Catherine Curtin's Online Review Report Card

DO NOT USE Dr CURTAIN OR STANFORD HOSPITAL!!! Dr Curtain performed a trapezectomy on my dominant thumb almost a year ago for arthritis. She casted my hand too tightly after surgery and used a pain pump so I had no feeling in my hand. Regardless of my MANY phone calls for help, she refused to see me for nearly 3 weeks and Stanford’s staff refused to allow me to see another surgeon! My ulnar nerve was damaged in my elbow and wrist, I have CRPS for life, I still have frozen elbow and shoulder and only have partial use of my fingers. I’ve undergone 3 additional surgeries to try to fix my hand, elbow, and fingers at UCSF and have undergone almost a year of OT three days a week. If you value your hands DO NOT HAVE TREATMENT AT Stanford OR WORK WITH CATHERINE CURTAIN

DO NOT USE Dr CURTAIN OR STANFORD HOSPITAL!!!Dr Curtain performed a trapezectomy on my dominant thumb almost a year ago for arthritis. She casted my hand too tightly after surgery and used a pain pump so I had no feeling in my hand for a week. Regardless of my MANY phone calls for help, she refused to see me for nearly 3 weeks and Stanford's staff refused to allow me to see another surgeon! My ulnar nerve was damaged in my elbow and wrist, I now have CRPS for life, I still have frozen elbow and shoulder and only have partial use of my fingers. I've undergone 3 additional surgeries to try to fix my hand, elbow, and fingers at UCSF and have undergone almost a year of OT three days a week. If you value your hands DO NOT HAVE TREATMENT AT Stanford OR WORK WITH CATHERINE CURTAIN!

This is an update to my previous review of Dr. Curtin. I standby my recommendation of her and appreciate her bringing a different perspective to my assessment than the three other orthopedic surgeons I've consulted with. They all said the same thing, but she was the one that was right.While still going through physical therapy, I'm making incremental improvement over time based on her prognosis and all through non-invasive measures. If you need orthopedic care or consult, I would definitely put her at the top of the list.

Dr. Curtin is the best orthopedic hand consult I've had out of four orthopedic surgeons I've been to over the last 3 years. I'm post two operations for an ulnar nerve decompression, transposition. The first was initial and the second was a revision. Anyways, the surgeon who performed both operations stuck to his conclusions that he had addressed the problem and said all we could do was wait to see if my hand got better. He had one of his peers at the hospital review his findings and that surgeon came to the same conclusions. My hand got a little better, but not significantly while under their care for one year. A year after my 2nd surgery, I had relocated for work and had an emg test and consult with another orthopedic surgeon. This surgeon agreed with the other two after performing some strength and sensitivity tests. No changes to my condition from this consult.About a year and a half later a family member told me their colleagues' in the orthopedic field recommended Dr. Curtin. I was weary because I didn't want to spend more money, just to hear, let's just wait and see. I read her bio and figured if other surgeons were recommending her, there's probably a reason.She lived up to it and while my hand doesn't magically feel better, her assessment of my condition was far more thorough and insightful vs. the previous surgeons who didn't really seem to be using critical thinking. She noted that based on her testing, it appeared my nerve could be impacted in another location besides where the surgery took place. She provided some physical therapy recommendations and referral to PT. I owe this post an update after a month or so of physical therapy to update the condition of my hand. I will say that I would recommend Dr. Curtin to my friends and family above the other three surgeons I consulted with because of her understanding and approach to problem solving. It was a positive experience and I believe there is very good reason other surgeons recommend her.

My son had a very traumatic work injury to his right hand. He has had to have numerous surgeries over the past two years. Dr. Curtin has done all of his surgeries. I can’t explain how phenomenal this woman is. She has been amazing at explaining everything. Every time we go in she takes her time to answer any questions and concerns. Every time my son has went into the operating room she has done an amazing job. The injuries that he had sustained could have resulted in him losing all four fingers on one hand. She meticulously did everything possible to save all of his fingers. We appreciate all of her honesty and care putting my sons health above everything else. Because of the time that she has taken my son has full function of all of his fingers minus a partial amputee of the pinky finger. I would recommend Dr curtain to anyone who wants the best out there. We cannot explain how grateful we are for all of her hard work. On top of everything her staff is wonderful.

Doesn't even touch or look at your hands. Very hasty. Would not recommend.

Wouldn't even try to diagnose me. Does not let you talk. You'd think a doctor would want to help people.

Dr Catherine Curtin is a grumpy, hasty conceited doctor. I went to Stanford to get help with years of hand pain and she refused to make any reasonable attempt at diagnosing my problem. She didn't even touch my hands or look at them. An of course due to Stanford's ridiculous policy you cannot get a second opinion within the same department. Something I wish they had told me before I had seen this egotistical doctor.