Katharine Hinchcliff, MD

Katharine Hinchcliff, MD, is a plastic surgeon who treats adults and children who need surgery of hand or peripheral nerves.

She treats a wide variety of hand conditions, including hand trauma (fractures, tendon injuries), Dupuytren's disease (a gradual thickening and tightening of tissue under the skin in the hand), and vascular disorders of the hand.

Dr. Hinchcliff has a special interest and training in pediatric hand surgery, including congenital hand differences and arthrogryposis (joint stiffness).

With respect to peripheral nerve surgery, she treats a wide variety of upper extremity nerve injuries, including acute nerve injuries, reconstruction for chronic nerve injuries, and brachial plexus injuries.

"I love hand and peripheral nerve surgery because we are working to improve a patient's function. It's incredibly rewarding to me when a surgery allows a patient to improve their functional independence and get through their daily tasks easier," she says.

In addition to seeing patients at UC San Diego Health in Hillcrest, Dr. Hinchcliff also treats pediatric patients at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.

Dr. Hinchcliff completed dual fellowship training, first in adult hand and microvascular surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and then in pediatric hand surgery at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. She did her residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at UC Davis School of Medicine.

In her spare time, Dr. Hinchcliff enjoys exploring beautiful southern California with her husband and son.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Plastic Surgery.