Nicholas H Mast, MD

My Dr. Mast story: By age 53, I had been told in several consults that my left hip needed replacement for osteoarthritis, a condition also known as cartilage loss due to «normal wear and tear.» My X-​rays showed a ball and socket that was bone-​on-​bone, the comfort-​providing cushion gone. The signs were all there – pain after a bike rides, people noticing me limping, wince-​inducing attempts to hurry across an intersection, unable to step aggressively on the tennis court, nine holes of golf positively brutal, etc., etc. Arriving at «acceptance» –my life would be less limited with a new hip – I set about the process of finding the right medical help. I tend to be analytical, and nothing like impending major carpentry and parts replacement on your femur and pelvis to focus the mind on finding the right person and procedure. After canvassing the topic generally, I started to focus on the anterior approach, where the hip is replaced through an incision on the front of your thigh, rather than posterior, which is approached through the buttocks. The anterior approach allows access without cutting muscles – which are instead parted like the opening in a curtain – allowing for a faster recovery. I learned that some schools of this approach use a special operating table that allows better access to the femur/​pelvis area from the front (picture a specially designed jig in a shop for assembling a part – but in this case, you are the part). The table also allows precise leg-​length adjustment (needed for the newly install parts) because it allows x-​rays during surgery. After 4 – 5 consults with different surgeons, I selected Dr. Nicholas Mast, due to his long history doing the anterior procedure and because he had such a table (not all surgeons doing anterior have it – I checked). In our consult, Dr. Mast showed an appreciation for precision (i.e. getting the leg length perfect) that I really liked, and he was patient with my exhaustive questions. I also happened to know three other hip replacement patients of Dr. Mast’s (one with a double replacement) who were all very pleased. My date for surgery was set (April 19, 2016) – it turns out that I was the sixth (!) and last replacement Dr. Mast would do that day – the not-​so-​coveted 3:00 pm slot on the operating table. Dr. Mast greeted me in pre-​op, fresh as a daisy after his fifth procedure of the day, allowed any final questions (one of mine: «This may sound odd, but can I keep [the femur part and ball] that you take out?” – turns out you can, in lucite!). After a separate pre-​op briefing with my anesthesiologist, I was wheeled into the operating room. The anesthesiologist went to work, and a seeming instant later – although really closer to 90 minutes – I recall blurry conversations with nurses, my surgeon, and my wife in recovery. Apparently, I was «quite chatty,» but hopefully at least appropriate. I achieved greater clarity as I was wheeled to my hospital room. Then – less than two hours from the operating table – aided only by a walker, I walked several doors down hospital hallway, and back. Finally (after fasting since midnight the night before), I settled in for dinner, watched the New York election primary results come in, and then retired with some intravenous-​drug-​induced assistance. The next morning (Day 1), I worked with Occupational and Physical Therapists on the hospital staff to learn to negotiate stairs, the toilet, etc., etc. By mid-​day I was cleared to check out with just a cane (no crutches!) to assist my mobility. Arriving home, I gingerly climbed the set of stairs into our house and another set to our bedroom level, took my pain meds as directed and settled into bed, my home for my initial recovery. Over the next couple days, I walked and used the stairs relatively frequently but carefully and with the cane. By the end of Day 3, I stopped reaching for the cane, and I never looked back. I retreated to my bed for rest often, but was walking unassisted more and more comfortably. On Day 5, weaning myself to just Tylenol during the day, I drove for the first time so I could see my son at baseball and a track meet. People I encountered wouldn’t necessarily even guess I’d had surgery. On Days 6 – 10, I took the easiest commute possible to my office (still involves about four blocks of walking each way) and worked half days (with long naps in the afternoon). All told, I had missed three full days of work. The following weekend (days 11 and 12), I would start periodically forgetting (as I was walking) that I had a new hip – it felt totally normal. That’s as good as it gets. I’m only 2 ½ weeks from surgery now (I’ll come back to update this), but so far, I couldn’t be more pleased. Thank you, Dr. Mast, and thank you to your staff and to the staff at St. Francis. ONE MONTH: no longer taking any pain meds, doing self-​rehab, «forgetting» that it’s a new hip more and more… feels normal.

I completed 6 weeks this week, since I had my anterior hip replacement surgery with Dr.Mast. I had a very good experience all along. I was discharged from the hospital one day after surgery. On that day, I was walking through the hospital aisles with one clutch and was able to climb stairs. I did not have any problem at home (plenty of stairs), I did not need pain killers other then the first 2 days (and I believe they were more preventive then anything else), and I was driving w/​o problems 10 days after surgery. I had a very smooth and fast recovery and, more importantly, I am essentially fully recovered. I still need to be cautious for the next couple of months avoiding sports that could cause heavy injuries and so on but, I am able to do the vast majority of my daily activities. My visits with Dr. Mast were very pleasant and very factual. In addition, Dr. Mast has an excellent staff at the office, including 2 very good physician assistants. I was assigned to one of them, Teresa Jones, which proved to be excellent. She went over all my questions (pre and post surgery) and was always readily available for any additional question. Very impressive! Dr. Mast operates primarily at the St. Francis Memorial Hospital, in San Francisco. I found the nurses at the surgery floor excellent. I also liked the team on the 9^th floor of the hospital, which seems to be the regular patient’s floor for this kind of surgery. After procrastinating for a few years on having the hip replacement procedure, I have to wonder why I waited for so long. I guess, part of the reason is that I was not totally familiar with the anterior approach. In summary, I highly recommend Dr. Mast and his staff. At least in my my personal case, I could not had asked for a better outcome.

I am updating my original review. I am 10 months post bilateral hip replacement and just got back from a 10 day trip to Costa Rica. It was the first trip in years in which I didn’t suffer hip, back, or knee pain. I was able to zip around airports with a pack on my back and hike around rainforests, zipline, and whitewater raft without once thinking about any limitations. I owe it all to Dr. Mast.
p. s. Oh, and I have downhill skied over a dozen times for the season. Thanks again!

My father had an anterior hip replacement done by Dr. Mast last month. The poor man spent 5 months in excruciating pain and could barley walk or sleep. He was recommended to Dr. Mast by a physical therapist and also a neighbor of ours. Dr. Mast did an amazing job with his hip replacement! Within one week after the surgery, he didn’t even need any pain medication and he can now walk 2 miles again without a cane or walker! Thank you Dr. Mast! You gave my father a new lease on life!

Dr. Mast is the hip master! He is an expert at the not so subtle art of anterior hip replacement surgery. He gave me a new hip, evened out my legs for me and I was up and walking out of the hospital in a day. Awesome. I’m leading an active, normal life and was able to ride a century down the California coast a little more than 6 months after surgery. Thanks Dr. Mast, you are great at what you do. Thanks also to your thoughtful staff and that super nice anesthesiologist!

After over ten years of referring patients around the bay I must say I am thoroughly impressed with Dr. Masts preoperative assesment and care, hip replacement approach, perioperative approach and follow up after. I now send my family and friends to him

Dr. Nicholas Mast performed my second hip replacement five days ago, after doing the first side on April 15. Saint Nick (to me) did an amazing job AGAIN. I stopped using the cane yesterday, after only four days, and I just took a slow fifteen minute walk today. I can’t say enough good things about him or his staff. Both the PA’s (Kari and Teresa) are warm and wonderful, and I have a crush on my anesthesiologist Dr. Nate Ponstein (spelling?). I mean if you have to have surgery, why not a tall, dark and handsome doc to put you out? But all joking aside, the surgical nurse Liz was warm and loving, the surgery prep nurse Marjorie was great, and all the hospital nurses were attentive and caring. I went home after just one night, climbed my loft stairs (slowly, but still.) and though I am still in a bit of pain (taking only extra strength Tylenol) I am very pleased. I can do a half lotus on my first side now, and I can’t wait to send Saint Nick a photo of me doing full lotus. You will be in good hands!

It has been over 2 years since my hip replacement and I am finally getting to this. Simply said it is like I never had a problem. My hip is exactly like the other in regards to mobility and strength. I can’t even see my scar. I was in severe pain prior and could barely walk so Dr. Mast truly changed my life! I recommend him to everyone who needs this surgery.

Thank you Dr Mast for giving me my life back. Long walks, Pilates, travel, planning a trip to New Zealand. The world has opened to me again.
You made all this possible again for me.
I also want to thank your caring staff, from front desk to PA’s. All warm &
caring. Obviously a reflection of you.

Dr. Mast is excellent and I highly recommend him, his team and the anterior approach for hip replacement. Dr. Mast answered all my questions before surgery and I went into surgery with a good understanding of the anterior approach and what I could expect during the recovery. The care provided by his team and the St. Francis Hospital staff was excellent. The afternoon of surgery I was able to walk with a walker. The next day I was discharged with a cane which I shed after about five days. I walked daily in my neighborhood and was able to take longer walks in Crissy Field and Golden Gate Park by the second and third weeks. I returned to work after four weeks and continue to make excellent progress. Highly recommend Dr. Mast and the anterior approach.

This is the first time I have been inspired to write a Unilocal review. I am now 4 weeks post-​op following bilateral anterior hp replacement performed by Dr. Mast. I am a former ballerina and marathon runner who has been very physical my entire life. A little over two years ago, I began for the first time to have what then presented as relatively minor symptoms but turned out to be late stage arthritis. I did copious research into the best hip replacement surgeons anywhere and nearly every path I explored compelled me to choose Dr. Mast. I am truly grateful that I did.
My procedure went very well and, to my great surprise, I had next to no pain at all. My surgery was performed late on a Tuesday afternoon and I was discharged from the hospital on crutches on Thursday morning. At 4 weeks, I am back at work and well on my way to resuming close to my previous level of cardiovascular activity (no running anymore of course), flexibility and strength. Not a post-​op day goes by that I do not feel immense gratitude for the skill of Dr, Mast and the miracle of the medical technology he has mastered. In addition to his incredible level of surgical competence, I found him to be a very kind and caring healer as well. One does not always expect such a quality of humanity to accompany great surgical skill but, in my experience, Dr. Mast has both attributes in spades.
I continue to be astounded at the professionalism, competence and and kindness I received from Dr. Mast, and his entire team, including his office personnel, the pre-​op nurse who helped to relax me, the anesthesiologist and physician”s assistant who counseled me, the physical and occupational therapists who prepared me for discharge and, of course the nursing staff who implemented his plan of post-​op care with impressive skill, compassion and kindness. I cannot say enough how positive and life changing my experience has been and encourage anyone looking at the need for hip replacement surgery to strongly consider working with Dr. Mast.

I am very impressed with the expertise of Dr. Mast and his staff. He was highly recommended to me for being excellent with the Anterior Hip Replacement procedure. My recovery lasted a minimum of five weeks and I’m practically back to normal, resuming all of my routine activities including teaching, hiking, working out at the gym, tennis, etc. Dr. Mast, his P.A. Nurses –Kathleen and Kari, anaestegiologist, OT, PT, and other hospital nurses provided fabulous assistance. If anyone is in need of a hip replacement they should definitely consider Dr. Mast for 100% satisfaction. Prior to the surgery it was very beneficial to review their thorough pamphlet on the Anterior Hip Replacement Approach and a video on the procedure performed by Dr. Mast. It was quite apparent that he had received excellent training from other outstanding doctors including his dad. To be honest, I can’t say enough on behalf of Dr. Mast!
Doro Laurila, Novato, California

I am an RN who had an anterior total hip replacement by Dr. Mast 3 weeks ago. I interviewed 3 surgeons who all recommended a hip replacement after X-​rays, exams and MRIs. I chose Dr Mast because of the number of anterior hip replacements he had performed. I was thrilled to find a kind person who acted as a friend, and a wonderful office staff.
I was in the hospital only one day, and left needing no walking assistance. I am now walking 1 – 2 miles per day, although pretty slowly (gait more important than speed or distance).
I am an avid traveler, and was not ready to be disabled by my failed hip.
Words cannot express my gratitude for the skillful and compassionate care that I received, from all too numerous to name, but especially from Dr. Mast and his Physician Assistant Kari.
I am 65 years old, but am thrilled by my 3 inch bikini incision!

I had hip replacement surgery with Dr. Mast six weeks ago and could not be happier. I am pretty much back to normal: wearing high heels, going on long hikes with my dogs, taking Pilates classes and back to work.
The operation went very smoothly, the nurses at San Francis Hospital provided great care and followed his detailed instructions very closely. I was thrilled to have a private room and was pleasantly surprised with the food.
His staff is very efficient and organized. The pre-​op and post-​op information he provided was very thorough and helpful; both his physician assistants Kathleen and Carrie are very capable and professional. A great team!
Dr. Mast is a caring doctor with excellent bed manners. I had considered getting both hips replaced at once, and I am so happy he advised against it. He was highly recommended to me by a couple of friends and I have already myself given his name to two friends.
The anterior method, which he has mastered, is the way to go. The scar is very small, the recovery much faster than with the posterior method, and there are no restrictions and no risk of dislocation. It is quite impressive.
I highly recommend him to anyone needing a new hip.

Dr Mast is rude, inconsiderate and he cares only about money. He wasted my time for several weeks — I ended up having to ditch him and start my rehab with a real physician. Dr Must never showed any concern for my well being, his genuine interest is making a profit. People need to avoid him and find a different orthopedist. Do not bother with this guy, he is just heartless and ridiculously greedy.

I am very grateful I was referred to Dr. Mast. I have been dealing with a torn labrum in the hip for a year. I was supposed to have surgery with a different surgeon, however they weren’t able to follow through for a good reason. I was then referred to Dr. Mast. I was willing to drive the distance to see him. I came from Modesto. I explained the situation to him and he immediately scheduled the surgery within two weeks of my visit. He explained very clearly the procedure and what he will be doing, and the recovery time. At the hospital he also presented good bed side manner and again explained everything clearly. His office staff and surgery team were awesome.

A little more than two months ago, I had hip revision surgery — on my left hip replacing the prosthesis that was put in over 20 years ago. After several hip dislocations, I decided it was time to have the revision surgery. I had inquired about this surgery with another orthopedic surgeon, and he informed me that this replacement would be considered a «major surgery», and didn’t sound too enthusiastic. But after speaking with Dr. Mast, I felt relieved and very positive about the «total anterior approach» replacement surgery. I’ve had two posterior hip replacements as well as two total knee replacements, and I thought recovery from all four surgeries was easier than I expected.
The staff at St. Francis was great. I went into St. Francis on Wednesday for the surgery, walked a bit after surgery, and the next morning, walked around the hospital and up and down stairs, and was sent home Thursday afternoon — walking out of the hospital with a cane. I couldn’t believe how great I felt, and how much easier it was this time!!!
Dr. Mast is truly a 5+++ star surgeon… The whole team at the Total Joint Ctr. were totally professional, and the wait time was maybe 5 – 10 mins at the most! Dr. Mast is the best!!!

Dr. Mast is a fantastic doctor! I had to have a revision of my hip replacement and Dr. Mast did a great job on a difficult, complicated surgery. He was a pleasure to deal with during a very difficult and painful time. I would recommend Dr. Mast to anyone who needs a new hip. He is the best in the business!!!

I Went In to see Dr. Mast after suffering from back and hip pain, I had had a previous posterior double hip replacement in 1999 at UCSF, I tried to get an appointment with my former surgeon there but he was retiring from the hospital, So I checked Unilocal reviews and tried Dr. Mast. The office is professional and you will likely be seen in a timely manner, The staff is caring and organized. Dr. Mast advised me to get an anterior double hip revision as the old parts had worn out, I signed up that day and had surgery 5 weeks later. I am 6 weeks post –op today so I had an X-​ray and met with Dr. Mast, I am doing great! Back to the gym, walking, short hikes and minimal scaring. The x-​ray tech, office staff and nurses as well as Kathleen Lew, P.A. make a perfect team for this excellent surgeon. Seeing him was one of my better decisions.

Consulted Dr Mast a few times at his San Francisco (St Francis) and Redwood City (SOAR) locations, although he has since departed the latter practice. Free validated parking available in the basement of the St Francis building.
Affable and attentive. The wait times to consult with him were a bit long, but his care more than redeemed things. After my initial x-​rays were taken askew, he asked the tech to re-​take it, patiently waiting to re-​consult with me 30 minutes later, without any sense of rush. Note the offices are on the third floor, while x-ray’s are taken on the second floor, so patients are reminded to arrive 20 minutes early.
For those proactive patients researching their care:
–For hip joint preserving procedures such as treating FAI/​labral tears, Dr Mast prefers open dislocation to arthroscopy, as this was in which he trained
–Due to concerns about metal ions, rarely performs Birmingham hip resurfacing, reserving it for younger male patients
–Much prefers the anterior approach for total hip replacements
Note his office clinic days are Mondays and Thursday mornings as of writing.