Testimonials & Reviews
Upper Extremity Specialists
Orthopedic Surgeons located in La Jolla, CA & Chula Vista, CA
Upper Extremity Specialists always appreciates feedback from our valued patients. To date, we’re thrilled to have collected 25 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Please read what others are saying about Upper Extremity Specialists below, and as always, we would love to collect your feedback.
Cordell P.
Submitted 11/19/21
I had previously been a patient of Dr. Downing for both my shoulders and hips in 2016. I had no idea he had moved on to his current location/new practice. Referred again by my PCA, Dr David Hansen, it took 5 months for TRICARE to finally approve (it was a mess). The wait was well worth it! Dr Downing was able to see me, get x-rays, diagnose, and finally complete injections and all within 1.5 hours. Dr Downing is no doubt "Top Shelf"! I would highly recommend him for care!!!
Danielle F.
Submitted 10/01/21
Dr.Downing is a wonderful and fantastic Doctor. He’s the gold standard in his field. He’s extremely compassionate,patient, thorough and highly intelligent. He’s got the latest technology and is always up to date with treatment options, plans and solutions. He’s a master at his craft. Dr.Downing is truly the best upper extremities Doctor in San Diego. He came highly recommended from Dr.David Levinsohn. His staff provides outstanding customer care and always submits necessary paperwork in a timely fashion. If your in need of a well qualified, proactive upper extremities Doctor/Surgeon he’s your guy. You won’t be disappointed. His reviews are on point and ligit.
Rocky H.
Submitted 03/25/21
After 55 years of rather aggressive tennis, my right wrist has been radiating great pain for 4 or 5 years... it was with no small amount of trepidation that I looked for an orthopedic consultant.
I have to say that it was a very lucky day that I was referred to Dr. Kristopher Downing.
On every level, Dr. Downing was a fantastic revelation. In judging doctors, I look for two main areas:
1. Technical/Medical expertise and
2. Ability to relate to the patient on a human/personal level.
So, I must repeat...DR. DOWNING WAS FANTASTIC both medically and personally.
Technically/Medically, Dr. Downing was able to review my rather complicated situation and confirm a specific diagnosis. He expertly explained ALL of the relevant procedures and presented the advantages and disadvantages to all.
On a human/personal level, Dr. Downing patiently and carefully explained a very complicated situation and made it understandable. Dr. Downing was able to explain my options, (in both SPANISH and ENGLISH) in such a way that, in the end, he helped me find a treatment that I was comfortable with and that satisfied my medical needs.
Dr. Downing was patient, kind and took the time necessary to explain my situation... his grace and expertise made me relax in a stressful situation.
It almost goes without saying that the staff that deal with the patients and assist the doctor are a wonderful reflection of the best that Dr. Downing has to offer.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Dr. Downing to any patient with; hand, shoulder or upper extremity problems... he is professional, kind and very knowledgeable...and as a bonus, he is fluent in Spanish.
Michelle B.
Submitted 03/17/21
I was sent to Dr. Downing from a worker's comp doctor. It was the best decision they made for me, as my issue was not progressing. Dr. Downing is fantastic and will try other methods prior to surgery (at least for me). He tells you exactly what is going on and he takes the time to get to know you to better fulfill your needs. It was decided PRP injections vs. cutting/surgery! His easy going demeanor and friendliness makes you feel comfortable and he'll answer all your questions. I'd highly recommend him, in fact, I already have! Thanks Dr. Downing!!
Edna B.
Submitted 02/27/20
Dr. Downing is a very good surgeon. He is very friendly and caring. I'm glad I was referred to him.
Edwin S.
Submitted 01/21/20
Dr. Downing is fantastic. His easy going demeanor makes you feel comfortable from the second he walks in the room. He tells you exactly what is going on, and he takes the time to get to know you to better fulfill your needs. I MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Downing. Thanks, Doc.
Rebecca D.
Submitted 01/17/20
I want to say to anyone reading this review that Dr Downing is a top notch surgeon! I had my finger worked on by another Doctor in the past and was very unsatisfied! But fortunately I found Doctor Downing!!..he corrected the problem the other surgeon left me with and now my finger looks amazing!!...Dr Downing is top notch and a very Caring doctor. I’m so happy with the results and happy with the overall experience!!!...thank you Dr. Downing
Sara O.
Submitted 12/17/19
I broke my ankle in 3 places and tore every ligament, Dr. Downing was my emergency surgeon and I could not have gotten luckier. His bedside manner is fantastic, he takes his time with you and never seems rushed to move on. He answered all my questions and most before I could even ask.. He really makes sure that you are fully informed of every aspect. Now that I am 4 months out from surgery, walking again and going to P.T. I feel great. My P.T. tells me every appointment how great of a job my surgeon (Dr. Downing) did and how lucky I am to have had such a great surgeon. My recovery has been quick and everyone is so impressed with how well I get around so soon after surgery. I would recommend Dr. Downing to anyone and everyone who needs ortho surgery, although he specializes in upper extremity, he is an amazing all around ortho and would trust my ankle to him again!
Elaine C.
Submitted 12/15/19
Dr Downing is an amazing surgeon and a genuinely kind and caring physician. I have severe osteoarthritis in my left hand. My only option for a normal hand was a wrist fusion. In addition, I have very fragile skin so he was really worried about possible infection in the bone. It is now 9 weeks since my surgery, no infection and I have full use of my fingers and hand. Of course with the fusion I can't bend my wrist but I've learned to compensate for it. A bonus is you can barely see the scar! I would highly recommend Dr Downing to anyone!
Edwin G.
Submitted 12/09/19
Dr.Downing absolutely the best shoulder surgeon in San Diego. Very professional and friendly.
Pete B.
Submitted 12/09/19
After a work related injury involving my shoulder and wrist, I went to see Dr. Downing who came highly recommended. I could not be more fortunate finding a more competent caring Surgeon. He made the challenges of dealing with The Department of Labor easy for me, while getting all treatments I needed to be approved.
Dr. Downing performed shoulder surgery and my shoulder now feels very strong and painless. A few months later he performed a wrist surgery, which resulted in me, now being pain free. I highly recommend Dr. Downing as a top notch surgeon and as a truly caring person. Hopefully, I will not need to, but if I ever require more treatments, I will be back to see Dr. Downing.
J L.
Submitted 12/06/19
I wish I could give more than 5 stars! Dr. Downing is a wonderful doctor and truly was an advocate my physical well being, in dealing with workman’s comp insurance. I can’t thank him and his office staff enough for their compassion in helping me with all my medical needs and procedures!
LeCarter W.
Submitted 11/27/19
Dr. Downing is a great doctor. He listens to your needs and very compassionate. Very helpful explaining procedures. He communicates so you can understand and be comfortable in what will be done regarding your procedures. Very timely with follow-ups. Very appreciative of his services.
LeCarter Washington
Sorayna R.
Submitted 11/19/19
I had severe arthritis of the left thumb, (I guess its very common). It was very painful and was limited using my hand. Dr. Downing did the surgery two months ago, and I feel great. I have no pain, no tingling, no loss of feeling in any of my fingers. Overall, it was a success. I would recommend Dr. Downing and staff to friends and family. He is compassionate, professional and a great surgeon!
Artour S.
Submitted 11/13/19
Very professional and cares about every little thing. Great surgeon!
Arthur O.
Submitted 11/08/19
I had 3 surgeries Forearm,Elbow and Wrist.All were very successfull Dr. Downing is professional at what he does. All around good guy. I would recommend him to anyone. Hopefully not but if I have to have another surgery he will be my surgeon. Thanks to him and his staff I have use of my Arm and Wrist
Craig M.
Submitted 11/05/19
I was involved in a bike accident (hit by a car). I was referred by Sharp ER. The office contacted me immediately to arrange a same day appointment with Dr. Brereton. Everyone in the office was great and very compassionate (I was in a lot of pain). The surgery was scheduled and was completed expertly by Dr. Brereton. Dr. Brereton visited me daily in the hospital and oversaw my care with great compassion. The follow up care was excellent as well. Many thanks to the entire office.
Marcie V.
Submitted 11/04/19
I am a nurse case manager and a big part of my job is matching up my patients with the best doctors I can find, to get quality outcomes for them consistently. That is why I refer to Dr. Downing: he is an expert surgeon who consistently delivers every time I refer to him, no matter how hard the case is, and no matter how many obstacles there appear to be. He has treated injuries large and small: from a partial finger amputation to a crush injury of the dominant hand, to a severe upper extremity gunshot, Dr. Downing handles it all.
He is also kind and respectful in addition to being genuinely talented and extremely skilled. This combination of expertise and caring is the best case scenario: providing for all my patients' needs. I cannot thank Dr. Downing enough for what he has done to help my patients, he is truly amazing!
R. O.
Submitted 10/31/19
Dr. Downing carried out a complete replacement of my right shoulder on August 23; about 10 weeks ago. It would be an understatement to say that I have been delighted with the surgery and its outcome. I attribute almost all of this success to the care and surgical skills of Dr. Downing. My age (74 years) and condition as a Type 2 diabetic both presented risk factors. To minimize the effects of the latter, he held off surgery until my diabetes was under better control, as high blood glucose is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications. Fortunately, my surgery went smoothly, with no infections or other complications. Dr. Downing followed my recovery closely, and gave clear, explicit guidance on what I should and should not do during the recovery process. Having now completed about 8 weeks of physical therapy, with steady improvement in range of motion as well as diminishing pain, I plan to continue in what I presume are the later stages of recovery. As I said earlier, I could not be happier with the outcome of my replacement surgery.
Branden F.
Submitted 10/30/19
Dr. Downing was referred to me by a friend who is a physician. Thus I already knew I was going to be in good hands. That said, I was blown away by the care and attention Dr. Downing provided for the treatment of a hand injury. His knowledge of the affected area was 100% on point. However, the genuine time he took to get to know and understand my situation is what really confirmed I was working with someone who I know I can confidently refer to others. Thank you very much Dr. Downing.