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  • Harvard-Trained Specialist

Meet Dr. Orrin Franko, MD

Board-Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Dedicated to East Bay Patients.

Dr. Orrin Franko is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex hand and upper-extremity care. His clinical interests include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries, nerve conditions and traumatic injuries affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.

Dr. Franko graduated cum laude with honors from Harvard Medical School. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of California, San Diego, followed by advanced fellowship training in hand and upper-extremity surgery with Peter J. Stern, MD, in Cincinnati.

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Franko has contributed to research involving hand surgery, patient outcomes and medical technology. His approach combines evidence-based treatment, modern surgical techniques and direct involvement throughout each patient’s care.

  •  Harvard Medical School
  • Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
  • All 5-Star Reviews
  • All Insurance Accepted
  • The East Bay's Most Advanced Treatment

Dr. Franko is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). Dr. Franko has published over 30 clinical research articles in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national meetings, and been interviewed by NPR for his work towards advancing orthopedic surgery care. He has helped develop and improve numerous mobile smartphone and tablet apps used by thousands of orthopedic surgeons and their patients.
Away from the office, Dr. Franko cherishes family time with his wife and three sons. He enjoys hiking, biking, traveling and exploring the Bay Area.
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  • Training & Education

A Career Built on Excellence

Medical Degree

  • Harvard Medical School
  • Cum Laude in the Special Field of Orthopedic Surgery

Fellowship

  • Mary S. Stern Upper Extremity Fellowship
  • Mentor: Peter J. Stern, MD

Undergraduate Studies

  • University of California, San Diego
  • Major: Animal Physiology & Neuroscience
  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude, #1 in class

Residency

  • University of California, San Diego
  • 1-year in-folded research year
  • Academic Chief resident (2014-2015)

Employment

  • East Bay Hand Medical Center
  • Hand Trauma Surgeon at Eden Medical Center
  • Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

A track record of academic excellence, clinical leadership, and research distinction — recognized by the country’s leading orthopedic and hand surgery organizations.

 Previously published work:

2014
  • OREF Resident Award at the California Orthopaedic Association, 2014 Annual Meeting
2013
  • Resident Award Winner at the Western Orthopaedic Association, 2013 Annual Meeting
2011
  • 2nd Place – Basic Science Presentation at the ORS/OREF Southwest Regional Conference
2011
  • Lloyd W. Taylor, M.D. Resident Award at the California Orthopaedic Association

 Previously published work:

2013
  • Scholarship to attend the Adrian E. Flatt Residents and Fellows Conference, ASSH
2012
  • Winner – 2012 San Diego Resident Research Day Competition, May 16th, 2012
2011
  • OREF/DePuy Resident Research Project Grant from the Orthopaedic Research & Education
2010
  • Scholarship to attend the Adrian E. Flatt Residents and Fellows Conference, ASSH
2009
  • Scholarship to attend the Adrian E. Flatt Residents and Fellows Conference, ASSH
2008
  • Best Overall Poster: Julian M. Bruner Award; American Society for Surgery of the Hand
2007
  • Honorable Mention – 2nd Annual Research Poster Symposium, Harvard Medical School
2006
  • Class of 1955 Research Fellowship ($1,775) – Harvard Medical School
2006
  • Pasteur Clinical Research Grant ($4,000) – Harvard Medical School
2005
  • Outstanding Graduating Senior, Thurgood Marshall College – University of California, San Diego
2005
  • Outstanding Senior, Division of Biological Sciences – University of California, San Diego
2003
  • Howard Hughes Research Fellowship ($2,500) – University of California, San Diego
2002
  • Scholar of the Day – National Society of Collegiate Scholars
2001-4
  • Provost’s Honors – University of California, San Diego
2009
  • Cum Laude – Graduation with Honors, Harvard Medical School – Boston, MA
2008
  • First Place Poster: Practice Management/Rehabilitation; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery
2007
  • Pasteur Clinical Research Grant ($1,775) – Harvard Medical School
2006
  • Co-Investigator, Small Bone Innovations Research Grant ($96,000) – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
2005
  • Summa Cum Laude – University of California, San Diego
2005
  • Provost’s Award, Thurgood Marshall College – University of California, San Diego
2004
  • Elected to Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society – University of California, San Diego
2003
  • Madge Lawhead Scholarship – University of California, San Diego
2001-4
  • Outstanding Achievement Award, Thurgood Marshall College – University of California, San Diego
2001-4
  • Honors Program, Thurgood Marshall College – University of California, San Diego

 Previously published work:

  • Franko Ol., Stern, PJ. Use and Effectiveness of Ethyl Chloride for Hand Injections. J Hand Surg. 2017 Mar; 42(3):175-181. PMID: 28259274
  • Andrawis JP, Muzykewicz DA, Franko Ol. Mobile Device Trends in Orthopaedic Surgery: Rapid Change and Future Implications. Orthopedics. 2016 Jan 6:1-6. PMID: 26730684
  • Franko Ol, Okike K. Open access and online journals in orthopaedics: What does the future hold? JBJS Reviews, 2014 Jul; 2 (7): e7.
  • Franko OI, Abrams RA. Hand Infections. Orthop Clin N Am. 2013 Oct;44(4):625-34. PMID: 24095077
  • Kupperman, Franko OI, Indresano, Girard. Cannulated Screw Unraveling: Case Report and Literature Review of an Under-Recognized Complication. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2012 Oct 27. PMID: 23104015
  • Tirrell TF, Franko OI, Bhola S, Hentzen ER, Abrams RA, Lieber RL. Functional Significance of Distal Brachioradialis Tendon Release: A Biomechanical Study. J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Mar 22. PMID: 23528425
  • Sclafani JA, Tirrell TF, Franko Ol. Mobile Tablet Use Among Academic Physicians and Trainees. J Med Syst. 2013 Feb;37(1):9903. PMID: 23321961
  • Franko OI, Bray C, Newton PO. Validation of a Scoliometer Smartphone App to Assess Scoliosis. J Pediatr Orthop. 2012 Dec;32(8):e72-5. PMID: 23147635
  • Franko Ol. Mobile Software Applications for Hand Surgeons. J Hand Surg Am. 2012 Jun;37(6):1273-5. Epub 2012 Apr 14. PMID: 22507390.
  • Franko Ol, Bhola S. iPad Apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopedics. 2011 Dec 1;34(12):978-81. PMID: 22147214
  • Franko OI, Tirrell TF. Smartphone App Use Among Medical Providers in ACGME Training Programs. J Med Syst. Volume 36, Issue 5 (2012), Page 3135-3139. PMID: 22052129
  • Franko Ol. Twitter as a communication tool for orthopedic surgery. Orthopedics. 2011 Nov;34(11):873-6. PMID: 22050252
  • Franko Ol. Smartphone Apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2011 Jul;469(7):2042-8. Epub 2011 May 6. PMID: #21547414
  • Franko OI, Tirrell TF, Winters TM, Hentzen E, Lieber RL. Moment Arms of the Human Digital Flexors. J Biomechanics. J Biomech. 2011 May 9. PMID: #21561624
  • Franko OI, Abrams RA. Ulnar angular deformity leading to distal radioulnar joint instability: a case report. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2011 Feb 28. PMID: #21357671
  • Franko OI, Lee NM, Finneran JJ, Shillito MC, Meunier MJ, Abrams RA, Lieber RL. Quantification of Partial or Complete A4 Pulley Release with FDP Repair in Cadaveric Tendons. J Hand Surg Am. 2011 Mar;36(3):439-45. PMID: #21306835
  • Rozental TD, Blazar PE, Franko OI, Chacko AT, Earp BE, Day CS. Functional outcomes for unstable distal radial fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation or closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. A prospective randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009 Aug;91(8):1837-46. PMID: #19651939
  • Franko OI, Lal S, Pauyo T, Alexander M, Zurakowski D, Day CS. Validation of an Objective Device for Assessing Circumductive Wrist Motion. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2008 Oct;33(8):1293-300. PMID: #18929191
  • Franko OI, Zurakowski D, Day CS. Functional Disability of the Wrist: Direct Correlation with Decreased Wrist Motion. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2008 Apr;33(4):485-92. PMID: #18406951
  • Yeh A, Franko OI, Day CS. The Impact of Clinical Electives and Residency Interest on Medical Students' Education in Musculoskeletal Medicine. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008 Feb;90(2):307-15. PMID: #18245590
  • Day CS, Franko Ol. Low-Profile Dorsal Plating for Dorsally Angulated Distal Radius Fractures. Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery 11(2):1-7, 2007. PMID: #17549020
  • Day CS, Yeh A, Franko Ol, Ramirez M, Krupat E. Musculoskeletal Medicine: An Assessment of the Attitudes and Knowledge of Medical Students at Harvard Medical School. Acad Med. 2007 May;82(5):452-457. PMID: #17457065

Recent Presentations:

  • Recovery Time After Surgery – ASSH 2018
  • Active vs Passive Review Requests - ASSH 2018
  • Surgeon Dependent vs Independent Review Factors - ASSH 2018
  • Efficacy of Automated Outcomes - ASSH 2018
  • Predicting 1-Year Surgical Satisfaction at 6 Weeks - ASSH 2018
  • Research

Dr. Franko Research & Innovation

Current research interests for Dr. Franko focus on the intersection of medicine, business, and technology for hand surgeons.  This includes study the utility and benefits of online physician ratings, integrating automated patient outcomes tools in practice, and developing a low-cost national hand surgery registry database.  The registry has been further evaluated to measure the recovery trajectory and help improve outcomes after common surgical procedures.
  • Dr. Franko’s Patient Stories

Patient Case Examples by Dr. Franko.

Protected patient information has been omitted for privacy.  Please note that some cases include graphic images of injuries or surgery.

CRPS Images

Mallet Finger CRPP

Nail Bed Avulsion

Mucous Cyst Bilobed Flap

Finger Crush - Franko

3 Phalanx IM screws

Table Saw Skin Graft

PIP Joint ORIF

P1 Percutaneous Screws

Complex Motorcycle Accident

Dorsal Wrist Skin Graft

Thumb Arthritis

Bennett CRPP

4th/5th MC Dislocation

DRFx Fragment Specific

Scaphoid Non-Displaced

DRFx Wire under Plate

Scaphoid ORIF

Wrist Fracture (severe)

Distal Humerus

Olecranon Wireform ORIF

Distal Humerus ORIF

Bilateral Galeazzi ORIF

Olecranon ORIF Plate

Dorsal Wrist Skin Graft

Flexor Tenosynovitis

Deep Palm Infection

Table Saw Skin Graft

Steroid Skin Blanching

Clavicle ORIF

Humerus ORIF

Humerus Nonunion ORIF

In April 2016, Dr. Franko joined a 17-member medical mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to participate in a 1-week intensive hand surgery mission trip for the citizens of Honduras.  Dr. Franko treated over 100 patients, including 80+ operations performed that week alone.  The people of Honduras were very appreciative and grateful for the care they obtained and services they would otherwise not be able to receive.  
Machetes are a common weapon in Honduras and as a result, Dr. Franko saw numerous patients with varying degrees of machete injuries, including deep skin lacerations, complete nerve injuries, ruptured tendons, and many amputations.  By carefully assessing each injury and developing an operative plan, the group of hand surgeons from the United States was able to offer functional improvement for as many patients as possible.  
The mission trip offered an opportunity to witness the Honduras medical system first-hand and help educate their orthopedic and plastic surgeons.  Their hospital, Hospital Escuela, is in a state of disrepair with numerous broken and outdated surgical supplies and instruments.  The conditions were often hot and humid without a functioning air conditioner.  This experience was eye-opening and serves as a valuable reminder of how lucky we are in the United States to have efficient and effective health care delivery, despite its imperfections.
Based on his experience in Honduras, Dr. Franko hopes to continue performing medical mission trips in Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa depending on specific needs.  To learn more about Dr. Franko’s mission trips, feel free to ask him about his experience during your visit.
  • Mission

Dr. Franko Mission Work

  • Patient Stories

Dr. Franko Testimonials

Read my reviews online at HealthGrades, Yelp or Vitals.
*Note: Yelp uses “automated software” that hides many reviews from view.  Here are some additional hidden reviews from my Yelp page: 
If I had to do another Surgery, I would definitely go to Dr. Franco without hesitation. That is the very best recommendation I can give. The office is great. Dr. Franco is professional, competent and Compassionate. 
  • Verified Google Review
I was pleased by the care Dr. Franko provided. He was very attentive and quick to take an image of my wrist to assess my injury. I was able to recover from my injury, he recommended the appropriate work restrictions. 
  • Verified Google Review
Dr Orrin Franko is friendly, very professional , ready to listen to your needs and prescribe the best treatment for you. I would recommend Dr. Franko to others needing orthopedic needs or an evaluation. 5 ***** for Dr. Franko 
  • Verified Google Review
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