Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery
technology
Uses 4-millimeter portals instead of 5-7 inch incisions for less scarring and faster recovery.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon offering sports medicine, minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery, and comprehensive orthopaedic care in San Francisco's Union Square.





About
James Chen, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon in San Francisco, CA, specializing in sports-related injuries and minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedures. He provides state-of-the-art care for the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, and ankle, using the latest technologies to reduce incisions to just 4-millimeter portals for faster recovery. Dr. Chen believes in treating the whole patient, emphasizing personal attention before and after surgery, and he and his staff are available to answer any questions. His private practice, Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Inc., is located in a modern 4,000 square-foot facility in Union Square, offering on-site x-rays and ultrasounds, a comfortable waiting room, and a dedicated staff. Dr. Chen also works with local school athletic departments and serves as the team physician for the San Francisco City Football Club, and offers urgent orthopedic care through Ortho Care On Demand with a simple, transparent fee.
Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery
technology
Uses 4-millimeter portals instead of 5-7 inch incisions for less scarring and faster recovery.
Team Physician for SF City FC
care
Serves as team physician for the San Francisco City Football Club and works with local school athletic departments.
Urgent Orthopedic Care
convenience
Offers Ortho Care On Demand with a transparent fee covering visit, x-rays, cast or splint.
Referrals required in some cases. Please call (415) 900-3000 to verify coverage specific to your plan.
Shoulder Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Chen specializes in both arthroscopic and open shoulder procedures.
Knee Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Chen recommends the least invasive treatment and uses latest advancements when surgery is necessary.
Elbow Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Advanced arthroscopic and open surgery procedures for the elbow.
Wrist/Hand Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Treatment for wrist, hand and upper extremity injuries and disorders.
Ankle Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Expert treatment for ankle fractures and other damage using arthroscopic or open technique.
Orthobiologics
Orthopedic Treatment
Administration of naturally occurring substances to treat conditions and enable healing.
Fracture Care
Orthopedic Surgery
Covers a broad range of orthopaedic treatments including fracture care.
Total Joint Replacement
Orthopedic Surgery
Includes total joint replacement procedures.
Ligament Repair
Orthopedic Surgery
Ligament repair procedures.
Dr. James Chen
Orthopedic Surgeon
“Board-certified, fellowship-trained general orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on sports-related injuries. Trained with best knee and shoulder surgeons in the U.S. Team physician for San Francisco City Football Club.”
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Urgent Orthopedic Care Visit urgent care | Contact clinic | Simple, transparent fee covering the visit, x-rays, cast or splint through Ortho Care On Demand. |
Address
450 Sutter Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94108, San Francisco, CA, 94108
AI Review Summary
Patients highly recommend Dr. James Chen for his professionalism, empathy, and expertise in orthopedic care, with many praising his attentive and efficient approach to treatment and recovery.
5 mentions
“Multiple reviewers highlight Dr. Chen's knowledge, efficiency, and successful treatment outcomes.”
2 mentions
“While some praise the staff's friendliness and efficiency, others note instances of unprofessional behavior.”
3 mentions
“Patients appreciate Dr. Chen's straightforward, honest communication and willingness to answer all questions.”
3 mentions
“Many reviewers report successful surgeries and recoveries with minimal pain and complications.”
4 mentions
“Patients consistently mention Dr. Chen's warmth, attentiveness, and personalized care.”
Kojo Minta
2026-05-28
“Dr Chen is the best! I came in with a torn Achilles and he took care of me promptly with the utmost professionalism and empathy. His PA Matt Mabida is also phenomenal - he's super knowledgable but most importantly he's a great listener and I know his personalized recommendations have helped accelerate my recovery. I can't recommend this team strongly enough!”
Jonathan Chan
2026-01-16
“(Update: Dr. Chen called and was very kind. I thought I should update the star rating because he was very helpful and the negatives I mention don’t directly relate to him.) I came in recently for a broken foot. Dr. Chen was great. He was kind and efficient with his diagnosis. I have only good things to say about him. The three stars are because his staff were weirdly checked-out. I thought it might just have been me at first. But I ended up having to go to multiple labs & doctors’ offices in the course of getting surgery on my foot and this ended up standing out. For example this is the only office where I had to wait standing up on crutches while checking in because the person at the desk wanted to finish chatting with their friends. Later Dr. Chen mentioned I needed to get surgery ASAP, i.e. within the next two weeks. I mentioned this to the person on the phone when asking them to fax a referral and they nonchalantly said it should be done within a week or so. I had to point out that that’d give me only a week after the referral to schedule the surgery. In contrast, at literally every other office, people held the door for me, told me to sit down so they could bring the forms to me, etc. Of course these things are minor and ultimately don’t affect the quality of the treatment and diagnosis from Dr. Chen. But this office was such an outlier that I felt a need to write a review.”
Karen Uchiyama
2025-11-12
“Dr. Chen and his staff, PAs and the anesthesiologist were very warm, competent and professional. I had arthoscopic surgery on my knee. I was surprised that the whole experience was pretty pain free, and I did not need any pain meds. The swelling was minor too. I feel good recommending Dr. Chen.”
Kristina douglas
2025-07-10
“Dr. Chen and his staff have been wonderful. Dr Chen fixed my shoulder after an on the job injury and has been very attentive and accommodating with recovery needs. His staff is friendly and efficient and everyone listens to any concern you have. I highly recommend Dr Chen for any orthopedic needs. Will definitely return should another injury come up!”
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