Michael F. Dillingham, MD

I don’t hesitate to recommend Dr Dillingham. I saw him in 2006 and had surgery in 2007. He explained all of the options, focused on trying to avoid surgery, and when I ended up having surgery it was life-​changing – in a very good way.
He explains all of the options and why he prefers some over others. I found that he avoids surgery as much as possible but if you need it, he does great work.
He is also very involved in the type of PT you have and is selective about who you should see for PT. He recommended two people in my town and said if they weren’t available he wanted me to go further to get the best care.
I’ve referred others who have also had good experiences with him.

I couldn’t walk more than about 50 paces without sharp pain ripping through my knees. I talked to quite a number of orthopedists and sports medicine doctors about my knee problems before I chose Dr. Dillingham to do my surgery. Though they all had distinguished reputations, I didn’t feel comfortable with their attitudes or their rather generic approaches. I found out that Dr. Dillingham was considered one of the best in the country and went to see him. Not only was he amenable to my own concerns about how the surgery would be scheduled, it turned out he was one of a handful of knee surgeons who was doing the latest version of my surgery — one that allowed me to retain most of my meniscus (cartilage) in one knee. I also felt he was the only specialist I’d been to who truly understood my physical and psychological concerns and he addressed all of them, directly and clearly. My surgery went without a hitch and the doctor’s hand-​picked physical therapists brought me back to full strength and mobility in a matter of weeks. Now, 28 years later, I’ve managed to do everything I’ve ever wanted to do without any physiological restrictions. And to this day, anywhere in the country, when I see an orthopedist or a sports medicine doctor about an occasional sprain or muscle pull and I mention that Dr. Dillingham did my knee surgery, they are a bit awestruck. They are fully aware of his exceptional skills and his accomplishments in a long and illustrious career. It seems to make them strive to deliver their best care. I can’t imagine why anyone would be writing a negative review on one of the top surgeons in America — unless they have decided the best way to get in to see him sooner would be to drive new patients away!

I am surprised to hear complaints about his manner because he was the third doctor I went to and the only one I felt took the time to figure out, understand and follow up on my options for a complicated long lasting frozen shoulder. I have been very happy with his care.

Known as the «butcher», I heard this from couples of the nurses after my surgery. Dr Dillignham likes to cut and does a lot of cutting.
I has a perennial nerve surgery with him in 2001 to help run longer distances without pain. My recovery was good and fast but my situation got a lot worse as I couldn’t run or bike for four years, had pain sitting and could not drive using my right leg (had to use my left).
I called a lawyer to try to file a law suite, but the lawyer told me that as long as I survived this simple surgery I had no chance of winning. Send me email to
if you like more details.

I had knee surgery back in 2005 for a torn ACL. Dr Dillingham was very professional and did a fantastic job I was able to return full strength in 6 months. Went onto play college football and never have had any reoccurring issues since.

I had gone to 4 previous orthopedic surgeons to address a problem in my knee. They all agreed what the problem was, and they all agreed that Dillingham was the best person for this procedure. I was hoping to find someone to tell me I needed a simpler procedure because this one was going to take a long rehab.
I went to Dillingham. He explained to me what was wrong and told me that there were several options, and he went through the pros and cons of each one. Finally, once I understood my options, I understood why I needed the difficult procedure and the long rehab. None of the previous surgeons took the time to explain all this to me. Dillingham was excellent.
I delayed my surgery due to my work schedule. About a month before my surgery, I started to exhibit pain in other areas of my knee. Dillingham immediately ordered new MRIs to make sure that something else wasn’t happening. He was VERY cautious.
The procedure went as smoothly as can be expected – and true to his predictions, I was off my crutches in 8 weeks. I healed quickly and am back on my feet again. I am in rehab to strengthen my muscles. I hope to be back playing competitive tennis again in a couple of months. Dillingham told me that I would be able to do that, and I believe it.
He is heavily booked because he is the best in the area. It took me about 2 months to see him, but once I got in, he was available anytime I needed him. I would recommend him to my family.
No surgery is perfect. I see others with complaints, and I have no reason to believe that their comments aren’t legitimate. All I can report on is my own experience. But, to anyone considering surgery, I would strongly recommend getting several opinions. Don’t go under the knife unless you are absolutely sure you need it. In my case, I couldn’t walk and it was a necessity. Dillingham brought back my quality of life.

What an awful experience! I disagree with Kristen B. It is absolutely possible to get a good surgeon with a bedside manner. Especially when the lack of bedside manner prevents the doctor from hearing what’s going on with his patient. Five minute appointments are the norm. I spent 2 days in the hospital, post op and never saw a doctor. He finally admitted, 3 months after the surgery that he goofed. There are too many good orthopedic surgeons in the Bay Area to waste your time with him.

Dr. Dillingham is an absolutely expert surgeon. I have now had two knee surgeries, and am scheduled to have my other knee corrected. While he is a surgeon — he will not operate unless it is absolutely necessary. He will always be on the lookout for your best interest.
As with all surgeons — don’t expect the bedside manner. But, once he gets to know you — he has a great personality.
The absolutely only negative is that his practice is overbooked and should be closed. But — he is known, and people travel far to have his expertise.
He has changed my quality of life, and I am forever grateful.