostic ultrasound, interventional procedures with ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, regenerative medicine, and electrodiagnostics.
The path, in order
-
01
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine — osteopathic principles built on the body’s own capacity to heal.
-
02
Wellington Regional Medical Center, Florida. Internship.
-
03
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
-
04
Napa, California. Fellowship under Dr. Marko Bodor in interventional spine, sports medicine and regenerative medicine.
Diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided intervention, regenerative medicine and electrodiagnostics all come out of that fellowship year. They are not weekend-course skills.
What it takes to stay in the Regenexx network
Within the prestigious Regenexx network, Dr. Derrington’s qualifications stand out. Regenexx physicians, known for their expertise in image-guided injection procedures and in-depth musculoskeletal evaluations, undergo rigorous training.
His use of an on-site processing lab, featuring proprietary techniques for higher cell concentrations, emphasizes his commitment to superior care. It is what makes a personalized treatment plan possible, rather than one protocol applied to everybody.
Credentials
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
- Residency: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
- Fellowship: Interventional Spine, Sports Medicine & Regenerative Medicine (Dr. Marko Bodor, Napa, CA)
- 20+ years of experience in orthopedic medicine
- Regenexx-certified provider — ultrasound and fluoroscopic guided procedures
- More Regenexx procedures than any other clinic in California; 3rd in the United States in 2023
- On-site processing lab with proprietary techniques for higher cell concentrations
How that shows up in an appointment
Advanced regenerative products, state-of-the-art imaging and a personalized approach, applied to joint, tendon, ligament, spine and bone conditions.
Image-guided placement
Ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance on every injection, so what is injected reaches the structure that is actually damaged.
On-site processing lab
Proprietary lab techniques reach higher cell concentrations than a bedside centrifuge can produce.
Diagnostic ultrasound
Dynamic imaging during the exam — the joint is assessed while it moves, not only in a still picture.
Electrodiagnostics
Nerve testing when symptoms point past the joint, so a nerve problem is not treated as a tendon problem.
Outside the clinic
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Derrington values a balanced, active lifestyle. His passions for CrossFit, gourmet food, music, and family adventures mirror his holistic view of patient care.
Treating each patient as unique, Dr. Derrington is committed to guiding each individual toward improved health and well-being.
Trust in excellence.
Choose Dr. Stephen Derrington for your orthopedic needs and embark on a journey toward health and happiness with a doctor who blends excellence with genuine care.
Affiliations and certifications
Board certification, ethics-consortium membership and the Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation badge can each be verified independently of this website.
See Dr. Derrington about your joint
An evaluation is a conversation about your imaging, your history and your goals — and an honest answer about whether a non-surgical option can help.
Send your imaging ahead
If you already have an MRI or X-ray, upload it before your visit and Dr. Derrington will review it in advance.
Two offices
Carlsbad and Laguna Hills, serving San Diego and Orange County.
Or call us directly at (760) 721-4000 - Carlsbad Office or (760) 721-4000 - Laguna Hills Office
Ready to speak with Dr. Derrington?
Call us to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment, or fill out the form and our team will reach out. We will ask about your condition, explain which options may apply, and tell you honestly whether an evaluation makes sense.
If we are not the right fit for your condition, we will tell you — and try to point you in the right direction.
"*" indicates required fields