Steven T. Thaxter, M.D.

Elbow, Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Arthroscopy, and Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist
Photo of Steven T. Thaxter, M.D.
Physician Assistant(s):: 

Robert Reynoso, P.A.-C.

Dr. Thaxter graduated from University of California, Berkeley, in 1985 with a B.A. degree in biophysics. He earned his M.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1989.

Dr. Thaxter completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of California at Davis in 1994. He has been board-certified with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery since 1997.

Dr. Thaxter specializes in arthroscopy and minimally invasive surgeries of the hip and elbow, sports medicine, and joint reconstruction of the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. He is also a consulting physician for several athletic teams, including Fresno State, Reedley College, and many local high schools.

A native of Fresno, Dr. Thaxter’s interests include spending time with family, playing tennis, traveling, and listening to music.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Thaxter at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics, please call (559) 446-0777.

  • Education, Training and Affiliations

  • Medical Degree, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
  • Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California at Davis
  • Member, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Member, California Medical Association
  • Member, Fresno-Madera Medical Society
  • Member, Lipscomb Orthopaedic Society
Specialty: 
Hip & Knee Center
Shoulder & Upper Extremity Center
Total Joint Center

Patient Testimonials

"Shoulder surgery and knee replacement surgeries.  Couldn't have been more pleased with the whole staff from the technicians, physical therapists and of course Dr. Stephen Thaxter and assistant Robert. The whole organization is so professionally and efficiently run—all appointments couldn't have gone smoother. Recently, I've been in other facilities and couldn't believe the difference from cleanliness to staff knowledge. I couldn't be happier than I am at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics." --Sandra B.

"I have had many surgeries in your facility. At the age of 83, all of them have been successful and left me healed and pain free. I hope other people will enjoy the services of dedicated and skilled doctors the same as I have. I've had both knees repaired, a broken arm needing an external fixative, fractured wrist and ankle as well as three surgeries requiring anesthesia with great outcomes. I will have further surgeries as needed. Thank you for taking such good care of me." --Ruth P.

"First and foremost—you guys remain exceptional—from Dorothy in scheduling who cannot go out of her way enough to help you to Jess and Kylie—those first two bright faces that greet you every time you arrive as if you are part of their immediate family. Then there is Tammy—there is no better nurse in the medical world than this extremely professional and yet heartwarming woman. The way she always responded to my daughter during my recent excitement and for a long time now to my own questions is unmatched.  Last but not least, who could ask for more confident yet caring guys than Robert and Dr. Thaxter? I'm sure I've left someone out but suffice to say that your whole team is top-shelf." --Don T.

"FUN—Dr.Thaxter is a joy to work with. Great smile and a HAPPY person. He becomes a friend. Thanks to all the staff. Great attitude throughout the organization." --Charles W.

"I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with the entire Sierra Pacific Orthopedic team, from Dr. Thaxter, to P.A.Reynoso, to my wonderful physical therapists Joe and Becky, to the surgical staff at Summit Surgery. I had a frustrating condition called "frozen shoulder" that had plagued me for months. It is a painful condition that causes one to gradually lose their free range of motion in the affected shoulder. Dr. Thaxter was quick to diagnose the problem and made every effort to try and avoid surgery but in my case, the condition had gotten so bad that I had to go forward with surgery. That was just over a month ago and I have made a quick recovery having already regained 95% of my range of motion. I am so grateful to everyone who was associated with my care, therapy, and recovery. I so appreciated their professionalism, compassion, and positive attitude. Thanks to you all!" -- Kerri L.

"I had a total hip replacement last October.  Before the surgery, it was bone on bone and getting very difficult to walk and so incredibly painful. At 58 I am too young to be crippled like this. Dr. Thaxter and his assistant made me feel relaxed and took good care of me. They spent time answering all my questions and used a top of the line hip joint. The Fresno Surgical Hospital was a wonderful place to have the replacement done.  My surgical pain was kept to a tolerable level and my hip pain was gone. I went back to work doing light duty after three weeks without even a crutch. I faithfully did my exercises and now after seven weeks I am about ninety percent of normal.  If I ever need another replacement I will go to Dr. Thaxter." -- David D.

"I am a frequent visitor since I have had many operations at Sierra Pacif and other treatments. All of my treatments and procedures have been exceptional and the doctors have been the best I have ever encountered. I have lived in Metro Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis and found none better orthopedic group. What truly sets you guys apart as well is your support staffs and their demeanor. I have often preached and praised the expert and "family" atmosphere that they offer. Dorothy has always been so good and patient with anything and everything I have every asked of her as a surgery scheduler or in any other capacity. She seems to know everything a patient could ever want to know. Lately, upon checkout, I have been dealing with Kylie and she could not possibly be better. She also knows and handles most anything I could ask.  Kylie seems to always remember my first name without even looking at her paperwork and to me that shows concern and caring. The receptionist position is always filled with a person who is efficient and polite. From your facilities, to your staff, to your doctors, the care and concern for patients at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics is top shelf!!" -- Don T.

"The doctors get all the credit (and mine did a great job and deserves the acolades), but my kudos goes to the excellent staff. They are courteous and caring and really do bend over backwards to make the experience of scheduling pre-op and surgery more than bearable. I could name many, but the one that stands out is Dr. Thaxter's surgery scheduler. She knew I hurt badly and was in need of surgery, but not really a life and death emergency. She got me in a very timely manner. Thank you Miss D. for keeping on top of things and keeping in touch. You are special." -- Lois R.

"My experience up to this point with Sierra Pacific Orthopedics has been exceptional. I have always been amazed at how you guys service so many patients and yet do so on time and efficiently. I have had several operations and procedures at SPOC and in all cases the services and care was superior to anywhere else I have ever been. I have had ten operations  in total and the 11th will happen on August 23 as Dr. Thaxter and the medical staff will be repairing my knee. I have been operated on in numerous cities such as Detroit, Michigan, Newark, New Jersey, and Valencia, California. Nothing has matched Sierra Pacific Orthopedics and I don't expect that to change. Drs. Watson, Wiens, Thaxter, and others have all helped me and taken the time to make everything completely clear and understandable. They leave no stone unturned and never make promises they don't expect to deliver.

I must commend one individual though, Dorothy, the surgery scheduler in Dr. Thaxter's office. Talk about someone who makes you feel cared for and cared about. She goes way outside the bounds of any job assignment to make totally sure that you have every answer and detail you could ever ask or want. She does so in a manner that makes you feel like family and there is nothing that evokes more confidence and security than that. I big thank you goes to Dorothy, the doctors, and the staff including the X-Ray, lab people, receptionists, and everyone else that plays a role on the Sierra Pacific Orthopedics team. God Bless." -- Don T.

"Dr. Thaxter and his past and present physician assistants have always been very pleasant and extremely competent in their treatment of my various joint and muscle/tendon issues. The office staff has been great. Also,they have been able to get me in when I need to be seen or in the most recent case, I saw my primary MD on Tuesday morning, she said I needed an injection in my elbow for tendonitis and she said it had to be someone competent. The staff at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics got me an appointment with Robert Reynoso on Friday afternoon and I got my shot and by Sunday was much improved with much less pain. The office is pleasantly decorated and comfortable, everyone is genuinely friendly and helpful. I always recommend Dr. Thaxter and his staff when someone needs an orthopedic surgeon." -- Jamie R.

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