MEET

DR CHRISTOPHER COUFAL

Orthopedic Surgeon

Picture of Dr Michael Y Chang Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

LOCATIONS

  • Brentwood

  • Walnut Creek

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE

I feel it is a part of my job to educate the patient about their orthopedic condition and listen to their concerns.”

WHERE

Can I See Dr Coufal?

SERVICES

With Dr Coufal

LEARN MORE

About Dr Coufal

Dr. Coufal began practicing medicine in 1998. He completed his medical school and orthopedic residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He is a fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologist from Henry Ford and Detroit Receiving Hospitals in Michigan.

Currently, he is a full-time orthopedic trauma surgeon at John Muir Medical Center, the regional trauma center. He recognizes the importance of all patients thoroughly understanding the cause and treatment options for their problem. In fact, he admits, “My biggest shortcoming is that I talk and spend too much time with patients.”

Orthopedics is a large area of expertise and one surgeon “cannot do it all.” Golden State Orthopedics & Spine has many surgeons that cover the gamut of care, so Dr. Coufal will refer patients to the best surgeon for them within the GSOS group, if necessary.

In the practice, Dr. Coufal is most proud of the full-time orthopedic trauma service. He is committed to the compassionate treatment of his patients. In his off time, he enjoys photography, travel, and woodworking.

  • Board Certification

    • Orthopedic Surgery

      American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery,

  • Fellowship

    • Orthopedic Trauma

      Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 1998

  • Residency

    • Orthopaedic Surgery

      University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 1997

  • Internship

    • General Surgery

      University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 1993

  • Medical School

    • MD

      University of Texas Medical School, 1992

  • College

    • BS in Biology

      University of California, Los Angeles, 1988

Reviews

About Dr Coufal

S Bee
Feb 02, 2024
Google

Helped identify a medical issue, assisting the body to repair.

Miss Krista C-O
Jan 08, 2024
Google

I am forever grateful to Dr. Coufal! After being literally hit by a large backhoe in 2021, and suffering what the ER docs said was "the worst possible injury", a tri-malleolar (all 3 bones!) fracture and dislocation of my right ankle. The reviews of the orthopaedist at that small 🏥 were less than satisfactory, and with such a bad situation, I requested to be taken to John Muir Hospital where I requested the best trauma/fracture orthopaedist". The nurses brought my scans to Dr. Coufal, who took great care of me! Less than three years later and I walked the challenging Collum's Cup Loop walk on Valentia Island in Ireland yesterday, over 10 km, on steep, boggy ground with no problem whatsoever! I'm ready to go back to farming, and literally couldn't be happier! Today I'm ready to go again! Thank you so so much Dr. Coufal, you are THE GREATEST!

Kenneth Johnson
Dec 21, 2023
Google

Dr. Coufal is the best! He performed an emergency surgery on me that saved my leg. I continue to see him at Golden State, orthopedic and spine and he’s always upfront and honest about my condition. Even though he’s a straight talker, he delivers the information with compassion. I would recommend his services to anyone in need of a great orthopedic doctor. Great doctor, great staff and great facility.

Jessica Springer
Sep 10, 2023
Google

I woke up in the er at John Muir Walnut Creek after I was involved in a car accident told me I couldn’t walk and that my knee was split in half and I would need surgery he did my surgery. My scare isn’t to bad looking Took good care of me He’s awesome doctor to have.Understands and is real good. happy and always try to brighten up ur day but real as can be he is really open honest…and keep the real and the truth even if you don’t like what he is saying.. he’s a good doctor to have in my 37 yrs I never had a doctor like DR Cougar..

Sanjay Salunkhe
Aug 29, 2023
Google

Dr. Coufal first saw me in ER of John Muir Hospital, after my motorcycle accident on freeway. I had very bad open tibia. Dr. Coufal assured me that he will make sure I'll be able to run. After multiple surgeries and very good care I was able to walk and subsequently run. during first 3 years Dr. Coufal took very good care. He is best surgeon I came across. I wish to thank him and all his staff.

Ronald Allgower
Jun 01, 2023
Google

I have had a number of surgeries over the past 50 years one of which damaged my femur and hip while in the military. That particular surgery was performed by the Chief of Orthopedics at a Naval Hospital. This surgeons name was William Stryker. Because of his skill I was able to live a normal life. A month ago while working on my front lawn I fell and fractured the same femur as I had in the past. Knowing what I had gone through in the past and being quite a bit older I was sure I wasn’t going to be the same. However, with GOD watching good luck struck me twice. I was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. My attending physician was, Dr. Christopher Coufal. Dr. Coufal explained to me in detail my injury and what he was going to do to put me back together. Because of Dr. Coufal’s skill as a surgeon I felt very confident about the outcome of my surgery. Not only is Dr. Coufal an excellent surgeon his bedside manner makes you feel that everything is going to be fine and he discusses your surgery and postoperative in a manner that you fully understand. Dr Coufal makes you feel as though you are his only patient and takes all the necessary time in order for you to understand what will transpire until you return to a normal life style. If you are in need of an Orthopedic Surgeon I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Christopher Coufal. Ron Allgower

Clara Bernal
Apr 15, 2023
Google

On behalf of my husband Francisco Bernal, he had an excellent experience, he’s grateful with Dr. Coufal.

Alex Gonzalez
Apr 12, 2023
Google

Thank God that he put me in the hands of the best doctor in the entire Bay, Dr. Christopher J. Coufal, for my part, I thank him a lot and God keep him for a long time so that he can save more people.

Dane H
Mar 01, 2023
Google

Dr. Coufal treated me a while back for a dramatic fracture of my patella platform. Originally the physician who saw me in the beginning wanted to amputate my leg. Dr. Coufal absolutely saved my life. I was a paramedic for almost 31 years and I met a lot of doctors. This guy is definitely in the top 3 of all the ones I've ever met. Super nice and a genius in his trade.

Jennifer Riley
Feb 25, 2023
Google

Dr. Coufal and Golden State Orthopedics are exceptional! I live out of state but come in for all of my orthopedic treatments because of the care I’ve gotten. I’m an amputee and trust no one to else but Dr. Coufal to do any kind of care for that leg. The dr’s always have the patients best interest in mind and will recommend other doctors in their office if your care requires it. I highly recommend Golden State Orthopedics to any and everyone!!

Denise Lynch
Jan 11, 2023
Google

I took a bad fall and fractured my elbow and hip. Dr. Coufal performed surgery on both and I highly recommend him. He thoroughly explained what the surgeries entailed and continues to follow through during my post op office visits. Myself, all the nurses and physical therapists at John Muir Hospital think he’s the best!!

Dr Cheng Zhu
Feb 02, 2022
Google

Dr. Coufal is very friendly and professional . He is knowledgeable and kind, He has great bedside manners and excellent surgical skills. His staff is super friendly. I am glad he is my doctor.

Mark Young
Jan 28, 2022
Google

After many years of living with an acquired leg length discrepancy, I was fortunate enough to consult with Dr. Coufal upon a recommendation. Dr. Coufal presented way above my expectations on everything from how I managed since to what options are now available. A path to better health and comfort was clearly planned and is being acted on. This will take awhile and best results are expected. Thanks to all at Golden State Orthopedics.

mark murphy
Nov 19, 2021
Google

Dr. Christopher Coufal Was great with my father who had broken his Pelvis. Unlike other surgeons I’ve met he was very down to earth, he made my father comfortable with his words and advice. Surgery went well and he stayed in contact for months and months afterwords to make sure he was doing well. I would recommend him to anyone who asks. He has a great sense of humor too which is great during times of discomfort

Fran Baskin
Jul 08, 2021
Google

Dr Coufal is so focused , kind and patient He truly makes me feel like I’m his only patient while he’s the busiest Doc in the facility !

Meredith MINKLER
Jun 03, 2021
Google

incredibly skillful surgeon, and patient, knowledgeable and with a great sense of humor! My son had a serious femur fracture with other injuries, as a result of a motorcycle accident, and in just under 2 weeks the staples are out and his recovery going beautifully. We both highly recommend Dr. Coufal!

DJ R.
Jun 05, 2020
Yelp

This guy is amazing, I was told that I was lucky that one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the Bay Area was gonna be the one performing surgery on my bad radius and ulna break requiring plates (they were right). A few years later I broke it again in another sports related freak-accident and he just happened to be at the hospital at the time visiting a patient, he wasn't even on schedule for surgery that day but once he found out about me being there and being one of his former patients he immediately agreed to perform the surgery right then and there. I've had no problems with the arm since, thank you so much Dr. Coufal!

Laurie G.
Sep 04, 2019
Yelp

My daughter had shoulder surgery this past weekend. Dr. Coufal was amazing! Not only was he an expert in surgery, but he also treated her with humor, care, patience and time. He defied the myth that surgeons do not have a good bedside manner. My entire family could not be more thankful that she was referred to Dr. Coufal.

Tom S.
Apr 29, 2019
Yelp

If you want  good doctor go to the doctor other doctors go to because they know the good docs. I Went to MY ENT doc and he broke himself up on a motorcycle/ Dr. Coufal put is back together and my ENT guy said he was great.

Peggy P.
Dec 20, 2018
Yelp

I just wanted to send in a late review for Dr Coufal. He was wonderful. Good bedside manner, excellent surgeon and funny. This was from 3 years ago, but I was just thinking of him and how wonderful it was to have him as my surgeon and follow up orthopedist. Good work.

Jennifer F.
Apr 24, 2018
Yelp

My 3yr old broke her humerus and Dr. Coufal performed closed reduction with external fixation. He was very kind and gentle with my little "munchkin" and took lots of time with us, the parents, to explain everything thoroughly. Highly recommend!

Jan S.
Jan 17, 2018
Yelp

Dr. Coufal recently repaired my fractured clavicle. He is a fabulous doctor with a great bedside manner and wonderful sense of humor. He is very skilled and knowledgeable, explains things in a clear and understandable manner and puts his patients completely at ease. I am still under his care for my clavicle, but I know that if I break anything else (hopefully not) he will be my go to doctor. I highly recommend him. He agreed to repair my clavicle even after the first doctor I went to in his same practice strongly tried to convince me to let it heal as is. When the broken bone ends were nearly 2cm apart, I didn't see how it would heal without a significant unsightly, uncomfortable and permanent lump on my shoulder. In fact I have spoken to other people who HAVE let these heal without intervention and they do have permanent nasty lumps. He understood that I preferred not to end up with that result. Additionally, when the ends of the bone were actually attached, the discomfort would be significantly less. This is what I am experiencing now, 3 weeks post surgery. Still painful but much less uncomfortable than prior to the surgery. I consider myself very lucky that I managed to become one of his patients. Thanks, Dr. Coufal! Post Review

Susan K.
Dec 03, 2017
Yelp

You know your doctor is good when the nurses in ER tell you how amazing he is. They didn't have to say anything but they RAVED. They called him the 'Humpty Dumpty' man and he truly is. He repaired my fractured femur 5 years ago and people on the street wouldn't have any idea now that I had been injured. His confident explanations and relaxed humor put me at ease during a potentially stressful period. My family and I always knew at a deep level that I was in good hands. PT was also top notch. Highly recommend him and the full staff of Muir Orthopedic.

Rita H.
Sep 10, 2016
Yelp

Absolutely "AMAZED " at Dr Coufal's work....I was home alone, went outside to decorate for Halloween in 2015 and took a traumatic fall (heart attack }. I looked at my arm and bones were sticking out the side of the arm but then I noticed my...yikes!! it was hanging only by part of the thumb! I am a dialysis patient and the damage was to the "port" arm.The thought was "I'll bleed to death before I get help"..I had to crawl back to the house on elbows and knees to call 911...I was soooo frightened but Dr Coufal came in to emergency with a big smile he was so friendly and kind that the fear of loosing the hand vanished....It has been a year now and I must say the arm is looking good...I have seen Dr Coufal often and he has always been of good humor and explains each step of the process of reconstruction. He stitches REALLY well and all the scars from the surgeries are almost invisible. Recovery is almost 100% with heart stents, ribs have healed, can walk without cane and feel extremely blessed that Dr Coufal put me "back together again!"

Peter P.
Apr 27, 2016
Yelp

Wonderful manner.  Relaxed, friendly, marvelously unassuming, perfectly patient with our many questions.  And everything evolved the way he predicted, which is the surest indication that he knows what he's talking about.

Dana H.
Jan 10, 2016
Yelp

I have been a paramedic for 25 yrs. This guy took care of my Patella platform fx when the other guy wanted to amputate my leg. I would recommend Dr. Coufal to anyone. He is the real deal.

Kim P.
Nov 30, 2015
Yelp

3/10/16 Update: I think I previously saw him on a bad day.... His surgical skills are superior to most - He is an excellent trauma surgeon so this means he has to think on his feet in the operating room and be ready for anything - and he is. As with all good surgeons, they can have a bit of "personality" and opinion. This truly does not distract from his skills as a surgeon. Grade A trauma surgeon and is warm and friendly when not caught on a bad day.

Scott E.
May 11, 2015
Yelp

Great doctor! He reset my ankle and performed surgery when it was broken. He was great at answering all our questions!

salli S.
Apr 18, 2009
Yelp

Awesome Dr.!! He put plate in our sons R. Forarm and made it so he could pitch again. He is easy going and very efficient!

Assisting the Doctor:

Golden State Ortho Doctor showing caring hands

Golden State Ortho Doctors are assisted by our clinical support teams which include Medical Assistants, X-Ray Technicians and more.

Reviews Mean So Much!

Reviews mean so much to both the doctor providing care as well as to prospective patients. We appreciate your reviews!

This guy is amazing. I’ve had no problems with the arm since, thank you so much Dr. Coufal!
- Don Z

Dr Coufal is amazing. Very personable and he speaks in plain english. No fancy Dr speak!

- Healthgrades.com Review

If you want  good doctor go to the doctor other doctors go to because they know the good docs. I Went to MY ENT doc and he broke himself up on a motorcycle/ Dr. Coufal put is back together and my ENT guy said he was great.
- Tom S