Scott Dye, MD

Still going to Dr. dye. I can’t imagine going to see any other Dr.. It’s been over 20 years now and I moved 30 miles south of SF. I’ll still go into the city just to see Dr. Dye. Was just there this week! Highly recommend him if you have a knee issue.

Dr. Dye and his staff are the best of the best!!! I could barely walk and my knee had been killing me for months and years. Dr. Dye figured it out immediately it was Synovitis. He gave me a thorough initial intake appointment and was very kind and nice. The medical workup he ordered — an x-​ray, an MRI and a bone scan — confirmed his initial diagnosis. When I returned to his office, he answered my questions, we went over together the digital onscreen reports from these tests from the previous week and he gave me a conservative set of instructions on what to do and what not to do. For the last month, I have followed his directions — anti-​inflammatory prescription meds, ice packs daily, and to stay in my ‘envelope’ of pain. I was thrilled to hear from Dr. Dye that I did not need a knee replacement, surgery for a torn meniscus, not even physical therapy. I wanted to jump up and down in his office and hug him and his staff. I am doing what he prescribed and my knee has gone in the last month from a level 7 – 8 of pain back down to a 0.75 intermittent flashes of little reminders I have to be careful and gentle. I am thrilled to have found Dr. Dye and his office! I appreciate his kindness and will continue to work with him and listen to his advice and counsel. Thank you Dr. Scott Dye!!!

Dr Dye is like THE GUY for knees. If you have a knee injury he’s the one you want dealing with it and thanks to Unilocal for helping me find him.
I made an appointment thinking I was crazy for not being able to get up from putting things in low drawers of the fridge at the ripe age of 34. Dr Dye immediately noticed my knee was swollen indicating something was going on. Next step was an MRI, Bone Scan and Xray at the hospital next door. Sure enough, I wasn’t crazy! I had a big old cartilage tear. Dr Dye did a really good job of explaining my injury and why it was causing the symptoms I had. He even gave me several medical journal articles he had written about the knee + an article on him by Runner’s World. He’s pretty famous for the surgery he had on his own knee WITHOUT ANESTHESIA all in the name of research.
At the hospital, Dr Dye was kind and thorough explaining to both myself and my husband what would happen and when it was over what did happen. One week later I went back to have my stitches out and again he spent a good amount of time telling us what was safe to do and what to avoid as well as answering our many questions (I’m stir crazy, people, I have a lot of questions). All and all, as far as knee surgery goes it was a pleasant experience and I’m looking forward to walking again real soon. Highly recommend Dr Dye.

Wow! I went to Dr. Dye to discuss the confusing variety of opinions i have been getting while navigating the world of orthopedic surgery as a person with a recently torn ACL and meniscus. I found Dr. Dye through reviews and his (many) articles online, and I had a feeling he could offer a more comprehensive understanding of knees, knee injuries, and the pros and cons of knee surgery. Boy was I right! Dr. Dye spent an hour and fifteen minutes with me (and used up his lunch time in the process), explaining so much more than any other ortho I have seen (and I have seen more than a few) in detail about his research into the knee and what he believes is the best way to have happy, stable knees for a lifetime. His passion for knees is impressive, as is his dedication to sharing his wisdom! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, and I left with some great reading material and feeling much more informed as I figure out what is best for me and my knees moving forward. Thank you, Dr. Dye!

Definitely an extremely knowledgeable knee doctor who has pioneered research for the industry as a whole.

Would not recommend this dr or his office. Front staff was incredibly rude every single time that I visited. He treated me for a knee injury and told me to absolutely stay off my knee, including walking. After one visit with no apparent improvement, he gave me a cortisone shot, which according to other doctors is almost unheard of for someone my age.
After months of paying for taxis to get around, gaining weight and virtually immobilizing myself per doctors orders, I was still not better.
After seeing another dr who told me I should absolutely never be immobilized and starting physical therapy, my knee is fixed.
Please please seek a second opinion people!

I just recently moved to San Francisco and sought an orthopedic doc with whom I could develop a good relationship. I have had 3 knee surgeries in 4 years; needless to say, it was important that this new doc knew his or her way around the ever troublesome joint.
During my initial consultation with Dr. Dye, he listened carefully to my medical history spanning 4 years back, and ordered several scans that he told me would give him a comprehensive overview of my knee’s health. He also gave me several academic papers (some of which he had authored) to read as homework.
I had the three scans done over two days, and was back in his office for the follow up less than a week after my first appointment. He took me through each of the scans, and presented his findings clearly and succinctly. He prescribed his recommended course of treatment and sent me on my way.
My knee has been feeling great, and I am slowly becoming more and more active. I was extremely lucky to find Dr. Dye when I did. He is a thought leader in the orthopedic community and very generous with time for patient care. That combination translates to a very personalized experience and great results.

Dr. Dye is truly a knee-​saver. I first tore my ACL over 10 years ago and had it operated on immediately. Over the course of the next five years, I began to lose range of motion. I researched and traveled to see Dr. Noyes, a highly regarded specialist on Arthrofibrosis in Cincinnati for another procedure to regain extension and range of motion, which was successful (and also a very impressive clinic). Again though, the knee just never felt 100% normal, and slowly began to regress.
It was time to take some more action. I searched for a highly regarded knee expert on both coasts, and visited Dr. Dye in San Francisco. I could quickly tell that Dr. Dye was not your normal knee surgeon. He lives and breathes the knee — it’s his life passion! We moved forward with some imaging, and Dr. Dye wanted a bone scan performed for my particular case, which I thought was odd, but I continued. The result of the scan was also abnormal — some parts of the bone were under severe stress — Dr. Dye was on to something.
We moved forward with a knee scope to remove excess scar tissue which was likely the source of inhibited range of motion (which I personally believed was the main issue). During the procedure, Dr. Dye uncovered damaged bone cartilage, which was ultimately the source of my discomfort and was inhibiting the knee from healing. From doing my research after the operation, I learned how sensitive cartilage repairs can be. I was so glad to have an expert operating on my knee who knew exactly how to respond.
Three months later, I’m well on my road to a successful recovery. Dr. Dye’s approach was successful from the beginning, and he made me feel comfortable along the whole journey. He has my complete trust, and I would highly recommend him as a knee expert and surgeon.

I had a devastating injury to my knee on New Year’s Day. I had surgery at Kaiser, my group health insurance at the time, with a very poor result. After changing my group health insurance, I was able to see Dr. Scott Dye. He is by far and away the best knee doctor in San Francisco. He gave me a very thorough exam the first time I met him. He took great care in assessing my knee and I could tell, unlike all the other orthopedists I have consulted about my knee, he really cared whether I got better or not. He was not quick to cut like most surgeons and he did not have blinders on, only looking for the surgical lesions, like most orthopedic surgeons do. He is the first knee doctor who took the time to evaluate my knee, gave me excellent advice, and has really helped me on the road to recovery. I highly recommend this brilliant knee specialist to anyone with a knee problem.

I can’t express enough how thankful I am to Dr. Dye and the research he has done on knee pain, especially my own.
I found Dr. Dye after another doctor scheduled me to have a «lateral release surgery» for a supposedly poor tracking patella. I began having doubts about the surgery, which cuts into the ligament to release the kneecap, after I learned it can ruin the knee for good. During the course of researching poor knee tracking I came across several medical articles, including Dr. Dyes’, that advocate non-​surgical treatment. Dr. Dyes’ approach, in particular, champions allowing the knee to rest so that the inflammation goes away and the cartilage strengthens. I’ve started this more holistic treatment of resting and respecting my knees ability to heal and I’m already starting to feel better.
I highly recommend that anyone with a knee problem to see Dr. Dye first. His knee research is way ahead of the curve. A good article to read about his approach is «When good knees go bad,» by Paul Scott, Runners World.

I had a ski accident in that resulted in emergency surgery in Tahoe to fix an open wound multiple compound fracture of the patella. After arriving back home in San Francisco I needed to find a surgeon for my follow-​up visits. My husband did a bunch of research and found Dr. Dye. He was in our insurance, close by, had great medical and Unilocal reviews AND is a knee specialist. I’ve now seen Dr. Dye for all my follow-​up appointments over the last 4 ½ months. Scheduling an appointment has always been easy, and he has never made me wait more than a few minutes to see him. Dr. Dye is clearly a brilliant man, but is able to communicate information and concepts in a way that is very clear for me to understand. His philosophy on the envelope of function makes absolute sense to me, and I’ve applied it to other situations in my life as well. He also takes the time to answer my many questions during each visit.
I have followed Dr. Dye’s gentle approach to recovery, including PT and riding the stationary bike. The healing process for my injury is expected to take up to 18-​months, but I’m happy to report that I’m well on my way. I feel stronger and more comfortable every day.
I also need to get give a shout out to the business side of Dr. Dye’s office. I have e-​mailed his assistant, Lesly, on multiple occasions requesting paperwork (for work, the DMV, an airline ticket refund, etc) and I have received the requested paperwork back, completed correctly and signed, incredibly fast. This really takes the stress out of an already stressful and daunting process. I have emailed Dr. Dye several times between visits with questions. He has also responded quickly with real answers to my questions. They have also submitted my insurance claims correctly.
Dr. Dye is a great surgeon with a warm and competent staff. Thank you Dr. Dye for bringing me back from this serious injury. I am so pleased to have found you.

We are former San Franciscans currently living out of country and found Dr. Dye through general word of mouth, physician referral, and cross-​checking through Unilocal and other sources. My husband and I both have significant histories with our own knees (and SF-​based surgeon experiences we didn’t love) so we really did our research before choosing our teenager’s surgeon from afar.
After two trips back to the States, we can unequivocally recommend Dr. Dye and are beyond pleased with him and his kind staff on all fronts. To be clear, we have been a very high-​maintenance patient family, yet through surgery, three appointments, well over a dozen phone calls, emails, and related needs, Dr. Dye consistently distinguished himself as a star in the field. He is a highly knowledgeable knee expert and skilled surgeon, to be sure. But he was also unlike most other doctors we’ve encountered in that he proved genuinely kind, caring, and generous. I believe he has won recent awards for precisely this aspect of his practice and it makes sense. Even my physician brother was blown away by the level of concern and attention we received.
The few negative reviews here are perplexing. I am a professional as well so perhaps I’m sensitive, but to go online and unilaterally trash a respected surgeon over things like office décor, degrees, etc. on the wall (which, BTW, are impressive), and subjective administrative/​insurance grievances — with no meaningful way for the provider to respond — strikes me as profoundly unfair. It’s really the ugly side of Unilocal and what caused me, a longtime lurker and user, to write my first review. The Davies campus at Cal Pacific might not be glamorous, but I would take high-​competence substance over gloss any day — and our family has fallen victim to the latter on a few occasions. For the record, we were were happy to comply with Dr. Dye’s request to do x-​ray, MRI and bone scan on site with the radiologists and other specialists he trusts and relies on. An erroneous or incomplete scan/​read could really make a difference so why not defer to the professional in question when it comes to something as significant as potential surgery? Anyhow, thanks Dr. Dye and staff. Our child’s knee is getting stronger by the day with your gentle approach and we are profoundly grateful for your services.

I have filed a complaint against Dr. Scott F. Dye with the Medical Board Of California. After my operation Dr. Dye prescribed 6 weeks of physical therapy. After that time he reviewed the knee and prescribed another 6 weeks and then to come in for an appointment. The surgery had left my knee much worse than before and he requested that I come in for follow ups for a few months. Many months later I received a bill from his office for these appointments. I wrote a letter to his office questioning the bill. Shouldn’t the followups be included with the cost of the original treatment? They answered that it is included but only for 2 months after the surgery. I explained that Dr. Dye’s prescription for physical therapy lasted past 2 months and that he requested that I come in after for the follow-​ups. They have not responded and I have continued to send them my explanation for refusing the bills. Their arrogance in this is appalling.

I have been a patient of Dr. Dye’s since 2000 when I fell on my knee. It’s not that my knee didn’t get better and I still go to him; its because I always seems to do bad things to my knee and need to see a doctor periodically. Dr. Dye has your best interest at heart. He approaches the healing method conservatively and truly believes that the knee will heal itself and he is more than happy to explain the problem in both layman’s terms and scientific terms. And he’s right; my knee has healed the many times I’ve done things to it. Although I never have had surgery by Dr. Dye, this is his last resort. And the couple of times when I’ve done something to my knee he has never rushed me into surgery for which I am grateful.
After a horrible knee surgery performed in France-​not by Dr. Dye, I had a problem and contacted Dr. Dye a couple of times after not having seen him for many years and he called me right back with with his opinion and advice. Once I got back to the states, I saw Dr. Dye and he assured me that my knee will heal and that i have to treat it right and stay within the «envelope» meaning the functional capacity of the knee until it heals and gets back to working correctly. He has always been there for me and has made room in his schedule to see me under urgent conditions.
He does his research and keeps up to date on all aspects of the knee.
I don’t know any other doctor who returns calls and is tentative to his patients as Dr. Dye. I’m just hoping that he doesn’t retire anytime soon.

Dr. Dye has been spot on about just everything from the day I walked into his office. And he’s been extremely cautious all the while. He readily acknowledged that there were no guarantees with my blown meniscus, which was breaking in pieces. (making it almost impossible for me to walk when I first entered his office in early 2012). Dr. Dye recommended surgery to repair the meniscus, so had it done in July of 2012. Now, two year later, my knee is completely pain free. I ride my bike 75 – 100 miles a week, swim laps, and it feels like new. Just an awesome Job! Too bad it looks like I’m going back in for another knee later this year. But I’ll tell you what — I have total confidence that Dry Dye will do another amazing job with that one too.

Dr Scott Dye is the most amazing orthopedist! He is into surgery prevention and tries many different methods first. He took a great deal of time explaining the pain I had and educated me as to why I got it and what we could do to prevent further future episodes. I highly recommend him as a first resort before going the surgical route!

I’ve seen Dr. Dye twice and each time I found him to extremely knowledgeable and concerned about my problem knees. Today he talked about the evolution of the knee, perfectly explained how I was doing fine, probably could try using less anti-​inflammatories and gave me a referral for physical therapy in the pool. I absolutely trust Dr. Scott Dye and have no hesitation recommending him.

Dr Dye you rock! my Knee is doing awesome. I had some kind of cyst in my knee and had some pain that was going on. The first Dr I went to see gave me some Crap about stretching and runners knee so I asked around and Dr Dye was recommended. So his idea was to get a MRI, bone scan, & an Xray, Bam! MRI shows a cyst in my knee. week later I have surgery a few months of rehab and I’m good to go. For the people who comment on Dr Dye’s bedside manner… Grow up! he’s a F*&$ ing surgeon and a good one so just open your ears and listen to what he has to day and then do it and you will do great. Thanks again Dr Dye! you rock!

I cant say enough wonderful things about Dr. Dye.
I went through six months of severe pain, swelling and stiffness in my knee before I went to see Dr. Dye. He sent me for X-​Rays and an open MRI before he diagnosed me with having Synovitis (an inflammation of the knee tissue) and a meniscus tear.
Dr. Dye showed me the X-​Rays and explained exactly what was happening with my knee. He then provided me with a «handout» which further detailed how the knee works. After reading the documentation he supplied I knew I was in the right hands. I took comfort that Dr. Dye used «plain language» and was confident in his words. He did not pressure me into taking any particular course of action and left it up to me to decide my treatment path.
He explained that people who undergo surgery for my type of injury usually have the best outcome. He explained that he likes to take a minimalist approach with surgery and likes to «tiptoe» in, and out, to handle my type of injury.
Dr. Dye operated on my knee on January 4^th at CPMC. I was extremely anxious prior to the surgery. Both he and the anesthesiologist met with me prior to the surgery which helped to calm me down. Dr. Dye performed the surgery and I was out of the hospital five hours later. I was on crutches for 3 weeks and started physical therapy at week four. I was able to return to work six weeks after the operation and my knee pain is almost gone. I can now walk several blocks a day and I could not be happier with the surgery, and Dr. Dye’s medical care. I also have to give an honorable mention to his staff, who handled my appointments and insurance paperwork with the greatest efficiency.
Thank you Dr. Dye for returning the use of my legs to me!

Dr. Dye was referred to me by my primary care physician. I had also been told of Dr. Dye by another patient. In the end, I am glad I took their advice.
I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Dr. Dye has a surgical minimalist approach to things that truly helped me out. He is very upfront with you and let’s you know about your responsibility throughout the process. I felt like his experience and expertise helped me along the way.
As far as knee injuries go, I would highly recommend Dr. Dye to anyone. He is the real deal and will get you mobile ASAP!