COVID-19: Orthopaedic Oncology

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 Update: Orthopaedic Oncology

The Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology remains committed to providing the appropriate care to those dealing with both benign and malignant soft tissue or bone tumors of the pelvis and extremity, including metastatic disease to the skeleton, 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. We are able to review your imaging and pathology with you via a Telehealth visit and determine an appropriate care plan.  However, we will also still be available for ‘in-person’ visits that are deemed necessary.   

Needle Biopsy: If a soft tissue mass has been growing quickly and the imaging is concerning for a malignancy, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If the mass can be felt by the physician, a needle biopsy can be performed in clinic. If the mass is too deep to feel or involves the bone, we may start with a Telehealth visit and expedite an image-guided biopsy or an open biopsy in the operating room. 

Potential Infections requiring examination and 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.