Dr. Robert Ira Gelb, MD

Dr Gelb is terrible. I broke my elbow and the surgery should have been simple. I had the exact surgery 20 years ago and never even had a cast. He did the surgery and used a nerve block I. My shoulder. After the surgery he did not put my arm in a sling dispute it being wrapped in a 4lb ice wrap. When I got in my car and let my wrist go my shoulder gave away and forearm slid between the seats :(z. My fingers turned purple that night. I called the office in the morning because the pain in my back was excruciating. I took no pain killers for prior surgery. His assistant laughed and said I would need to contact my primary physician for any Anti spasm drugs. I complained to Scripps and I should have sued. My shoulder took three years to heal. Elbow still has metal sticking out. Horrible hack. Stay away.

I was treated for a broken elbow. While I was on the surgical table he asked me if it was ok to utilize a nerve block on my shoulder. First I had heard of it and didn't have time to check on what the liabilities would be. Stupid, Stupid.. I approved it. He did the surgery using a nerve block (I have had this surgery before with no problems). I had a sling with me but his team did not put my arm in a sling. When I got into my car my lifeless arm that I was carrying in a slight super, slid down out of the shoulder joint. Still drugged, I went home. Woke up at 3 AM in excruciating back pain and my fingers were purple. Called his office and his assistant said this intense back spasm was not due to the surgery and I would need to call my primary physician.. Wow. He neglected to apologize for not putting my arm in a sling. Would not give me a prescription for PT for my now pretty seriously injured shoulder. Claimed I had bursitis ???? Never had shoulder pain. It took me two years to get… normal use of my shoulder back.. Definitely and evil doctor with no conscience. Complained to Scripps and had no response. So disappointed.

Went in for an exam on my hand and while he examined me I was yelling in pain and asked him not to do that again. He wrote "She was in no acute distress and appeared comfortable throughout the interview and examination." In what world does he live? He must get paid off really well from Workmans comp to feel good lying in medical records! Would never recommend him as a doctor.

Dr Gelb has horrible bedside manner and put simply, he is RUDE. I went for carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. I should have read the reviews before I made the appointment. I tried to ask questions which apparently frustrated him and he got up in the middle of the appointment, walked out of the room and said "then get a second opinion." Fine. And now, I am getting a new doctor. He apparently forgot that he would be my EMPLOYEE. Guess what - he's FIRED. That is no way to do business or treat anyone. I have nothing nice to say and cannot recommend him.

Bad reviews are so true! I now have carpal tunnel in my right hand after having a cast that was way too tight. This was repeatedly mentioned in my follow up visits. I now need carpal tunnel surgery ASAP but his office can't schedule me for 8 more weeks because he's busy. Needless to say, I am no longer being treated by Dr. Gelb!

After reading the most recent review and few others I was more than skeptical. Not expecting much (i had already been to another hand/wrist specialist) I was pleasantly surprised. Sure he's confident and opinionated but he gave me a very thorough exam explaining as we went along and answering my questions. He was very detailed in asking exactly what types of movements bothered my wrist to better ascertain just what was going on. And he did find the main source (ouch!). The first hand guy I saw was ready to operate about half way through the exam Dr Gelb was much more conservative. I have definite issues and may need surgery at some point but Dr Gelb thought we should try an injection and see where it goes from there. I've had several ortho procedures (knees, shoulders, hip, elbow) with various local docs and overall I was very satisfied with both his exam and his demeanor. Nothing but friendly and professional.

The comments about Dr Gelb were not positive, but a friend told me she had a successful surgery. Next time I listen to the comments. Dr Gelb was the biggest disappointment. He does not listen. He is pompous and arrogant. He asks questions, then interrupts you before you respond. HE DOES NOT LISTEN TO HIS PATIENTS AT ALL. If you ask him a question, he cuts you off and reprimands you. When you explain the symptoms, he interrupts you and then gets mad if you try to finish answering his question. He had no solutions, did not read the EMG tests provided, would not look at the other Dr reports. Finally, he just got up and left. I will NEVER go back. If I can find someone at Scripps to report him to, I will. DO NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR. You will regret it, just like I do. If I could give a 0 rating, I would.

He's not given enough credit on here. His sense of humor may come off as rude, but it's not personal. He cares a lot about your healing, and it shows. He is very quick when seeing you but will answer any questions you have. Bottom line: he is a very, very good surgeon, and he will do anything he can to make sure you are better than before you saw him.

Went to dr. gelb just for a second opinion. He took time to explain the problem to me and to explain what the surgery would do and what the recovery would be like. Decided to have him do my surgery and I'm glad I did. I had a successful surgery and a full recovery.

Should have listened to the poor reviews - obviously he hasn't gotten better with age. Awful personality, treats everyone including his own staff awfully, and only spends 5 min (if that!) in room with me! Wouldn't discuss options, only 1 way to treat. Crazy. Find another hand dr!!!