COVID-19: Hand, Elbow and Upper Extremity

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: Hand, Elbow and Upper Extremity

The Division of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at UCSF remains committed to providing the appropriate musculoskeletal care to those dealing with pain and functional limitations caused by previous and new injuries 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  where we can evaluate your progress, discuss symptoms, and review imaging including x-rays and MRI. We are also available for ‘in-person’ visits that are deemed necessary by the medical staff.

Acute Injuries:  In some situations, patients may have a new injury or exacerbation of a previous injury that needs attention.  We have providers in the hand and upper extremity group on-site Monday-Friday for urgent appointments, and urgent video visits can be scheduled as well.  Acute injuries include fractures, dislocations, lacerations and tendon injuries, and infection.  We are available through MyChart as well to answer questions through the electronic medical record.

Cortisone Injections:  Given the fact that surgeries are being delayed, it may be appropriate to provide cortisone injections as an alternative for temporary pain relief.    However, give the current “shelter-in-place” recommendation, we are reserving this for pain that is not relieved by other options, including splinting, bracing, or anti-inflammatories.

Braces/ Orthotics:  For certain injuries, your provider may recommend a brace or orthotic.  The UCSF Orthotics & Prosthetics Department is opento the public; we can order the appropriate brace/ orthotic and have it delivered to the Orthopaedic Institute and help you with fitting/ adjusting.