Patient Testimonials

I’m so glad I made it back to Dr. Finkenberg, He was my 1st surgeon. Unfortunately, I have a lot of problems with my spine. My 2nd & 3rd spine surgeries were done by Neurosurgeons. When an unavoidable 4th came up (disk collapsed above last fusion & screws loose in my cage, of sorts) I chose Dr Finkenberg.. he was my 3rd & final opinion on the 4th spine surgery I needed and why. I had 3 different metals in my back & it reacted kind of like a battery would. The loose screws often felt like I had a Charlie horse in my back. I am 2.5 weeks post op now. I don’t wanna say too much too soon but from the gate I could tell that the surgery was different and that it worked. I’m almost positive. 🤞🏻 I am still a little bit numb, and my back is swollen, & I can’t do anything but let it fuse at the moment. Also, he’s set up all kinds of different care for me here at home. From showers to bone growth stimulation treatments. ~I will update this post later~ on how it does or doesn’t work for me… someone with Osteoporosis. It’s been a godsend since I live alone. I hope that this helps someone going through the same thing… I hope you 🫵🏻 have the same experience as I.✨🪷🍁🧜🏻‍♀️ Pain ruled every aspect of my life. It’s no way to live. The surgery Dr. Finkenberg just performed on me worked…I know it did. I can tell & I’m beyond excited & relieved. Thank youuuuuu!

I just want to say thank you to Theresa you are always so helpful and the staff you are all great, so friendly and caring. Dr. Jacobson you are wonderful. Bedside manor is above and beyond. Always goes that extra mile to make sure you understand exactly what he is saying to you, answers all questions in a language I understood not high tech words I never heard of before. I will be recommending your office to anyone who thinks about knee surgery. Thank you for the great job you did on my knee I’m grateful to you to be walking again.

My 89 year old mother fractured her femur. Dr. Jacobson got us in to see him right away. He connected with the ER and had them put her in a bay right away to keep her away from Covid patients. He explained everything and recommended that she have 2 pins put in. It’s a small incision and she’ll be able to walk right away. We’ve been treated well. Her surgery is tonight and we expect it to go well. I highly recommend him.

Many of the reviews on here are ratings based on Dr. Finkenberg’s personality or his outwardly obvious concern for patients. When I first met him, I was also a bit concerned that he was able to diagnose my issues so quickly and had little time for chitchat. What I found out was he simply knows what he’s doing and does not have a gift for small talk. I thought my life was over, and this man eliminated 90 percent of my pain an hour after surgery. Chronic pain brings you to low, dark places over time, and Dr. Finkenberg literally brought light back into my life. I will always be grateful for his unique style and, more importantly, his skill and knowledge. That’s what matters in an outstanding surgeon. Thank you!

Dr. Rynning did a surgery for my mother 2 months or so back and he did a fabulous job. He was very kind and amazing to my mother which I’m very thankful for. I’m really happy This guy was able to help my mother with what she needed.

I met Dr. Jacobson and some of his staff on Tuesday 11/3/2020 and my visit was amazing. Dr. Jacobson spent time with me and it was great for a change to get such amazing attention to my hip bursitis flare ups. The gals I met were awesome!

I suffered a comminuted fracture of my left clavicle as a result of a bicycle crash. My personal physician referred me to Dr. Rynning along with another orthopedic surgeon. I read the bio’s of both and settled on Dr. Rynning, largely on comments of his commitment and concern for his patients, notwithstanding the fact that both were highly, highly qualified. My injury required surgery which was performed as an outpatient. I can’t say enough good things about this doctor. He has treated me so well and did such a magnificent job in repairing my broken clavicle and the scar is virtually invisible. I have great confidence in Dr. Rynning and wouldn’t hesitate recommending him to anyone needing the type of services he offers. He’s the best!

Dr.Ralph! I can’t say enough about this man is amazing! From start to finish, an all around great and professional experience. He makes you feel so comfortable about your situation, the procedure and the outcome. Don’t think twice – this is your man!

Dr. Rynning did a bicep tendon repair on me and did a fantastic job! I was apprehensive about the surgery because I have never had any surgery or even been in the hospital my whole life (47) but he put me at ease and did a great job!

After suffering for more than 3 years…I finally found a doctor that knew exactly what I have on my spine..I got my surgery three months ago and I have never felt so good..thanks Dr Finkenberg for making me feel so good again.

Dr. Rynning is an incredible doctor! He performed surgery on both of my shoulders — once in 2014 and again in 2018. Of all of the things that make him outstanding, here are a few: he is thorough and clear about explaining his procedures in order to ease the patient’s mind; he stays up to date on current techniques and improvements in his field to be sure he’s always providing the most advanced care, and he is great with keeping in touch and ensuring a smooth healing process. I highly recommend.

He is my hero.. my hands hurt so bad and he explained so well the exam, what was going on, sent me for test and will be releiving my pain soon. Theresa is excellent too. 5 stars ***** thank you Dr. Jacobson. See you Tuesday the 18th.

Dr. Finkenberg put my wrist back together after I fell on a roof and my radius shattered like a light bulb. That happened in 1998 and my wrist is still as if it never broke. He took good care of me before during and after the surgery. Thank y’all

I have had both hips replaced by Dr. Bates and a shoulder joint replacement by Dr. Rynning. All 3 surgeries could not have gone better. The fact that beyond their skill they are good,caring people whom I recommend without reservation.

Dr. Rynning is an EXCELLENT surgeon. More than that, however, is that he cares. He takes the time to explain what he is doing and why. Rather than doing what is easiest or quickest, he listens to your goals as a person and/or athlete and works with you to achieve what you need to continue a way of life. He is over the top patient with the patience’ impatience. Believe me, I tested him.

Holy Moly, I was truly blessed when my PCP referred me to see Dr. Ralph Rynning for my fractured/dislocated collarbone! He really knows his stuff!. He explained everything to me so I could understand my options. He sincerely is a caring and compassionate man! Excellent surgical skills, and chair side manner! Thank you Dr. Ralph…going to miss our post op meeting, lol. Thank you so very much for your help!

Dr Rynning is not only a great orthopedic surgeon but a down to earth wonderful human being. I have been a patient of his for a few years and he advised waiting to have shoulder surgery until we had exhausted the other non-surgical options (what surgeon does that) prior to surgically repairing my shoulder. Now fast forward 18 months and I have an issue with my elbow, I try my primary Dr and was told to go to urgent care because of no available appointments so I called Dr Rynning’s office, explained what was going on and was seen and treated for a elbow infection the next day. Dr Rynning and his staff are excellent, and I highly recommend them for your orthopedic needs. Mark

Whomever has written negative reviews has NOT seen the Dr. Finkenberg who’s been treating me for over 1 1/2 years. I trust him implicitly to provide excellent, honest care. He is patient, answers all my questions and does listen to my concerns. When a surgeon tells you he will not operate unless he has an 85% chance of improving my condition, he’s exactly the provider I want.

Whomever has written negative reviews has NOT seen the Dr. Finkenberg who’s been treating me for over 1 1/2 years. I trust him implicitly to provide excellent, honest care. He is patient, answers all my questions and does listen to my concerns. When a surgeon tells you he will not operate unless he has an 85% chance of improving my condition, he’s exactly the provider I want.

Dr. Bates was committed to helping me keep my hip working as well as possible, for as long as possible. When replacement surgery was the only good option , the Surgery was Trouble-Free. Speedy Recovery. Within 3 months, I was walking as effortless as everyone else. I owe Dr. Bates a debt of Deep Gratitude. btw, Medicare and TriCare had no problems with the pre-approval and subsequent billings.

My father was hospitalized and isolated during the Covid19 pandemic of 2020 due to a fractured hip. In addition to being the only physician to return my calls in a timely, professional and empathetic manner, Dr. Jacobson also performed the necessary, life saving surgery! Many an intern could learn from his skilled, yet humble approach. As well as earning my trust and respect, Dr. Jacobson also has my thanks.

First of all Dr. Rynning is truly a health hero in my eyes!! After two years of dealing with a shoulder injury which included surgery, months of Physical Therapy and pain management that I thought would never end I was finally referred to Dr. Rynning. He sat with me and listened to everything I had to say. He let me cry and told me that I had come to see the right person and that he was going to do his best to help me. I couldn’t believe that someone had actually taken the time to listen me and most of all he actually heard me! Within a few weeks he had worked his magic. I had surgery and he had found a whole slew of problems that was causing all of my pain. Dr. Rynning then sent me to P.T. with an awesome therapist Katie and now three months later and 95% pain free. Dr. Rynning truly is an amazing person and surgeon. He truly has given me back my fun and loving spirit that I thought was gone forever. He is a true miracle worker and I would recommend him to anyone and everyone. Thank you Dr. Rynning for giving me my life back!!

Dr. Jacobson has been rated 5 stars

I had bilateral Carpal Tunnel Releases staged 6 weeks apart and I had excellent results. I returned to work within 7 days after each surgery. Dr. Bates is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of Orthopedic surgery and I felt very confident in his care. I would (and have) recommend him to friends and family requiring care for problems ranging from minor fractures to total joint replacement.

Happy is an understatement! I would like to thank everyone at Orthopedic Specialists of San Diego and Grossmont Hospital for making spinal surgery seem so routine and effortless. Everything seemed so seamless with their entire staff, including helpful office staff and preliminary exams with Dr. Bates (who set Devyn’s arm a couple years back). Huge props to my phenomenal spinal surgeon Dr. Finkenberg, the incision was minimal. Best of all, the pain, tingling and numbness is gone! To top it off, after doing a literal mile of hallway laps, I walked out on my own accord recovering comfortably at home tonight! Special thanks to Tracy for helping me efficiently manage the process. I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me. Process aside, you helped ease some of the anxiety and the outcome is truly astonishing. Thank you SO much!

At age 34 I was a pedestrian when I was struck by a car at high speeds. Dr. Rynning repaired my almost completely detached labrum, a significant injury that required six anchors. The surgery was such a success that within 6 months I was discharged from rehab with full mobility in my shoulder. In addition to being an excellent surgeon Dr Rynning has the best bedside manner of any doctor I’ve ever met. If you require shoulder surgery I am sorry for you, but rest assured Dr Rynning is the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego.

I was amazed at the care given to me by the staff at Alvarado Hospital. I had back surgery and the staff was excellent. Doing more than I would expect from them, making sure I was as comfortable after the surgery as I could be. My doctor, Dr. Finkenberg, was also excellent and did a great job. Thank you all very much.

I’ve been coming to Doc Bates for years. In my opinion, he has a heart of gold!!! There has never been one time he has not took the extra time to help me out and given me the coolest advice on taking care of my body and health. I wish all Doc’s would follow his lead! Keith Woulard.

Dr. Rynning did a total shoulder replacement in January 2020 for me. Can’t say enough about his surgical expertise and his compassionate bedside manner – he is terrific and I would most highly recommend him. I saw 3+ orthopedic surgeons in the area and he is by far the best.