Dr. David Altchek is an attending surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Sports Medicine Institute in New York City and HSS West Palm Beach, Florida.
Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC
Sports medicine is the specialty concerned with preventing, diagnosing, treating, and recovering injuries caused by athletic activity. Sports injuries can occur for several reasons, such as overuse, inadequate flexibility, or environmental changes. Dr. David Altchek an Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC provides world-renowned sports medicine care to athletes of all levels and is a pioneer of innovative surgical techniques to help patients get back in the game.
When To See an Elbow Surgeon
Your elbow is a remarkable joint that allows for intricate movements of the arm. However, like any joint, it can face issues that warrant the expertise of an elbow surgeon. Here we’ll explore when it’s essential to seek the guidance of an Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC, with a focus on the services provided by Dr. David Altchek, a leading specialist in the field.
Signs You Should See an Elbow Surgeon
- Persistent Pain: If you’re experiencing chronic elbow pain that doesn’t respond to rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications, it’s time to consult an elbow surgeon. Pain can be indicative of various conditions, including tendinitis, bursitis, or ligament injuries.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in fully extending or flexing your elbow could signify an underlying issue. It might be due to joint damage, inflammation, or a trapped nerve.
- Swelling or Instability: Swelling around the elbow joint or a sense of instability could be signs of a ligament tear, dislocation, or other structural problems that require expert evaluation.
- Weakness or Numbness: If you’ve noticed weakness or numbness in your hand or fingers along with elbow discomfort, it may indicate nerve compression or damage.
- Failed Conservative Treatments: When conservative treatments like physical therapy or corticosteroid injections haven’t provided relief or have only offered temporary relief, it’s time for a specialist’s assessment.
Why Choose Dr. David Altchek
Dr. David Altchek is a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in elbow injuries. With a wealth of experience, he employs cutting-edge techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of elbow problems. His expertise covers:
- Arthroscopy: Dr. Altchek utilizes minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures for accurate diagnosis and precise treatment of elbow issues.
- Sports-Related Injuries: As the Co-Chief Emeritus and Senior Advisor for the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Altchek has extensive experience in addressing sports-related elbow injuries.
- Customized Treatment Plans: He tailors treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, focusing on non-surgical options whenever possible but offering advanced surgical interventions when necessary.
Trust Dr. David Altchek, Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC
If you’re encountering persistent elbow pain, restricted mobility, or other concerning symptoms, it’s prudent to consult an elbow surgeon. Dr. David Altchek, an esteemed Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC, stands ready to provide the highest level of care and expertise. Don’t delay seeking assistance when your elbow health is at stake. Request a consultation with Dr. Altchek to regain comfort and function in your daily life.
In Need Of An Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC
HSS Main Hospital
535 East 70th Street
New York, NY 10021
HSS West Side ASC
610 West 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
Tommy John Surgery: Understanding The Procedure
Tommy John Surgery is one of the most famous procedures in professional sports, especially for baseball players. Tommy John surgery is a procedure on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) which is a ligament located in the elbow and is mainly an injury in baseball pitchers. Dr. David Altcheck, a Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC, has dealt with many baseball players being the medical director for the New York Mets. Below are the benefits of getting Tommy John surgery and what causes it.
Benefits Of Tommy John Surgery
After seeing a Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC, many baseball players return better than ever. The main proof of that is major league baseball pitcher Tommy John, who was the first person to get the procedure, played much better after he recovered from the surgery. There are a number of other benefits of Tommy John Surgery:
- Players who have received Tommy John Surgery have a long-lasting career and remain healthy.
- For baseball players, many have seen an improvement in their performance after the surgery, and the reason for this is that the surgery gives your elbow more stability
- This surgery applies to sports and the everyday life of the individual who receives Tommy John surgery. It improves people’s quality of life by reducing pain and regaining functionality in the elbow.
Recovery
After receiving surgery from a Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC, recovery time could take up to 12-18 months to return to normal activity. There are other things you must consider when recovering from the surgery:
- The rehabilitation process includes resting your body and seeing a physical therapist. Only do exercises that your doctor recommends. Running and riding a stationary bike are good exercises for recovery.
- Rest: After surgery, you will be in a rigid brace for at least two weeks, which leaves your arm completely still. After those two weeks and some improvement, you will be given a hinged brace to help with more movement.
- Continue to work with your doctor: Though the success rate of Tommy John Surgery is high, you want to continue to check in with professionals to ensure you remain healthy.
Contact Our Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC
As you can see, many people have benefitted from seeing an Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC. If you are suffering from pain in the elbow and you are in need of Tommy John surgery, request an appointment with Dr. David Altchek, located in New York City.
Credentials
- Founding Medical Director, HSS Florida
- Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
- Co-Chief Emeritus, Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
- Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
- Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1990
- Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors, 2002-2020
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors in New York Metro Area, 2002-2022
- New York Magazine Top Doctors, 2002-2022
- T. Campbell Thompson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Orthopaedic Surgery
- Eastern Orthopaedic Association Fellowship Award
- John Jay Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement
- Charles S. Neer Award, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons
- Named one of the top 250 Alumni, Columbia University
- MD, Weill Cornell Medical College
David Altchek, MD
Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Surgeon
Symptoms of Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries
An injury to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament or UCL can be a serious injury for athletes and anyone in general. An injury to the UCL is an injury to the elbow, typically caused by an overhead throwing motion. Athletes, mainly baseball pitchers, are the most prone to a UCL injury, this is due to the constant overuse of one elbow. With pitchers especially, if they do not receive the correct amount of rest, they are risking an injury to their UCL. Getting the highest quality treatment is essential in the recovery process, especially for athletes who want to get back to playing the sport they love. A UCL injury may be a career-changing injury for some athletes depending on the severity, that’s why Dr. David Altchek is here to help as the best Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC has to offer. By visiting Dr. David Altchek, you’re making the correct decision and ensuring you’ll be back to doing what you love as soon as possible.
Defining the Severity of a UCL Injury
Assessing the severity of the injury is essential when it comes to UCL injuries. This is important in both the recovery time and recovery process of the injury. An injury to the UCL may require an extensive period of recovery if surgery is required. Surgical reconstruction is typically the standard form of care for a UCL injury, however, if the injury is maybe not as severe or the patient can recover without surgery then other options may be assessed. Dr. David Altchek will provide the direction for your specific injury and recovery process. As the best Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC has, Dr. David Altchek will ensure you’ll be put in the right direction toward getting your quality of life back! To learn more about your journey, visit our website or contact us today!
What Should you know about a UCL Injury?
Assessing your UCL injury is essential in processing your recovery time and process. That’s why Dr. David Altchek is here to help assess your injury and provide the consultation you’re seeking to get you on track for the ideal recovery. Firstly, it’s important to note, depending on the severity of the injury and the scenario of the patient, rest, physical therapy, or surgery will be appointed. Also, many UCL injuries do not occur due to one specific event, the injury usually happens over time and the tear gradually gets worse. You’ll notice an injury when you hear a popping sound or sensation in your elbow when performing an overhead throw. Seeking the highest quality Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC has to offer is the first step in your evaluation process. From there you will know and understand the journey ahead of you, visit our website today to get started!
Symptoms of a UCL Injury
The UCL is a ligament or band of tissue that holds bones together to control joint movement and ensure stability. The UCL holds together the forearm and upper arm to help create the elbow joint and stabilize and promote the pivoting of the arm as a whole. When there is a tear in the UCL the ligament is unable to operate properly, leading to excessive movement of the bones with little stability. This is typically accompanied by a sense of pain and looseness within the elbow. The pain is usually caused during usage of the elbow joint and will most likely cause the inability to play sports due to the severity of pain and instability of the arm. If you’re experiencing possible symptoms of a UCL tear, visit Dr. David Altchek or our website to schedule an appointment with the best Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC offers.
Contact Dr. David Altchek for Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC
As an athlete, an injury can be the most frustrating part of your career. Don’t allow one injury to define you, get the treatment you deserve with Dr. David Altchek. By taking the first step and contacting your Orthopedic Arm Specialist in NYC, you’re making one of the most important decisions of your athletic career. Dr. David Altchek specializes in getting you back to doing what you love and has extensive experience in the treatment of athletes and all patients. Guarantee the quality recovery process you deserve, contact us or visit our website today to get started!
Patient Testimonals
Dr Altcheck has now taken care of me and 2 of my close friends. He is simply the best in the business, bar none. Both of my friends had surgeries botched by other surgeons who are considered top orthopedic surgeons, one in California, the other in London. Dr Altchek was able to fix their problems for both when other top doctors simply gave up. For me, he fixed my broken clavicle from a surfing accident. It was in 7 pieces and he put me back together and within a year I was back to military pressing 350lbs without any pain (i’m about 6’ and weight about 205 so I’m not a pro athlete size). What others haven’t said is that he gets sent the TOP, TOP athletes in the world when their careers are on the line. He is the team orthopedic surgeon for many of the NY sports teams. His staff is amazing. If you want the proverbial “Dr. House” of orthopedics (without the brash TV personality of Dr. House), David Altchek is the best on the planet, hands down.
If you are looking for one of the finest and most respected surgeons on the East Coast, then you found him. Dr. Altchek is bar none one of the finest in his field. His entire team set the standard for superlative excellence.
The best surgeon in America, kieth his PA.is an amazing,compassionate ,Carly on staff is exceptional, caring ,warm ,amazing clinic.Dr Altceck was able to surgically repair my collarbone and ligameys unlike Boston drs ,and I travel 7 hrs one way to see them.