Cary M. Tanner, M.D.

Elbow, Hand, and Upper Extremity Fracture Care Specialist
Photo of Cary M. Tanner, M.D.
Physician Assistant(s):: 

Steve Goss, P.A.-C.

Thomas Bouasy, P.A.-C.

Cary Tanner was born in Los Angeles and went to high school at Long Beach Poly. Like his father Ray he raced motorcycles professionally.  He currently races vintage flat track motorcycles. He understands what it is like to recover from fractures very, very well.

He completed medical school and orthopedic residency at Stanford University. Beyond this, he has completed three fellowships: an NIH postdoctoral research fellowship and spine surgery fellowship at Stanford, as well as a hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at Duke University.

Dr. Tanner, Dr Johnson and Dr. Majors are the hand surgeons for the Fresno State Bulldogs, The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds, and the Fresno City Rams.  Dr. Tanner personally attends to the Fresno State men’s basketball team. 

Visit Dr. Tanner at the Savemart Center sitting behind the basket on the Fresno State side!

Dr. Tanner, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Majors utilize a team approach to care for a variety of throwing and upper extremity athletic injuries, combining diagnostic imaging, surgical intervention, and outstanding on-site athletic training and physical therapy.

Dr. Tanner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who also received his certificate of added qualification for hand surgery.

He worked in machine shops from his early teens through medical school. He has nine research publications in national journals and two research awards. He is a faculty member of the University of California San Francisco.

He is married to Regina, an attorney and registered nurse with a master's degree in oncology. He enjoys his machine shop, participating in motorsports, and family activities.

Dr. Tanner's practice addresses conditions that occur from the elbow to the fingertip. Appointments may be scheduled at the Sierra Pacific Orthopedics, 1630 East Herndon Avenue, Fresno, California or by phone at (559) 256-1086.

Education, Training, and Affiliations

  • Medical Degree, Stanford University
  • Residency, Stanford University
  • NIH Fellowship, Oncology Research, Stanford University
  • Fellowship, Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Duke University
  • Fellowship, Spine Surgery, Stanford University
Specialty: 
Hand Center
Shoulder & Upper Extremity Center

Patient Testimonials

"My most recent problem taken to SPOC was a 25-year-old shoulder injury that caused continued dislocations. It was suggested that I have a reverse total shoulder replacement, but my doctor was in the Los Angeles area, and I had no transportation to and from. I had recently had left wrist and hand surgery with Dr. Tanner and asked for his help in getting the appropriate doctor for my shoulder problem. He made arrangements for me to see Dr. Thomas, and within one month, I had seen him for a consultation and then had my shoulder replacement. It is so wonderful to have a stable shoulder and be able to drive, eat, and do many other daily living skills with my right hand that I have not been able to do in 25 years.

"I will go to the doctors at SPOC for any future orthopedic problems and will recommend friends to SPOC also." --Renee H.

"I have suffered from carpal tunnel on and off for 15 years. As you can imagine, it's not a whole lot of fun. I finally made an appt with Dr. Tanner to see how bad it was. It turned out it was pretty severe in my right hand with my left hand catching up pretty quick.

"I love Dr. Tanner. He listened and let me plan when and how to do the surgery. In my case, I chose to do a bilateral surgery (having both hands done at the same time). A crazy choice some might say, but it worked for me. The surgery went great and now, four months later, I'm doing great. I noticed that the carpal tunnel pain and loss of feeling was gone the minute I returned to the recovery room and has stayed gone. It's fabulous. Dr. Tanner did such a good job that you can't even tell I had surgery!

"My whole experience at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics, from Dr. Tanner, the surgery staff, nurses, and John over in the PT department were all wonderful. Any surgeries I may need in the future will be done at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics. They are truly a step above anyone else. Thank you to Dr. Tanner and all the wonderful staff! You know how to make someone feel special!" --Karen A.

"Having so many excellent doctors in one location has been a blessing for me. My regular doctor, Rod Kraft, M.D., has been able to access my back condition and sent me to Dr. Connor Telles. Dr. Telles did the back surgery in November. He also detected some narrowing in the spine/neck region and referred me on to Dr. Wiens for tests, which resulted in an appoitment with Dr. Tanner, a hand specialist.  During this time, I was having problems with my shoulder, and Dr. Kraft accessed my problem and referred me to Dr. Hanson's office where I saw Greg Mellor, P.A.-C., who is now setting me up for surgery.  Why this has worked so smoothly is they share information, such as x-rays, MRI's, surgery information, and a whole range of information. All have been very professional and work as a team to make my life better.  If it has to be, for me it's going to be Sierra Pacific Orthopedics." --Darwin B.

"I have had three different surgeries in the past six years or so by three different doctors on your staff, and I am always amazed at how effecient all three offices are with timing from the moment you sign in. You're scooped up to X-ray, then back to the office and into the room you're going to be examined in, and then the doc walks in does his exam. I've never gotten to read a magazine yet! It's all so well run—perfect!!  I work for a large group of doctors  myself, and our patients wait for hours!! Charts lost, the X-ray wait is long, the office help is rude. Your office is beautiful, clean, and all employees seem happy!!!" --anonymous

"Great doctors. Great place to get help for many of my problems." --Patricia D.

"I have been a patient of Dr. Tanner for problems with my hands for many years. The carpal tunnel syndrome was becoming severe; waking me up at night and numbing my hands during the day. A cortisone injection last fall helped postpone surgery until I was able to temporarily leave my employment, which requires use of both hands. On February 13, I had surgery on my left hand - for the carpal tunnel problem - and on a finger deformed from arthritis. The staff at Summit Surgical was amazing. From check-in at the front desk, to discharge, everyone was kind, caring, and competent. I witnessed thorough infection control, as staff members disinfected gurneys, pillows, and other hard surfaces, increasing my confidence in the facility. I did see Dr. Tanner for a brief visit before surgery and he was efficient and exacting. The anesthesiologist was so informative and he encouraged my participation in decisions about anesthesia; I truly appreciated that." -- Jean K.

"In September, Dr. Tanner did a wrist surgery for me and at my last visit with him I mentioned my dilemma and asked him to recommend a good shoulder doctor. He did more than that; he took my records and MRI to Dr. Thomas and now after seeing Dr. Thomas only one week later, I find myself scheduled for the surgery next Wednesday, November 28. I have the greatest respect and admiration for the doctors and staff at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics." -- Renee H.

 

 

"I have been utilizing Dr. Tanner for my health needs for several years. Recently I saw him and Dr. Johnson. I could not ask for better care. The staff in the office are friendly and helpful as was the radiology staff. I also saw Dr. Wiens for a procedure and experienced the same with him. I will always utilize Dr. Tanner because I trust him and know you cannot find any better physician in regards to his skills. He is also friendly and takes the time to listen to you. Thank you all for your excellent care." -- Sandra I.

"Two months ago I had the basal joint surgery done on my left hand performed by Dr. Tanner. I was getting to the point of not being able to use the thumb due to pain. After two months, it has very little pain, so little that I'm ready to have the right hand basal joint repaired by Dr. Tanner." -- Charles G.

"Everyone is always super. Simon, Dr. Tanner’s assistant is the sweetest assistant. He is sensitive to my needs and helps me breathe when I have to get an injection." -- Sandy M.

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