COVID-19: Arthritis and Joint Replacement

Last updated Jan. 4, 2021:  Learn how UCSF is making surgery safe during COVID-19. Learn more.

Under San Francisco's current health order, all medical services, including routine and preventive care, are considered essential. Please contact us to make a telehealth visit  or an in-person visit. For in-person appointments, all clinical staff – doctors, physician assistants, clinical personnel -- will be wearing both face masks as well as eye shields or face shields for our patients' safety.

Service Line Updates: Arthritis and Joint Replacement

The Division of Arthroplasty remains committed to providing the appropriate musculoskeletal care to those dealing with pain and functional limitations caused by arthritis of the hip and knee during this pandemic.  We recognize how difficult it is for you to not get the usual care you expect and deserve, and we will do our utmost to work within our constraints to help you through this process.

We have transitioned the vast majority of our clinic visits to Tele-health/ video visits. However, we will also still be available for ‘in-person’ visits that are deemed necessary.

Cortisone Injections:  Given the fact that surgeries have been delayed and rescheduled, it seems appropriate to provide cortisone injections as an alternative for temporary pain relief. As of now, based on a discussion with your provider, cortisone injections of the knee can still be performed at the Orthopaedic Institute.  Unfortunately, we cannot currently schedule any hip cortisone injections, because of the constraints on the Musculoskeletal Radiologists who usually perform these procedures (Radiology guided imaging, which is required for hip injections, is temporarily unavailable; we will update you as soon as this changes.

Joint Aspirations:  In certain clinical scenarios, a hip or knee aspiration (fluid removed via needle) may be indicated. These procedures, based on the acuity of the need, will continue to be performed.