Dr. Nelson was fantastic for my mallet finger. He provided clear instructions and great support, leading to a full recovery in good time. Now I'm back to playing basketball! Highly recommend. read more

Top of their game, thorough explanation for the layperson, and worked really hard to get me in for the last minute appointment

Dr Nelson is exceptionally skilled, engaged, communicative, patient, thorough - everything a person could want from a doctor and surgeon. I had bilateral carpel tunnel surgery and he took excellent care from start to finish. read more

Wow! I wish all doctors were this good! He possesses a rare combination of a lovable bedside manner with a clear command of the profession. My 12 year old daughter sustained a minor fracture to her finger. During our visit he imported the x-ray file and quickly used photoshop to crop down and rotate the views. As he explained the diagnosis, he illustrated a colored diagram. Then he lovingly filed her hand-made splints after re-opening after his closed office, for my daughter's change of heart about needing a splint. A few days post visit we received a three page follow up letter, copying her pediatrician and the referring urgent care clinic. Clearly this is a doctor who cares about his patients, stays current with technology, and is an expert in his field. My only regret now is that am spoiled on doctors forever! It's too bad he only treats the wrist and hand! read more

David L Nelson, MD - Orthopedists Near Me - Greenbrae, California

Results matter and Dr Nelson did an amazing 4.5 hour surgery to repair Dupuytren's contracture in 3 fingers and thumb. The surgery was supposed to last 3 hours but he took the time to do it carefully and thoroughly. Dr Nelson was recommended by multiple Marin Dr's. The best part of the experience was his attention to pre and post op care and pain management. He was thorough in planning post op visits and physical therapy. I was treated as a whole person not just another hand surgery. He actually cares about his patients including scheduling the surgery to fit a busy work & vacation schedule. Thank you Stacy. I now have full range of motion and +/- 95% of strength in repaired hand. read more

I do not give 5 star ratings easily and I wish I could give 10 stars in the case of Dr Nelson and Stacy! This medical practice is best-in-class. I have a mallet-finger injury and could not find a doctor in my insurance network who had good reviews. When I called Dr Nelson's office, Stacy could not have been more helpful. Right away she assured me that they care about people first and would do what they could to make it affordable since I was paying out of pocket. They were incredibly fair and I am so grateful. More importantly, Dr Nelson is deeply experienced and knowledgeable and I trusted him right away. He took the time to correctly diagnose my injury (there are different kinds of mallet finger injuries), explain my injury to me, AND draw a detailed diagram of the hand (bones, tendons and nerves) and what all was going on. I never felt rushed or that they were trying to get to the next patient. They even took the time to mail me a copy of the diagram and all the notes from my visit. WOW. Dr Nelson's "bedside manner" is everything you'd want in a doctor. He was cheerful, engaging and fully present and focused on me and what I needed. I have never felt that way with a doctor and I'm well into my 50s! I also want to sing Stacy's praises. She is also friendly, engaging, efficient, helpful, knowledgeable and it seems she and Dr Nelson are a true partnership. Too bad I can't see them for all my health needs! read more

I have just completed a third hand surgery with Dr Nelson and want to recommend hm to anyone who needs this kind of surgery. He s a skilled surgeon who spends time with his patients to make sure they know everything involved in what they are having done. He deals respectfully with the staff who support him during the surgery. He is an expert in pain management and provides specific non-prescription medications to stay ahead of pain. All those things make me recommend him highly. read more

Dr. Nelson is an excellent hand surgeon. I have dupetryns and his repair of my right hand was amazing. In less than a month, I was back working. He uses no opinoids in his pain management and his method is amazingly successful. The operation was such a success that I have scheduled the second operation for my left hand. Thank you, Dr Nelson and Stacy. read more

Hands down best Doctor I have met. You can tell Dr Nelson really loves what he does. He fit me in the day of when I called from the urgent care that recommended him and clearly knew exactly what to do. I really liked how he teaches you what is going on with your injury and why the treatment he recommends will work. The guy has the best attitude as well he's friendly and genuinely seems happy you're there. I hope I don't get injured again but if I do I would want it to be my hand or arm so I can go back to Dr Nelson. read more

Dr. Nelson did a carpal tunnel release on both my right and left hands on August 26, 2022. I would like to express my gratitude for relieving me of multiple episodes of nightime pain; my only regret is that I did not seek treatment sooner. In particular I must commend Dr. Nelson's pain management protocols, using a combination of extended release Tylenol and Aleve. Though these surgeries require a 2" incision in each palm, I needed absolutely no opioid pain relief following surgery. A bit more than three weeks post-surgery, I have regained full function on my left hand. My right thumb and fingers still exhibit some residual numbness, however this is only because I waited too long before having surgery. Already I can easily discern texture to a fairly fine degree, each day the numbness becoming less, and I feel it is reasonable to expect full resolution with time. Thank you! read more

I saw all the 5 stars so I went to this doctor. This guy has no business being a doctor of philosophy let alone a hand surgeon. Without going into details let me just suggest you should go elsewhere. The entire experience with this office was very weird, from the first call to the end result. read more

We never ended up becoming patients but I'd still give Dr. Nelson 10/10 stars. While visiting San Francisco, my son broke his arm. We ended up at an urgent care nearby and the doctor there recommended we follow up with Dr. Nelson. I called ~4:30 and he picked up the phone right away, asked me to email over the X-rays and he would be in touch once he had reviewed them. He called me back promptly and advised me to leave my son in a brace and wait a few days for the swelling to go down and get casted when we were back home. He was warm and friendly and extremely helpful, letting me know it was okay to reach out with any follow up questions. I did have a question the next day so I reached out and again he promptly replied. I hope to never need his services again but if we did find ourselves in the same situation in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to go to Dr. Nelson. It's rare to find a doctor so generous with his time and expertise. read more

Dr. Nelson explained my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome completely and spent as much time as I needed to understand the nature of the surgery and recovery process. His knowledge and expertise are profound and my surgery and recovery proceeded exactly as he had forecast. When I arrived at the hospital, however, my surgical appointment had been lost and there was no operating room nor staff. Dr. Nelson roamed the halls, recruiting nurses, anesthesiologists, and assistants, and presto! We got the operation done! Obviously, this is a doctor who will go the last mile for his patients and has the respect and admiration of his colleagues to volunteer to help him in extraordinary circumstances. I'd give him a 6 or 7 if those ratings were available! read more

I had the best medical experience of my long life with under Dr. Nelson's care. He was personable, involved, and supportive throughout his care for me, which centered around excision of a form of fibromatosis in my left hand. He anticipated my concerns and questions, performed the surgery flawlessly and provided timely postoperative advice and follow-up. read more

Dr. Nelson has been my go to hand doctor through the years for a few exciting opportunities to help me with finger issues. He consistently demonstrates and wants to share his knowledge with you so that you have a clear understanding of what will be done from A to Z. He reviews the treatment options and gives his recommendations as to the best approach to resolve your issue. My latest opportunity was with trigger finger on my right ring finger. I suffered for months trying everything from Accupuncture, chiropractors, massage, and finally went to see Dr Nelson when I realized this finger was negatively impacting my life and doing the things I love to do. The initial plan was to try a steroid shot which is what we did about 20 years ago on my left thumb trigger finger (and continues to be completely resolved since then!). Dr Nelson patiently and clearly explained the options and what to expect. When the steroid shot wore out as he thought it might, we went to the next step for surgery. Aside from all the time he spent with me in his office to ensure I understood the surgery (what to do before, during, after), his website and information package were very thorough and self explanatory. His ideas on managing pain were right on the money for me and I was never in any pain following his specific notes/plans. I'm about two weeks post surgery and feeling pretty good as my trigger finger is no more. it's still a bit stiff and the incision is so small it's barely noticeable. Also, the surgery took place at Marin Health (formerly Marin General Hospital) and all the staff there were amazing in spite of all the craziness going on in other parts of the hospital. plus, all the nurses pre and post operation were huge fans of Dr Nelson and what a great job he does for his patients. (what other doctors actually take the time to introduce you to their surgery team before you are sedated??? such a nice touch.) Had the surgery Friday afternoon and Dr Nelson called to check in with me on Sunday evening. All looking good! I had a couple of questions a few days later and Dr Nelson was right there to return my call and see me the next day. Also, Stacey the office manager, was super helpful and patient in answering my questions. she, too, was very knowledgeable about what to expect at the hospital and getting me to the right locations with all the pre-op work completed in a timely manner. All in all, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr Nelson--compassion, patience, knowledge and expertise, his experience, and a really nice person--what else do you need in a good doctor? read more

Dr. Nelson is a very qualified and kind hand specialist. He clearly cares about his patients, and takes his time to explain things. Dr. Nelson also has his own X-Ray machine in the office, so it was much more convenient to get routine x-rays done during the visit, rather than having to go the hospital, etc. Stacy as also terrific to work with for bookings and scheduling matters. read more

I really appreciate all the attention and detail Dr Nelson gave me when I had a problem with my left hand recently. I contacted his office and was pleasantly surprised to get a next day appointment. Dr Nelson personally took fluid samples over to Marin General and used their microscopic equipment. He got immediate results, and I got immediate treatment. He explained everything in detail. This is the doctor to go see if you have any hand or wrist issue. read more

If you are suffering from any hand/wrist issues go see David Nelson, MD. I have seen him occasionally over the past decade and very recently for my current hand injury. He thorough, patient and takes the time needed to make sure you understand your injury and its treatment . Appointments are given in a very timely manner. I recommend Dr Nelson very highly. read more

Dr. Nelson is genius at what he does. His skill is unparalleled and most importantly (to me) he is a kind person. Everything about his practice, beginning with his outstanding front desk associate Stacy, is warm, welcoming and reassuring. He was not the first surgeon to address my Dupuytrens contracture but he will be the last. read more

Dr. Nelson is fantastic. He removed a mass from deep in the pad of my thumb. The surgery was easy, and he explained everything clearly and in detail so I knew just what to expect. (The surgery team at Marin General Hospital was also great.) Dr. Nelson is particularly attentive to preventing pain. He explained how and why to take medications, which, in my case meant no more than Tylenol and Aleve. I had absolutely no pain from the surgery. It was very impressive. My wound on my thumb has also healed beautifully. There's almost no visible scar. I'm very impressed. The best thing about Dr. Nelson is his willingness (and eagerness) to explain what he is doing and why things happen. His office is a very caring and supportive environment. I felt he and Stacey (his office manager) really took the time to get to know me personally. Highly recommended! read more

My experience at Dr. Nelson's office was excellent. He is very thorough. Did a great job explaining my xrays, putting on my cast, & made me feel completely taken care of. The secretary is wonderful as well. Nice friendly people, on top of great service. And I really like Dr. Nelson being direct and upfront. Thank you so much! Theresa K. read more

My experience in working with Dr. Nelson to treat my broken finger was terrific. His assistant, Stacy, was able to get me in for an appointment the very next day after my bicycle accident. Dr. Nelson was great about explaining everything and going over my options. His onsite x-ray facilities saved me a lot of time and effort. Dr. Nelson recommended against surgery in my case, even though that would have meant more revenue for him. I highly recommend Dr. Nelson. He and Stacy are a strong team. read more

Dr Nelson and his staff were both knowledgeable and accommodating when it came to getting me into the office and taking care of my injuries. I was in a motorcycle accident and he was able to help me with my injuries and put me on the road to recovery. Also a fun guy to chat with - he explained exactly what was wrong with me, gave me a few scenarios that I may encounter in my healing process and told me what to do if I did. I appreciated his thoroughness and ability to explain what was happening with my injuries in lamens terms. Hoping to not injure my hands anytime soon but in the off chance that I do, I'll be back. read more

Dr. Nelson is nice enough and he may be a good surgeon, but his obtuse personality is maddening. He never stops talking about himself, his knowledge and all that you can learn from his website essays about various conditions. After my surgery he seemed to take it as a personal insult that I could not yet bend my finger as he wanted. He then acted as though I was too stupid to understand what he was asking of me, and showed no compassion or empathy. He does not like to recommend HAND THERAPY even though it is obviously needed to regain use after surgery. I will not return to him for a follow-up just because he is so annoying and offers little if any help. He is an inpatient, over bearing and close to to rude man. I also received a bill for $183 for my office visit, even though for over 10 years medicare and my supplemental insurance has covered all cost. Have no idea what that is about. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GUY read more

I tripped on a curb and landed face down on concrete. Unfortunately my fall was broken by my face and hand. Having been a chiropractor and seen lots of hand injuries over the years, Dr Nelson was my "go to guy" for those patients. So I knew he was a good hand doctor and surgeon. It was natural that I would call him first. His wonderful secretary Stacey got me in for an emergency visit the very next day. I was surprised an x-ray revealed a fracture of my thumb. He competently treated me. He answered all my questions and gave me helpful literature. On a follow up visit he also successfully treated a trigger finger on my opposite hand. Dr Nelson is a highly competent and experienced physician. I highly recommend him. read more

I was looking for a second opinion on a hand condition, and was referred to Dr. Nelson. From the first phone call with Stacey ( awesome) , to the post -meeting summary letter , just a great overall experience. Dr. Nelson's knowledge and experience are obvious ( you can read his published writings) . 5 stars read more

I was referred by Dr. Nelson from my primary care physician after antibiotics for a lacerated finger infection did not seem to be resolving quickly enough. Dr. Nelson called me back that very day and had me send photo images to him for diagnosis while he did a phone consultation. He met me the next morning and evaluated the finger and prescribed additional home treatments. He saw me again ten days later to monitor that the injured finger was recovering appropriately. He was friendly, outgoing, concerned, and informative as to how long the total recovery should take and how I can self evaluate in the future. Finally he showed a genuine interest in my as a person. read more

I went to Dr. Nelson for a rock climbing injury I sustained a few months prior. He is a rock climber, which immediately made me at ease because he understood the very specific mechanics of how I injured my finger, and gave detailed guidance for safely getting back into climbing. He was extremely thorough and clear with his explanation of my injury. I would recommend him to anyone, especially climbers who are having issues with hand related injuries. read more

Dr. Nelson was terrific. Had finger surgery at Marin General and could not believe all the positive comments I heard about Dr. Nelson from staff as I moved through all stages of prep, surgery and then post-op at the hospital. He is highly regarded and incredibly detailed about all aspects of surgery/post-op pain to reduce any chance of mistakes by him or those he works with. Stacey, his office manager, is also very thorough and a pleasure to interact with. Feel so lucky to have selected Dr. Nelson for this procedure and enjoyed his outgoing and friendly personality. read more

I was referred to Dr. Nelson from urgent care after I jammed my left pinkie playing basketball and it ended up being severely crooked. He gave me an explanation about all the different factors that go into such a small part of the human anatomy and I sincerely appreciated the fact that he wanted to explore a non-surgical option with me as my work requires daily use of all my fingers and a surgery would have been a financial burden for that reason. I believe hand therapy, which he recommended and referred me out for, was better for my overall state of mind and gave me a greater sense of control over my recovery. I would highly recommend him, especially for injuries of the fingers! I also have to compliment his receptionist, Nancy. She was always very pleasant when I would come in, and she would always call with a reminder the day before an appointment, which I appreciated. read more

Dr. Nelson was very attentive and sensitive regarding my injury/infection. He made a decisive and coordinated action plan for my problem which included coordination with a plastic surgeon and infectious disease doctor. His website is very informative and was an especially helpful reference prior to surgery and thereafter. His post op pain therapy was tremendously effective. At the inception of every visit he asks for feedback on a form which he reviews as he is seeing you. He obviously cares for his patients and sincerely wants to insure their questions and concerns are addressed. His office staff is also very helpful and sincere. read more

He performed "trigger finger" surgery on my FOUR fingers, all at the same time. Just a week later, I have no pain, no scar, and no trigger finger. He is incredibly talented and a leader in his field. We are so lucky to have him in Marin. KNeill read more

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Nelson and his assistant, Stacey. Dr. Nelson was extremely thorough in his examinations and in explaining my treatment options for multiple issues with my wrists. Appointments were always on time with no waiting, and there were no long phone holds either. Stacey is a joy to deal with. I had multiple problems with my wrists and fingers, including a synovial cyst, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a trigger thumb, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. I had been experiencing numbness in the tips of my fingers, but I never suspected it was caused by carpel tunnel until Dr. Nelson's diagnosis. As a pianist, I was very reluctant to have the surgery, but Dr. Nelson strongly recommended it in order to avoid further nerve damage. I intentionally waited for a few months post-surgery to write this review so I could report accurately on the outcome, especially as it related to my piano playing. I'm pleased to say that the effects on my ability to play were very minimal, and I was able to resume playing within a couple of days. My fingers moved fine, but sometimes when I had to stretch my hand open, it was a little painful, so I just avoided that type of music for a while. After 3-4 weeks, I was able to play most everything in my repertoire. My wrists were painful to the touch and lumpy feeling for a couple of months post-surgery, and I was concerned they would always be like that, but now, about four months post-surgery, the tenderness has significantly diminished. Best of all, the numbness in my fingers has completely disappeared. Unfortunately, my wrists are still too tender to do down-dogs, so Woof, I just do them on my elbows for now. Anyway, I feel very lucky to have found Dr. Nelson, and I HIGHLY recommend him. read more

Dr. Nelson and his assistant, Stacey, provide excellent patient care. When I was referred to his office, I was helpless, in pain and did not know much about my condition, a benign, but rare glomus tumor, turned very painful after a biopsy performed in a dermatologist's office. The moment I called, I knew I was in great hands. Stacey knew exactly what I had, as Dr. Nelson had just operated on another patient, just weeks before, with the same diagnosis. She scheduled an appointment for the very next morning and when I met Dr. Nelson I felt I finally had someone in my corner, who would help me through the healing process, which needed to help before surgery could be an option. My finger healed from the biopsy and surgery ended up not being required, but the support, encouragement and loads of information I received were outstanding. If I end up needing surgery in the future, I have no doubt, Dr. Nelson will be the guy. His approach to pain management before, during and post procedure was very reassuring and his commitment to personal and thorough patient care made me feel heard and validated. All doctors should opt to see less patients per day to give each one the thorough evaluation and personal care Dr. Nelson offers. Add that to his accolades for being great at his craft and we have the holy grail. Outstanding physician! read more

I was referred to Dr. Nelson for an issue with my wrist by my primary physician, who endorsed Dr. Nelson as he had operated on her father. Dr. Nelson's office manager, Stacey, called me shortly after receiving the referral to schedule my initial appointment. I cannot say enough good things about both Dr. Nelson and Stacey and their professionalism, and genuine concern for my well being. Dr. Nelson took the time to examine my wrist, review x-rays and thoroughly explain to me my options and his recommendations. I proceeded with surgery two weeks ago and am so grateful for the care I received. Dr. Nelson is meticulous- even the pre op nurses commented on his attention to detail. Seems to me that's exactly what you want from someone operating on you. He's a leader in pain management, and developed a post op pain management protocol that truly works. I did not need any narcotics. I wholeheartedly Dr. Nelson. My experience exceeded my expectations and I am incredibly thankful. read more

Steer clear. This was by far, the worst medical experience of my life. I am sharing this painful experience that occurred several years ago so that others might be forewarned. As someone who has undergone several surgeries, I have encountered hundreds of medical professionals. This was a singularly strange and abusive experience. I came to Mr. Nelson for a second opinion. I had pain from an injury to my right wrist, which did not heal. The injury was ultimately diagnosed by another hand specialist as a ligament injury. However, at that time, I did know what it was. My primary care doctor had referred me to him, with some reservations, because of his reputation. When I arrived I was asked to fill out the standard forms. My wrist was hurting and could not fill out the forms without pain. I asked for help from the front desk. Apparently, Mr. Nelson resented this. From the moment I entered the office, Mr. Nelson confronted me about needing help with the forms. He was so obsessed with this that he referenced it in his medical report to my doctor several times! He then offered surgery. When I declined, his demeanor became even stranger. When I described an additional symptom, (that my hand had recently had brownish blood bruising in my palm,) he treated me as if I was lying, and as if the pain was in my head. I am not someone who fakes pain, bruising, or seeks attention! If I had owned a smart phone with a camera at that time, I would have documented the bruising. But, I never expected a doctor to question my assertion. He also stated that he didn't believe me in the medical report which I saved. His words were couched in medical terminology, implying it was psychological. Why do I bring this up now? Cleaning out my files today, I came across his written report. I had forgotten how shockingly off base it was, and how awful I felt to be treated that way. I also found my written response to it. If I had the strength then, that I have now, I would have filed a complaint to the Medical Board. Later, when I reported the experience to my primary care doctor, my doctor admitted that he had also heard some bad reports on Mr. Nelson. It is clear by the other Yelp reviews that others have had a good experience. I did not. Mine was a nightmare. read more

For sure "as good as it gets". My initial consultation, surgery and postop were outstanding. The way in which Dr. Nelson positively interacts with the hospital staff preop, in the operating room and postop, is exemplary. He really cares. His integrity is obvious and his attention to detail the best I've ever encountered. Stacy in his office is attentive, kind, and knowledgeable, and they make an excellent team so that each patient knows they are important and valued. Without hesitation I will highly recommend Dr. Nelson to family and friends, and I thank him for solving my medical issue with efficiency, excellent care and even a marvelous sense of good humor. :-) read more

I met Dr. Nelson last October, when I was taken to ER at Marin General Hospital, where he was a physician on call. A fall I had suffered on the property where I live had left me with a broken left wrist (my dominant hand) and a broken right arm. From the start, I found him to be arrogant and aloof. He made derrogatory remarks about my weight, and implied that the accident resulted from alcohol abuse. (Untrue; I have been sober for nine years). He set my wrist in a temporary cast, and it took a week before I was cleared for surgery. At a pre-op meeting he claimed to have designed the surgical plate he intended to use in my wrist, and that he "Held a patent for its design and use in surgery".( I have since learned that this is absolutely not true; he holds no such patent). After a 3-4 hour surgery, while in the Recovery Room, I overheard him say. ".. it went fine (the procedure) after I got through osteopsoriasis Hell, surrounded by lard". A nurse, who also heard this demeaning remark replied "...that was uncalled for, unecessary, and unprofessional". Dr. Nelson sent me home with three (yes, three; not a typo) painkillers. At home, I was in agony (remember, I had a broken shoulder too) yet he flat out refused to prescribe more than those three, citing 'Pain managment' and 'constipation' as his rationale, acting like I was bothersome for even asking. Fast forward five months. I cannot turn my wrist, so I sought out a second opnion from a highly regarded hand surgeon in San Francisco. Dr. Nelson demanded that I pay a thirty-five dollar fee to release his x-rays of my wrist after the surgery. (Which was improper; Medicare has since informed me that they have paid Dr. Nelson for all of my x-rays, and to charge me again is nothing short of a rip-off). Additionally, the doctor I met with said that Dr. Nelson's x-rays were of inferior quality, and he proceded to shoot his own, suggesting that I return them to Dr. Nelson and "...Get your money back". Upon review, the new doctor declared that the ulna is "not aligned correctly", and that the titanium plate which Nelson implanted is blocking a bone in my wrist, preventing me from rotating my hand, and would require surgery to remove said plate.. He added that the surgery he suggests would relieve the discomfort and pain I still have now.(Oh, and to remove a pointed shard of unattached bone which appeared on the top of my hand after my surgery with Dr. Nelson). Bottom line? I guess I'm lucky that I don't have nerve damage in my fingers. Dr. Nelson should NOT be your choice of physician for something as important as a hand. Plus, he's rude, arrogant, and motivaterd by money. Look elsewhere. read more

Dr.Nelson removed a mass from my hand. He explained everything clearly, was friendly and attentive. The surgery was just as explained, and I experienced absolutely no pain even after all the anesthetic wore off. I highly recommend Dr. Nelson without reservation. Joanne read more

Dr . Nelson, relieved my carol tunnel pain. I am able to sleep at night. Before my surgery,I would wake up at least twice a night with my hand pain. Dr.Nelson is a fantastic surgeon and person. read more