This posting is for people to have knowledge of my case so they can make their own decision whether they would obtain Dr. Lisa Lattanza, MD surgical services. I asked Lattanza to repair my lateral epicondyle tear, she repaired the tear but also performed a cubical tunnel release without my knowledge, understanding or approval and ruined my arm. Lattanza ignored the physical therapist's reports for almost a year, never took responsibility, never explained what a cubical tunnel release is, never said I'm sorry and then dropped me to take the job at Yale. Another surgeon cleaned up Lattanza's cubital tunnel release debacle and also had to do an ulnar nerve transposition so I could get my arm back. Because of Lattanza, my arm will never be the same. Dr. Lisa Lattanza violated the Hippocratic oath of "Do No Harm" and she validated Shaw's Theorem 'Those who can, do; those who can't, teach'. Michael Smith Aug 7, 2018 Lattanza (lateral epicondylitis repair) Aug 5, 2019 King (removed non dissolvable suture Lattanza left in cubital tunnel release) Aug 13, 2021 Masem (ulnar nerve transposition, repair cubital tunnel release) read more

I had an appointment with Dr. Lattanza and when I showed up they told me she cancelled - they claimed they tried to reach me but I didn't have a message. Best part is that they refused to reschedule! After repeated calling the next day and told over and over to "call back later" her office finally gave me an ultimatum to show up the next morning or not for another couple weeks. I couldn't take time off work on such short notice, so now am waiting weeks for treatment. I guess I'll see if she's a good doctor, but I filed a complaint with the Medical Board of California for delayed care, her office staff are rude and disrespectful, and made no reasonable or good faith efforts to reschedule an appointment that she cancelled on me. read more

Spent a grand total of five minutes with me, didn't look at my face once, spent 10 seconds with a physical diagnosis. Rude, incompetent, and a waste of my time. Better off going to Stanford. read more

Elbow, elbow, elbow! (Three times to increase the search results for this word. ;-) Dr. Lattanza fixed my right elbow bone, the ulna, which was broken in three places at the joint. She is the best elbow doc in the Bay Area by far. After she removed the hardware, took out scar tissue, shaved the bone spur, and reinforced my tricep, my elbow is almost as good as new. Thank You, Dr. Lattanza! PS: If you have a hard time getting an appointment, keep trying, it's worth the wait. Her office is busy for a reason. PSS: Keep your arm moving as much as possible to keep your range of motion, and ask for a CPM (continual passive motion) machine to help you out. Even if you have to pay out of pocket, the CPM worked wonders. Elbow, elbow, elbow! read more

Dr. Lattanza saved my life. She is the best with the best -- UCSF. After three arm surgeries (by a different SF surgeon), I had non-unions in both arms due to failed osteotomies. Dr. Lattanza took me under her wing and never gave up on me. She got my D levels up (which the previous surgeon failed to even check) and did a complicated bone graft on my right arm in Nov 2013. I've been through four bone simulators, braces, casts, you name it -- and I just had my last visit with her. Both arms are completely healed. Don't trust anyone else with your arms. read more

Thank you, Dr. Lattanza, for my new elbow and for my return to a normal, active life. My arm was badly broken at the radial neck when I was hit by a car while biking in 2014. I had a repair surgery (plate + pins) to try to save the bone, but after 7 (long, painful, awful) months, it hadn't healed. I thought I'd never recover, physically or mentally. My inability to do the things I love--mountain bike, swim, yoga--took a toll on me. I was miserable and scared that I'd never be OK again. My physical therapist recommended Dr. Lattanza, and Carsten's review helped convince me. I needed a radial head replacement, which meant removing the broken bone and hardware and replacing this part of the bone with a prosthetic device. It is hard to overstate how trepidatious I was. We thought I might need a bone graft before the replacement, meaning two more surgeries, not one, which was almost more than I could take. I did feel confident that Dr. Lattanza had done a ton of repairs like this one, I was just worried. And then, I had the surgery. No graft, just a repair. It went great. After 5 days, I was off pain meds except acetaminophen. Ten days after the surgery, I felt well enough to go to the Giant's 2014 victory parade :-) I gained the use of my hand/arm very quickly; pronation and supination, extension, sensation, etc: all excellent. Four months later, I'm back (cautiously) on my mountain bike; I can swim a mile; I am starting a modified yoga practice. In short, I'm doing great. If you have a complicated arm/elbow/wrist/shoulder situation, Dr. Lattanza's the best there is. I am incredibly grateful to her and her team for giving me back my life. read more

Bottom Line: If you broke anything from fingers to your shoulder Dr. Latanza will fix you right. I broke a small bone in my right wrist, scapuela? She pinned it and I its back to normal, the scar is hardly noticable. I also had my fractured into 3 pieces at the end, she put the pieces back together pinned it and I'm good as new. After having a pretty traumatic motorcycle accident I'm good as new. Oh she has also fixed a broken finger or two, and helped my mom as well. I think we're going to get the family bulk usage discount! One thing, do what she says, her bedside manner is a little harsh, but she means business. read more

The point of this review: Dr. Lattanza is great for hand pain! The details: After seeing 2 other hand surgeons, I'm thrilled to be seeing Dr. Lattanza. In just my first visit, she had 12 x-rays taken of my hands. (In total, the 2 prior doctors only took 6 between them.) She and her resident both examined me, and they took considerable time to explain what was happening in my hands. Turns out, I had been receiving treatment for the wrong conditions as diagnosed by the last doctor. I felt I could trust Dr. Lattanza completely, and my next step is a minor surgery. I'll update the review after that to see how it goes. read more

To put it bluntly, Dr. Lattanza made my finger look and feel like a NORMAL finger again! The tip of my finger was permanently amputated in a very traumatic injury last year that left me with additional complications a year later. I'm only a few days post-surgery and I already have more feeling and function in my finger than I did prior to surgery and am confident that I will no longer have the chronic pain that I was having prior. I was terrified of having surgery for many reasons regarding the original injury but those fears were assuaged by Dr. Lattanza's competence and straightforwardness. She told me exactly how she would fix my finger and made it happen. This was my first surgery ever and I had a very good, calm, experience with a caring team of professionals. Dr. Lattanza is a skilled surgeon and I am very thankful that she was the one operating on me. When it comes down to having any surgical procedure, you want someone who is experienced and knows exactly what they're doing! read more

Dr. Latanza has done two surgeries on me to correct another surgeons error from a bike accident. I cannot stress how great and professional she and her team is. If I had a question, believe me I had tons, it was always answered promptly and with care. I swear she makes the most discrete incisions causing the tiniest possible scars. She should win some award for her artistry when stitching people back together. I would say if you are in the Bay Area, look no further because you've found the best! Update: I had three total surgeries with Dr. Latanza and stick by my review. No one will ever touch my arm but Dr. Latanza and her team! She knows how to deal with nervous laughter and tears. She gets to know her patients and I left feeling like the function of my arm was personal to her, not that I was just a number in her massive practice. Maybe you will not be coddled, but you will be fixed and true emotions will be comfortably dealt with. I am actually honored that I have a functioning, pain free arm, fixed by one of the best in the world! read more

I rarely review anything, but I ran into the woman who did my physical therapy after my hand surgery today (who was also wonderful) and seeing her made me realize I should write a review for Dr. Lattanza. Reason being, I am so incredibly grateful that she did my hand surgery, I count it as one of the greatest blessings in my life. I was so scared pre op, I'm writing this for anyone else who is in that situation: If you are in Dr. Lattanza's hands, you are in the right place, you needn't be scared. My hand surgery was a complex and unusual one. Dr. Lattanza knew exactly how to handle it and was very involved in my healing process, seeing me very regularly and communicating personally with my PT. My hand was so broken I was scared I was going to never be the same. Dr. Lattanza had me back at work with full range of motion, typing and driving and everything, within six weeks. And she sure knows how to do incisions--I've had acquaintances who are surgeons compliment how "gorgeous" my scar is (and I like it, too!) I will say that her bedside manner is a little different than other doctors I've seen--I'd say she is compassionate but hand surgery is no walk in the park and you have to be tough. She will push you to find your inner toughness, she will call you out if don't keep up with the program because you're being wimpy. But in the end that's a good thing, she's saving you from yourself. She knows her stuff, no joke, and if you march to her orders you'll be very glad you did. read more

Dr.Lattanza is amazing! My boyfriend broke his elbow. Poor guy was in so much pain. Had his elbow surgery on Dec 29th 2015. I can already see an improvement!!!! Dr. Lattanza was attentive and informative. She came out after his surgery to explain everything to me and my boyfriend's Aunt. Thank you Dr. Lattanza for a job well done. Looking forward to seeing you at the follow up appointment! read more

Lisa has since moved on to Yale Medical to head their Ortho Dept. And while she may seem somewhat abrupt and coldly efficient, she is extremely smart, provided me with extensive reliable decision support (including honesty about her and general unknowns) and is definitely the BEST DAMN SURGEON of any body part that has ever operated on me. She is also one of the only university medical center based surgeons who has operated on my joints or flesh, to fully engaged with me in the informed consent process and support my amending irrelevant clauses from usually 20 page plus corporate terms and conditions agreement, which is now required just for admission to/for any service whatsoever. Most importantly, her scar was minute and has disappeared; and I've had no complications or pain until recently. Lisa was supposed to operate on my other hand which was developing the same problem that she fixed on my other. To her credit, at the point a few years ago when I saw her about it, she didn't think it required surgery yet. So I've been relying too much on the the one she fixed hoping her replacement at UCSF may be close to her competency as a technician an organic mechanic - because isn't that the strongest predictor of the desired good outcome? read more

Perhaps she is a good surgeon. I will never know. Yes, of course, you want a good surgeon if you must undergo a surgical procedure. But wouldn't one expect to have your questions and concerns addressed. Nope. Read on. How does one spell R-U-D-E and grossly unprofessional? (I will spare you the specifics.) If she is that miserable (the only explanation of her revolting behavior) in her profession, perhaps she should consider something else. Might I suggest piercing ears at the mall as a suitable alternative. Anything but a physician where one should have a modicum of compassion perhaps. read more

Simply the BEST! A severe mountain bike accident in Idaho resulted in a severly injured left arm. My elbow was practically shattered, the arm was broken and my wrist was severely damaged. After the trauma surgeon in Boise, Idaho put my elbow back together I developed severe complications. I had very limited movement in my arm and as a result of the elbow injury was unable to pronate or supinate my writs. Being a very active 50 year old male, I set out to find the best surgeon in the country available for my injuries. After interviewing numerous surgeons (in multiple states), including ones that routinely operate on professional athletes, I chose Dr. Lattanza. This was clearly the best decision I could have made for my arm and getting my active life style back. Over the course of 15 months I traveled out of state to receive numerous operations from Dr. Lattanza to fix my elbow and wrist. The results were FANTASTIC! I am now within just a few degrees of having full extension of my arm and have nearly all of my pronation and supination in my wrist back. I am also pain free. Not only is my arm funtional, but I am able to return to my very active pyysical life style that I enjoyed prior to my mountain bike accident. Dr. Lattanza is truly a miracle worker! I have had many orthopedic surgeries in my lifetime and without question, Dr. Lattanza is the most phenomenal surgeon I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is surrounded by a highly skilled professional staff that has been outstanding to work with. If you have issues with your elbow or wrist and you are looking for a world class surgeon to help you, look no further than Dr. Lattanza and her team of highly skilled professionals. Thanks you again Dr. Lattanza, I will forever be indepted to you for giving me my active life style back! read more

It's been 12 years and I still haven't found a hand surgeon as good as Dr.Lattanza! I wish I could afford air fair, because I'd go to her for what's going on now! Dr. Lattanza in case you read this You Are So Loved by this lady in Dallas, Tx.! read more

Dr. Lattanza is excellent. She diagnosed my tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) right away, and gave me a few options for treatment. She explained the advantages of each, which made it very easy for me to decide which direction to go in. Unlike many doctors, she did not seem to be in a big hurry. She was happy to listen to my questions and answer them fully. I highly recommend Dr. Lattanza for any elbow issues you may be having. read more

Amazingly competent surgeon. My daughter has been under her care since injuring her thumb in soccer. She is by far a verily skilled surgeon and caring physician. No regrets on recommending this one. read more

This is my first ever Yelp review! Dr. Lattanza was referred to me by a very special neighbor who worked with Dr. Lattanza and her exact words were "if I had a hand injury I would only go to Dr. Lattanza!" She took one look at my thumb and told me I had torn the ligament connecting my thumb and I would need surgery stating the sooner the better. She got me in the next day! She is kind, intelligent and a very skilled surgeon. If I didn't point out the incision you would not even see it. I highly recommend Dr. Lattanza. read more

Dr. Lattanza is a gifted clinician, and surgeon--and I should know, as I am a physician myself and married to an orthopedic surgeon. She was unbelievably helpful in correcting a complex fracture made worse by unsuspected osteoporotic bone. She was candid, concise, honest and thorough with her plan. She helped me achieve a surgical date that was least disruptive to my own medical practice, and she really worked hard to get me an optimal outcome when extenuating circumstances caused her to be flexible without trading for precision intra- operatively. She has been very easy to talk to, has my whole bone health in mind, not just my healing wrist, and I cannot recommend her more highly to anyone who needs the best. The entire Orthopedic Institute has been exceptional from the check in staff, to the ancillary nurses, physician assistants, and cast techs, and all the way to the surgeons and residents in whom I placed my trust. What a remarkable facility to have in our Bay Area. We are really so very fortunate. read more

I had Ulnar Nerve Cubital Tunnel Syndrome corrective surgery with Dr Lattanza back in August 2016. Her and her office staff were fantastic. Dr Lattanza and the pre-op people at UCSF Orthopaedic Institute were amazing. Dr Lattanza and the surgical team were the best. Dr Lattanza and the post-op team were great! I was quite surprised how fast I healed! I offer my highest recommendation for Dr. Lisa Lattanza! read more

Excellent. I went to her for a second opinion. I had already had two surgeries on my arm (unnecessary as it was soon to be discovered). She reviewed my case in detail and sent me for a neuro-gram of my arm and neck. Through the process I learned that my pain was due in full to my neck / nerves. The solution was to work with an ortho-spine MD. She referred me and stated that in the future I could return for any future discussions. I found her to be the best out of the practice at UCSF Ortho and I have seen a total of 3 MD's there. read more

Lisa Lattanza is a terrible doctor. I was in a bad car accident, the air bag deployed and shattered my wrist. This happened back east while I was on vacation so I had my surgery at Johns Hopkins, and when I flew home to San Francisco she was the physician in charge of my recovery. She did a terrible job. She frequently called me a 'drama queen' because I was in pain. She refused to hold my hand and check out my range of movement, relying on the notes from the physical therapist instead. As a result she missed out on the fact that a pin was intruding on a joint and causing incredible pain. I didn't find this out till I went back to Johns Hopkins for a follow up, since after a certain point I just didn't like her and didn't trust her with my care. They immediately realized that something was wrong because they were actually willing to touch my hand. It's such a simple thing, but she won't do it. I had the next surgery to remove the pin at Johns Hopkins. She was just a rude, strange person, and I cannot encourage people enough to find another doctor who is more professional and competent. read more