Newsroom Hospital for Special Surgery

Frances Tiafoe Undergoes Hand Surgery Performed by HSS Surgeon Dr. Michelle Carlson

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:25:00 -0400

Just days after a painful mid-match exit from the Canadian Open, tennis star Frances Tiafoe underwent right-hand surgery performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon at HSS, to remove a cyst that had been causing persistent problems.

In a social media update to his Instagram story, Tiafoe credited Dr. Carlson and the HSS team for successfully diagnosing and treating the condition: “Big S/O to Dr. Michelle Carlson and the Hospital for Special Surgery team. They were able to diagnose and take out a cyst that has been causing some issues for some time now. Everything went well and I appreciate all of the messages and support. I'll be back soon.”

Read the full article at tennisuptodate.com. The story can also be found on Yardbarker, Yahoo! Sports, MSN, motorcyclesports.net, Tennis Temple, Tennis Head, Tennis World USA, Daily Express, Pro Football & Sports Network and Essentially Sports.

Castle Connolly's 2026 Exceptional Women in Medicine

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Castle Connolly announces the release of the 2026 Exceptional Women in Medicine.

This list recognizes female Castle Connolly Top Doctors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, expertise and dedication in their respective fields. In addition to meeting the requirements to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, these doctors also have additional qualifications, including research and academic contributions, volunteer work within healthcare, and training at top institutions.

Read the full article at castleconnolly.com.

Hornets' Brandon Miller has season-ending wrist surgery

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:45:18 -0500

Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery on a torn right wrist ligament.

Miller, the No. 2 pick in last year's NBA draft, tore the scapholunate ligament in his wrist during the team's 117-112 win over the Utah Jazz on Jan. 15. At the time, the Hornets said he would be out indefinitely.

The surgery was performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Read the full article at espn.com.

Dejounte Murray undergoes successful surgery

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:08:00 -0400

NBA.com reports that Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans underwent successful surgery to address his left hand fracture. The surgery was performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS. Murray is expected to miss approximately 4-6 weeks.

Read the full article at nba.com.

13 notable figures who had surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery since 2023

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:52:00 -0400

Becker's Orthopedic Review reports that since the start of 2023, several athletes, celebrities and leaders have turned to HSS for orthopedic care.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com.

Maddy Siegrist Undergoes Successful Surgery

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:57:21 -0400

Dallas Wings reports that second-year forward Maddy Siegrist underwent successful surgery on her broken left index finger. Recovery is expected to take approximately eight weeks with an estimated return following the Olympic break.

Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS performed an open reduction and internal fixation procedure.

Read the full article at wings.wnba.com.

Castle Connolly Releases 2024 Exceptional Women in Medicine

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:34:00 -0400

Castle Connolly announces the release of the 2024 Exceptional Women in Medicine. This list recognizes female Castle Connolly Top Doctors across the U.S. who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, expertise and dedication in their respective fields. There are over 8,300 doctors represented, across 77 different specialties and all 50 states.

The Exceptional Women in Medicine list is compiled through a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations, extensive research, and evaluation by the Castle Connolly research team. In addition to meeting the criteria to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, these physicians have qualifications including contributions to healthcare through volunteer work, awards and honors, training at top institutions, research and academics, and innovations in their field of specialty.

Read the full article at castleconnolly.com.

Latest Raptors Update Puts Jakob Poeltl's Season in Jeopardy

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:17:00 -0500

Sports Illustrated reported that Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left pinky finger. The surgery was performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS. Poeltl's condition will be updated as appropriate, according to the team.

Read the full article at SI.com.

Hawks' Trae Young out at least 4 weeks for finger surgery

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:25:00 -0500

The Atlanta Hawks have lost All-Star point guard Trae Young for at least four weeks with a torn ligament in his left pinkie finger.

Young was hurt during Friday night's loss to Toronto and will have surgery at HSS.

The team said Young will be evaluated in four weeks.

Read the full article at espn.com.

Kenrich Williams undergoes second wrist surgery to remove hardware

Tue, 16 May 2023 16:06:00 -0400

Thunder Wire reports that The Oklahoma City Thunder announced that Kenrich Williams underwent a second planned procedure to remove the hardware on his left wrist.

Williams suffered a season-ending scapholunate ligament rupture on his left wrist in March.

The second procedure was done in New York by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS. Williams’ rehab timeline remains the same as he continues to prepare for the 2023-24 regular season.

Read the full article at thunderwire.com.

Pelicans' CJ McCollum has surgery on right thumb

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:22:00 -0400

NBA.com reports that New Orleans Pelicans' CJ McCollum underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb. The surgery was performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Additionally, after further consultation with David W. Altchek, MD, co-chief emeritus of the HSS Sports Medicine Institute, it has been determined that McCollum will not require surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. McCollum will undergo an offseason rehabilitation program focused on shoulder stabilization and strengthening.

McCollum is expected to make a full recovery for both injuries prior to the start of training camp.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Additional coverage:

ESPN.com.

beckersspine.com.

si.com.

Dorian Finney-Smith Medical Update

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:21:00 -0400

NBA.com reports Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith underwent successful surgery to correct a contracture of the right fifth finger. The procedure was performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS. Finney-Smith is expected to be fully cleared for offseason workouts in approximately six weeks.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Naz Reid Injury Update

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 09:33:00 -0400

NBA.com reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves announced the following injury update on center Naz Reid, who suffered a left wrist injury at the 8:36 minute mark of the fourth quarter Mar. 29.

Reid underwent successful surgery to repair a left scaphoid fracture. The surgery was performed by Michelle G. Carlson , hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, in consultation with Dr. Kelechi Okoroha of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine. He will continue being sidelined indefinitely and further updates on his progress will be provided when available.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Castle Connolly Releases 2023 Exceptional Women in Medicine

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:43:00 -0400

Castle Connolly announces the release of the 2023 Exceptional Women in Medicine. This list recognizes female Castle Connolly Top Doctors across the U.S. who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, expertise and dedication in their respective fields. There are over 8,400 doctors represented, across 77 specialties and all 50 states. HSS is honored to have 20 doctors included on this list.

Read the full press release at newswire.com.

Leafs centre Ryan O’Reilly might need longer than four weeks to return from broken finger

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:31:00 -0400

Toronto Star reports on Toronto Maple Leaf's Ryan O'Reilly's recovery after breaking his left index finger and why it might take longer than four weeks for him to return.

According to Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, it takes three to four weeks for a shattered bone to heal and up to six weeks for the architecture around the bone to heal.

“The bone itself heals in about four weeks, in most cases, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be 100 per cent in four weeks,” said Dr. Carlson. “There can often be an injury to the other structures that take even longer to heal than the bone to heal. There are tendons in that area. There are ligaments. All of those structures sometimes have to heal, or have to get moving again, and can have stiffness or scarring. So that’s all part of the healing process.”

Read the full article at thestar.com.

Marvin Bagley III out for at least six weeks for Detroit Pistons after hand surgery

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:16:00 -0500

Yahoo.com reported the Detroit Pistons will be without Marvin Bagley III for at least six weeks, as announced by the team confirming the fractured metacarpal bones in his right hand.

Bagley underwent surgery to address the injury, Michelle G. Carlson, MD hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, in consultation with team's orthopedic surgeon.

Read the full article at yahoo.com.

Additional coverage:

Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. has second wrist surgery

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:56:00 -0400

The San Diego Tribune reported that Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. had a second surgery on his left wrist with the belief that will sustain repair of the injury long-term

Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, performed the surgery to remove the original screws and replaced them with a central screw.

Read the full article at sandiegouniontribune.com.

Braves: Could we see Ozzie Albies in the playoffs?

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:56:00 -0400

SportsTalkATL.com discusses a typical recovery for a broken pinky according to Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, in wake of Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies’ injury.

According to Dr. Carlson, who did not treat Albies, “It depends on the type of break. Three to four weeks would be the fastest. Most common is six weeks.”

Read the full article at Sportstalkatl.com.

Medical Update on Pat Connaughton

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:56:00 -0500

NBA reports Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton underwent successful surgery to repair the fractured fourth metacarpal on his right hand performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Read the full article at Nba.com.

Wizards Injury Update

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 13:47:00 -0500

NBA reports Wizards guard Bradley Beal will undergo surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament of his left wrist after an evaluation with Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Read the full article at Nba.com.

Terence Davis Medical Update

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 18:40:57 -0500

NBA reports Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis underwent successful surgery to repair a right wrist extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon injury performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Read the full article at Nba.com.

7 Hand Exercises to Prevent Arthritis

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 17:53:00 -0500

AARP discusses hand exercises to help prevent arthritis according to experts including Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

According to Dr. Carlson, osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, is a condition caused by the natural wearing away of the cartilage that covers the bone. In healthy joints, the cartilage coverings at the ends of the bones match up and glide smoothly against one another.

Cartilage cannot not be built back, but motion can be preserved by keeping the soft tissue in the joint as supple as possible.

Dr. Carlson advised incorporating moves to help maintain hand function, such as a shoulder stretch. She noted the impact of tense shoulders, “Stiffness in your shoulders can lead to all sorts of problems in your extremities.”

Other recommended moves include elbow flexion and extension, prayer and reverse prayer, finger spread, finger touch, thumb stretch and a knuckle bend.

However, some exercises, like squeezing a stress ball, can irritate joints by causing rough cartilage to rub together, noted Dr. Carlson.

Read the full article at AARP.org.

T.J. McConnell Undergoes Successful Surgery on Right Wrist

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 13:15:00 -0500

NBA reports Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell underwent successful surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist on December 7, performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Read the full article at Nba.com.

How to avoid ‘smartphone pinkie’ and other pains from being glued to your phone

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:39:00 -0400

The Washington Post explains an increase of hand, wrist, elbow and neck problems that might be connected to an overuse of handheld technology according to experts including Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

According to Dr. Carlson, “Resting your phone on your pinkie can strain the ligament that connects the finger to your hand. Where the pinkie contacts the phone can also become calloused and sore.”

She advised changing positions frequently. “Even if you’re talking on the phone with your elbow bent, switch to the other side … don’t try to power through it because that’s going to cause problems that will last way beyond your phone call,” she noted.

Read the full article at Washingtonpost.com.

Cast removed, LaMelo Ball cleared to resume basketball activities

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:27:00 -0400

NBA reports The Charlotte Hornets announced that guard LaMelo Ball underwent further evaluation on his right wrist Monday by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Ball’s cast was removed and a CT scan confirmed the wrist has healed and he has been cleared to return to individual basketball activity. Additional updates on Ball’s status and return to game action will be provided as appropriate.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Additional coverage:

Chris Chiozza Medical Update

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 06:51:00 -0400

NBA reports Brooklyn Nets guard Chris Chiozza underwent successful surgery today performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair a fractured third metacarpal of the right hand.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Additional coverage: NYpost.com, NYpost.com

New Orleans Pelicans medical update

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 18:49:00 -0400

NBA reports The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that guard Josh Hart underwent successful surgery performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb. Hart will be re-examined and an update on his return to play will be made available in approximately three weeks.

Read the full article at NBA.com/pelicans/news/.

Injury Update: Ball Undergoes Successful Surgery

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:51:00 -0400

NBA reports The Charlotte Hornets announced that guard LaMelo Ball underwent successful surgery to address a fracture in his right wrist. The surgery was performed by HSS hand and upper extremity surgeon Michelle G. Carlson, MD, at the hospital’s main campus in New York City.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Additional coverage: APnews.com, Charlotteobserver.com

What you need to know about Dupuytren’s disease

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 20:18:00 -0500

The Palm Beach Post’s “Ask the Expert” column features Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS Florida, discussing the causes and treatment options for Dupuytren’s disease.

Dr. Carlson explained Dupuytren’s disease forms scars in your palm for no reason, typically beginning in your 50s or 60s. Often this takes shape as a lump or cord in the palm or fingers. Dupuytren’s disease also occurs in the soles of the feet or alongside Peyronie’s disease. It is a genetic condition, however your parents or children will not necessarily have it. It is more common in men and people of Nordic descent. When it occurs in women, they more commonly have a relative with the disease.

Cords can cause the fingers to contract, preventing a person from straightening them. If there is no contracture, treatment is usually not necessary. Once contracture starts, there are several options for treatment.

According to Dr. Carlson, surgery is the gold standard and involves removing all diseased scar tissue. This allows the finger joints to straighten and has a 5% chance of requiring another procedure within five years. Collagenase clostridium is injectable medication that dissolves collagen, which makes up the cords.

Needle aponeurotomy is a procedure in which the surgeon uses a needle to cut the cords and extend the finger. This similarly does not require surgery but carries a small risk of injuring a nerve in the finger and has a higher recurrence rate. It is better to treat contracture once it begins instead of waiting for it to be severe. If you think you may have Dupuytren’s, Dr. Carlson advised to see a healthcare provider to determine if treatment is needed.

This article appeared in the print edition on February 28, 2021.

Sources: New York Knicks' Mitchell Robinson to have hand surgery, miss 4-6 weeks

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 10:51:00 -0500

ESPN reports New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will undergo surgery on his fractured right hand, to be performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS. Robinson suffered a fracture of the fourth metacarpal on the hand, and is expected to miss four to six weeks according to sources.

Read the full article at ESPN.com.

Carpal Tunnel Can Happen Even Without A Desk Job

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 08:41:00 -0500

The Palm Beach Post’s “Ask the Expert” column features Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, discussing the causes and treatment of carpal tunnel.

Dr. Carlson explained while carpal tunnel is a natural part of aging, certain gripping activities (e.g., working in the garden, playing the piano repeatedly, etc.), can increase the risk. Activities involving wrist flexion (e.g., driving a car, reading a newspaper, etc.), also increases symptoms.

Wrist splints help at night and during symptom causing activities, as they align the bones that form that ‘C’ into the biggest possible arc, providing room for the nerve and tendons. Rest also decreases swelling around the tendons.

Dr. Carlson advised to see a specialist if symptoms don’t resolve in two weeks to evaluate the condition and rule out other causes. Oftentimes a cortisone injection provides temporary relief, and occasionally nerve tests are ordered if the diagnosis is in question. Carpal tunnel can be cured by a small surgical solution under local anesthesia to open the ligament forming the top of the tunnel.

This article appeared in the print edition on January 17, 2021.

Injury Update - Cody Zeller's Underwent Successful Surgery on Left Hand

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 11:56:00 -0500

The Charlotte Hornets announce center Cody Zeller underwent successful surgery on the fourth metacarpal of his left hand on Thursday performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, in New York City. Zeller will be listed as out and will be reevaluated in four weeks.

Read the full article at NBA.com.

Additional coverage: Beckersspine.com, ESPN.com

Buddy Valastro: Road to Recovery

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 10:52:00 -0500

TLC’s Cake Boss followed Buddy Valastro's journey as he underwent surgery following an accidental injury to his right hand performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

“We’re still not out of the woods yet, but he’s made amazing strides and its really his perseverance,” said Dr. Carlson. “I always say half of how you do is what we do and half is about you - and how much you can work through the pain. Do the therapy that’s required, have a good attitude that lets you keep going and not get totally distraught about the injury that you suffered. For him to be able to push through all of this is really a testament to how strong a personality and person he is," she noted.

As a thank you for the care provided, Buddy surprised Dr. Carlson, the nurses and the staff at HSS with a specialty cake he designed of the main hospital in New York City.

This episode aired on December 23, 2020 at 9PM. Watch Buddy's journey at HSS on TLC.com.

Additional Coverage:

New York Post (January 1, 2021 print edition)
Good Morning America
Goodhousekeeping.com
Eonline.com
USAtoday.com

Buddy Valastro Faces 'Uphill Battle' After His Hand Was Impaled During 'Terrible' Bowling Accident

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:15:00 -0400

People Magazine reports Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro underwent a second surgery on Wednesday following an accidental injury to his right hand, performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, at the Hospital’s main campus in New York City. Valastro is now recovering and will require prolonged therapy.

Read the full article at People.com.

Additional coverage:

People.com
NBC Today during the 8am news hour on September 28, 2020
Goodmorningamerica.com
NYpost.com
Foxnews.com
USmagazine
NJ.com
Perezhilton.com
Patch.com/new-jersey/hoboken
TMZ.com
Health.com
Popculture.com
TMZ.com
Popculture.com
Today.com
Foxnews.com
TVinsider.com

Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic undergoes successful wrist surgery

Tue, 19 May 2020 10:26:00 -0400

The Salt Lake Tribune reports Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic underwent surgery on Tuesday performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair a ruptured scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.

Read the full article at Sltrib.com.

Additional coverage:

Joel Embiid leads Sixers to 115-104 win over Golden State on night he honored Kobe Bryant

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:27:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports The Philadelphia 76ers welcomed Joel Embiid back to the court during Tuesday night's game, after tearing a ligament in his left ring finger. Embiid had surgery to repair the ligament on January 10, and was cleared to play after having his hand examined by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, and an upper extremity surgeon at HSS, prior to the game.

Read the article at inquirer.com.

Nation’s top orthopedic hospital opens in West Palm Beach

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:11:56 -0500

The Palm Beach Post reports HSS opened the doors of HSS Florida on Monday, January 27, 2020, in West Palm Beach. HSS president and CEO, Louis A. Shapiro was on hand to greet the first patients.

HSS is eager to bring its medical services to the growing, aging and affluent Florida community. Last year, 3,000 Florida residents traveled for care to HSS in New York. "We want to deliver care closer to where people live and work,” said Mr. Shapiro. HSS also hopes to be a destination center for all sports medicine needs in the Southeast U.S., including professional athletes as well as teenage athletes, cited Justin Oppenheimer, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at HSS.

David W. Altchek, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS, will serve as the Medical Director of HSS Florida. Joining him is HSS orthopedic trauma surgeon, Nicholas Sama, MD, as associate medical director for inpatient services; sports medicine surgeon Ryan W. Simovitch, MD, as associate medical director for ambulatory services; hand an upper extremity surgeon, Michelle G. Carlson, MD; sports medicine surgeon, James B. Carr II, MD; physiatrist Kathleen L. Davenport, MD; and hip and knee surgeon, John L. Wang, MD.

Read the article at Palmbeachpost.com. This article also appeared in the February 2 print edition.

Additional coverage:

U.S. #1 in Orthopedics HSS Opens West Palm Location, Announces Medical Leadership Team

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the world leader in musculoskeletal health, expanded its geographic footprint today when it opened the doors of a new 60,000-square-foot facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. HSS Florida also announced its medical team and leadership structure and that nearly 1,000 patient appointments have already been scheduled.

HSS has ranked No. 1 in the nation for orthopedics for the past 10 consecutive years, according to U.S. News & World Report. The world’s largest academic medical center specialized in orthopedics, rheumatology and related specialties, HSS attracts patients from all 50 States and more than 80 countries. Athletes from more than 80 of the highest performing teams in the world travel to HSS for care. In 2019, nearly 3,000 Florida residents travelled for care to the HSS main campus in New York.

“HSS is committed to the health, wellness and lifestyle of our patients,” said Dr. Bryan Kelly, surgeon-in-chief and medical director, HSS. “We are always advancing innovative pathways to provide better care and an important part of that process is providing access to more people in new locations.”

HSS Florida is led by Founding Medical Director David Altchek, MD, renowned sports medicine surgeon, chief emeritus of the HSS Sports Medicine Institute and Medical Director for the New York Mets. Nick Sama, MD, orthopedic trauma surgeon, will serve as Associate Medical Director for Inpatient Services; and Ryan Simovitch, MD, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon, will serve as Associate Medical Director for Ambulatory Services.

Located at 300 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, HSS Florida - West Palm Beach offers comprehensive outpatient orthopedic care, including physician consultations, advanced diagnostic and imaging services, specialized rehabilitation, sports performance programs and surgery.

“Southeast Florida is the ideal location for HSS to extend its reach and impact,” said Dr. Altchek. “This new facility will serve as a real center of excellence for patients seeking a wide-range of musculoskeletal health services. I’m looking forward to working with some of the world’s most highly skilled physicians, surgeons and other specialists at the spectacular HSS Florida campus.”

Physicians practicing at HSS Florida include those based in Florida full-time as well as those who split their time between the New York and Florida campuses of HSS. In addition to Drs. Altchek, Sama, and Simovitch, other HSS physicians who will be seeing patients this month include:

Michelle Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon
James “Beamer” Carr II, MD, sports medicine surgeon
Kathleen Davenport, MD, physiatrist
John Wang, MD, hip and knee surgeon

“HSS is making the highest level of musculoskeletal care more convenient for a community that understands and values quality,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of HSS. “This new facility is unlike any of our previous expansions as this is a brand-new comprehensive center built from the ground up and located outside of the New York City tri-state area.”

Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists will help patients with injuries and pain in the hand, wrist, elbow, low back and neck as well as sports injuries and general orthopedic pain. HSS Florida will also offer sports performance services, including running analysis. Depending on insurance, the need for a physician prescription may be waived.

PJ Washington undergoes successful procedure on fractured finger

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:36:00 -0500

NBA.com reports that The Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington underwent surgery performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair a fractured fifth finger on his right hand.

Read the article at NBA.com.

Trea Turner has surgery to repair right index finger

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 17:45:00 -0500

The Washington Post reports Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner underwent surgery on Friday performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair his right index finger.

Read the article at Washingtonpost.com.

Nets’ Caris LeVert out indefinitely after undergoing thumb surgery

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 13:42:00 -0500

New York Post reports Brooklyn Nets wing Caris LeVert underwent surgery performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair ligament damage in his right thumb.

Read the full article at NYPost.com.

How soon could Curry return? Surgery might make little difference

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:50:00 -0400

The Mercury News reports that Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry would likely get back on the court around the same time regardless of if he gets surgery to treat his hand fracture.

“In general, the index metacarpal is a good bone to break if you have to break one,” said Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, who has not treated Curry. “It is a little easier to come back from than the other metacarpals.”

Dr. Carlson explains that treatment typically includes elevating the hand to avoid swelling and beginning motion therapy soon after surgery. If surgery is not required, a cast or splint would be used for up to a month.

Read the full article at MercuryNews.com. This story also appeared in the print edition on November 1, 2019.

Understanding Drew Brees' thumb injury: What's the UCL? How does the surgery work?

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 18:24:00 -0400

The Times Picayune reports on the thumb injury of New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, to which experts have speculated this to be his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

The Times Picayune spoke to Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, who does not treat Brees, but commented on the recovery of a UCL injury. Dr. Carlson cited this injury will likely cause him [Brees] to miss a good chunk of the season. “If you were a lineman, you could put your hand in a cast and deal with this at the end of the season,” said Dr. Carlson. She added, “If you need to throw the football, you need to fix it now.”

With regard to return to sport, Dr. Carlson explained it typically takes ligaments 8-12 weeks to fully heal, however it could be as few as five weeks, with the use of suture tape, as the tape acts as an internal brace, offering extra protection while the ligament heals. Dr. Carlson concluded, “Results are excellent, certainly long-term, in terms of return to play.”

Read the full article at Nola.com.

Additional coverage: Canalstreetchronicles.com.

Honda Classic: Jupiter’s Daniel Berger feels stronger than ever after four-month injury layoff

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 10:33:00 -0500

The Ledger reports Daniel Berger took a four-month hiatus from the PGA Tour to recover from a thumb injury. Berger saw numerous doctors, including Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, and was treated with injections to reduce the inflammation. Berger also wore a brace for a month and during that time, worked with his personal trainer to strengthen his lower body. Berger stated, “I’m the strongest I’ve been in my lower half, and now its more just building up the strength in my upper body.”

Read the article at Theledger.com.

Dinwiddie undergoes surgery on right thumb

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 13:40:00 -0500

NBA.com reports Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie underwent successful surgery performed by Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS, to repair ligaments in his right thumb.

Read the article at NBA.com.

Bucks center John Henson undergoes successful wrist surgery in New York

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 07:00:00 -0500

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson underwent wrist surgery with Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

The surgery was to repair a torn ligament.

Read the full article at JSOnline.com.

A 'big step' for Didi Gregorius has Yankees feeling hopeful

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 07:00:00 -0400

New York Post featured HSS hand and upper extremity surgeon Michelle G. Carlson, MD, in an article about New York Yankees' Didi Gregorius, who suffered a torn cartilage in his right wrist and received a cortisone injection.

Dr. Carlson, who did not treat Gregorius, explained that cortisone could help with the inflammation.

"The best-case scenario is it doesn't bother [Gregorius] at all. But he could feel it when he rotates his hand or bends his wrist," Dr. Carlson noted.

Read the full article at nypost.com. This also appeared in the September 25, 2018 print issue.

50+ female orthopedic surgeons in the US

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0400

Becker's Spine Review reporter Shayna Korol highlighted 50 female orthopedic surgeons in the United States. The list included HSS hand and upper extremity surgeon Michelle G. Carlson, MD, as well as sports medicine surgeons Jo A. Hannafin, MD, PhD; Beth E. Shubin Stein, MD; and Sabrina M. Strickland, MD.

Read the full article at beckersspine.com

Kevin Love (hand) doesn't need surgery, is expected to miss 8 weeks

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 07:00:00 -0500

NBA.com reports that Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love does not need surgery to repair his broken left hand.

Love was examined by the Cavaliers medical team as well as Michelle G. Carlson, MD, hand and upper extremity surgeon at HSS.

Love will undergo non-surgical treatment and is projected to be out for approximately eight weeks.

Read the full story at NBA.com.

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Cavaliers notebook: Kevin Love to see New York specialist for broken hand; return date unknown

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 07:00:00 -0500

Akron Beacon Journal reported that Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love fractured the fifth metacarpal in his left hand during a recent game. According to the article, Love will consult with HSS hand and upper extremity surgeon Michelle G. Carlson, MD, to discuss treatment options.

This article originally appeared at ohio.com.

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