Stephen J. O'Brien, MD, MBA

Dr. Stephen J. O’Brien is an Associate Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery and and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and as the Vice Chairman for the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at HSS. Dr. O’Brien specializes in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and completed his medical degree from the University of Virginia. He did his Internship at Yale University and his Residency at Hospital for Special Surgery. He also did his fellowship in Sports Medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery. Since starting his practice in 1987, he has been involved in teaching, research, and team coverage for organizations such as the New York Football Giants and St. John’s University Athletic Department. Dr. O’Brien has also taken active leadership roles on national societies such as the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, where he has served on the board of directors.

Dr. O’Brien received his undergraduate education from Harvard College and went on to complete his medical degree at the University of Virginia. He did his surgical internship at Yale University, and his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery. After the completion of his residency, Dr. O’Brien went on to a fellowship in Sports Medicine, also at Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. O’Brien has also been actively involved in research throughout his career. He has authored 20 book chapters and 85 peer-reviewed or review articles on numerous topics within sports medicine and orthopaedics. Currently, his research interests have focused on an algorithm he developed for the diagnosis and treatment of biceps-labral disorders.

Appointments

Associate Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
Associate Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hosipital
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
Vice Chairman of the Sports Medicine Department, Hospital for Special Surgery
Executive Sports Committee, Hospital for Special Surgery

Specialty

Orthopedic Surgery

Subspecialty

Sports Medicine
Shoulder
Knee
Elbow

Special Expertise

Disorders of the Biceps-Labrum Complex: Diagnosis and Treatment
Labrum Tears
Sub-deltoid Arthroscopy
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Rotator Cuff Repair
Shoulder Instability
Elbow Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy
ACL Reconstruction
Other Knee Ligament Reconstruction
Total Knee Replacement

Awards

James R. Andrews Award for Excellence in Baseball Sports Medicine, 2012
30th Annual Injuries in Baseball Course, American Sports Medicine Institute.
Birmingham, AL

Sports Illustrated Top Surgeon in Sports, 2012
"Under the Knife: top surgeons blend research, track records". Sports Illustrated

Cappagh Foundation Honoree for Outstanding Career Contribution to Orthopedics, 2010
Cappagh Foundation Day Lecture, Cappagh Hospital Medical Board, Dublin, Ireland

Lewis Clark Wagner Award (PI for Resident Research), 2008
Top Resident Research, Hospital for Special Surgery
 
6th Annual Laurence A. Mack Award (co-recipient), 2001
Advancements in Sonography, Society for Radiologists in Ultrasound

Distinguished Service Award, 2000
Columbia University Executive MBA Program, Class 2000-A

Graduation Class Day Speaker, 2000
Columbia University Executive MBA Program, Class 2000-A

Class President, 2000
Columbia University Executive MBA Program, Class 2000-A

Distinguished Lecturer, 1991
American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, AL

Optimate Society Award for Excellence in Medicine/Society, 1991 

Lewis Clark Wagner Award (PI for Resident Research), 1989
Resident Essay Award, Arthroscopy Association of North America

Charles S. Neer Award, 1989
Top Shoulder Research, American Shoulder & Elbow Society

Phillip D. Wilson Award, 1987
Top Fellows Research, Hospital for Special Surgery
 
Lewis Clark Wagner Award, 1986
Top Resident Research, Hospital for Special Surgery

Affiliations

International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, 2010-Present
American Orthopedic Association, 2008 – Present
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 1991 – Present
American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons, 1991 – Present
      Journal Reviewer (2010-Present)
      Research Committee (2004-2007)
      Nominating Committee (2003-2004)
Arthroscopy Association of North America, 1994 – Present
      Learning Center Committee (1997-1999)
      Research Committee (1995-1997)
American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, 1991 – Present
      Nominating Committee (2010-Present)
      Research Committee (2010-Present)
      Council of Delegates (2006-2008)
      Council of Delegates (2003-2007)
      Research Committee (1994-2000)
      Board of Directors (1997-1999)
Thomas B. Quigley Sports Medicine Society, 1987 – Present
      Vice President (2010)
      Program Chair (2010)
Harvard Alumni Association
      Elected Director (1992-1995)

Education

MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
Surgical Internship, Yale University Medical Center, New Haven, CT
MBA, Columbia Business School, New York, NY

Residency

Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

Fellowship

Sports Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic Surgery Re-certification
Valid through December 31, 2019

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery: Subspecialty in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Re-Certification
Valid through December 31, 2018

State Licensure

New York  

Stephen J. O'Brien, MD, MBA has contributed to the following articles on HSS.edu:

Selected Publications

Peer-Reviewed Articles

1. Drakos MC, Hillstrom H, Voos JE, Miller AN, Kraszewski AP, Wickiewicz TL, Warren RF, Allen AA, O'Brien SJ. The Effect of the Shoe-Surface Interface in the Development of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Strain. J Biomech Eng January 2010; 132(1):011003 [Epub in process].
2. Drakos MC, Verma NN, Gulotta LV, Potucek F, Taylor SA, Fealy S, Selby R, O’Brien SJ. Arthroscopic Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon: Functional Outcome and Clinical Results. Arthroscopy February 2008; 24(2):217-23 [Epub 2007 Nov 8].
3. Battaglia MJ 2nd, Cordasco FA, Hannafin JA, Rodeo SA, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Cavanaugh J, Wickiewicz TL, Warren RF. Results of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery. American Journal of Sports Medicine 2007: 35(12):2057-66. [Epub 2007 Oct 11].
4. Coleman SH, Cohen DB, Drakos MC, Allen AA, Williams RJ, O'Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Warren RF. Arthroscopic Repair of Type II Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Lesions with and without Acromioplasty: A Clinical Analysis of 50 Patients. American Journal of Sports Medicine 2007: 35(5):749-53. [Epub 2007 Jan 31].
5. O’Brien SJ, Voos JE, Drakos MC, Taylor SA. Biceps Transfer using Subdeltoid Arthroscopy. Techniques in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2007: 8(1):29-36.
6. O’Brien SJ, Miller AN, Drakos MC. Arthroscopic SubDeltoid Approach to the Biceps Transfer. Orthopedic Techniques in Sports Medicine 2007; 15(1): 20-26.
7. Cohen DB, Coleman S, Drakos MC, Allen AA, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Warren RF. Outcomes of Isolated Type II SLAP Lesions Treated With Arthroscopic Fixation Using a Bioabsorbable Tack. Arthroscopy 2006: 22(2):136-142.
8. Fealy S, Adler RS, Drakos MC, Kelly AM, Allen AA, Cordasco FA, Warren RF, O’Brien SJ. Patterns of Vascular and Anatomical Response After Rotator Cuff Repair. American Journal of Sports Medicine 2006; 34(1): 120-127. [Winner of the 6th Annual Laurence A. Mack Award by the Society for Radiologists in Ultrasound for Advancements in Sonography, 2001]
9. Verma NN, Drakos MC, O’Brien SJ. Arthroscopic Transfer of the Long Head Biceps to the Conjoint Tendon. Arthroscopy 2005: 21(6):764.e1-e5.
10. Verma NN, Drakos M, O’Brien SJ. The Arthroscopic Active Compression Test. Arthroscopy 2005: 21(5):634e1-e4.
11. Kelly AM, Drakos MC, Fealy S, Taylor SA, O’Brien SJ. Arthroscopic Release of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon: Functional Outcome and Clinical Results. AJSM 2005: 33(2):208-213.
12. Carson EW, Anisko EM, Restrepo C, Panariello RA, O’Brien SJ, Warren RF. Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Etiology of Failures and Clinical Results. Journal of Knee Surgery 2004: 17(3):127-132.
13. Moorman CT 3rd, Warren RF, Hershman EB, Crowe JF, Potter HG, Barnes R, O’Brien SJ, Guettler JH. Traumatic Posterior Hip Subluxation in American Football. JBJS 2003: 85A(7):1190-1196.
14. Fealy S, Adler RS, Drakos MC, Kelly AM, Allen AA, Cordasco FA, O’Brien SJ. Short Term Results Comparing Rotator Cuff Repair Techniques: Prospective Double Blind Study Using Ultrasound and Clinical Outcomes. Arthroscopy 2003: 19(6): 106-107.
15. Kelly AM, Selby RM, Lumsden E, O’Brien SJ, Drakos MC. Arthroscopic Removal of an Osteoid Osteoma of the Shoulder: Two Case Reports. Arthroscopy 2002: 18(7): 801-806.
16. O’Brien SJ, Drakos MC, Allen AA, Fealy. Arthroscopic Assisted Rotator Cuff Interval Closure. Techniques in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2002: 3(2):74-81.
17. Vad VB, Warren RF, Altchek DW, O’Brien SJ, Rose HA, Wickiewicz TL. Negative Prognostic Factors in Managing Massive Rotator Cuff Tears. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine 2002: 12(3):151-157.
18. Selby RM, O’Brien SJ, Kelly AM, Drakos MC. The Joint Jack: A Report of a New Technique Essential for Elbow Arthroscopy. Arthroscopy 2002: 18(4):74-81.
19. O’Brien SJ, Allen AA, Coleman SH, Drakos MC. The Trans-Rotator Cuff Approach to SLAP Lesions: Technical Aspects for Repair and a Clinical Follow-up of Thirty-One Patients at a Minimum of Two Years. Arthroscopy 2002: 18(4):372-377.
20. Anderson K, Warren RF, Altchek DW, Craig EV, O’Brien SJ. Risk Factors for Early Failure After Thermal Capsulorrhaphy. AJSM 2002: 30(1):103-107.

Review Articles

1. Simonian PT, Wickiewicz TL, O’Brien SJ, Dines JS, Schatz JA, Warren RF. Pretibial Cyst Formation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery with 1995 Soft Tissue Autografts. Arthroscopy 1998: 14(2):215-220.
2. Patel DV, Breazeale NM, Behr CT, Warren RF, Wickiewicz RL, O’Brien SJ. Osteonecrosis of the Knee: Current Clinical Concepts. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 1998. 6(1):2-11.
3. Wall MS, O’Brien SJ. Arthroscopic Evaluation of the Unstable Shoulder. Clinics in Sports Medicine 1995: 14(4):817-839.
4. Veltri DM, Warren RF, Wickiewicz TL, O’Brien SJ. Current Status of Allograft Meniscal Transplantation. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research 1994: 303:44-55.
5. O’Brien SJ, Fealy S, Miller DV. Nd:YAG Laser Arthroscopy. Seminars in Orthopaedics 1992: 7(2):117-124.
6. O’Brien SJ. Symposium: Lasers in Orthopedic Surgery. Contemporary Orthopaedics 1991: 22(1):61-91.
7. Gutlin B, Warren RF, Wickiewicz TL, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Kroll M. Does Tourniquet Use During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery Interfere with Post-surgical recovery of function? A Review of the Literature. Arthroscopy 1991: 7(1):52-56.
8. Warren RF, O’Brien SJ. Approaches to Senior Care #6: Shoulder Pain in the Geriatric Patient: Part I. Evaluation and Pathophysiology. Orthopedic Review 1989: 18(1): 129-135.
9. Rodeo SA, O’Brien SJ, Warren RF, Barnes R, Wickiewicz TL. Turf-Toe Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Review of the Literature. The Physician & Sports Medicine 1989: 17(4).
10. Warren RF, O’Brien SJ. Approaches to Senior Care #7: Shoulder Pain in the Geriatric Patient: Part II. Treatment Options. Orthopedic Review 1989: 18(2): 248-253, 256-263.
11. O’Brien SJ, Schwartz E, Warren RF. Anterior Shoulder Instability. Orthopedic Clinics of North America 1987: 18(3):395-408.
12. Schwartz E, O’Brien SJ, Warren RF. Posterior Shoulder Instability. Orthopedic Clinics of North America 1987: 18(3):409-419.
    

For more publications, please see the PubMed listing.

Selected Books/Chapters

1. Chapter 22: SLAP Lesion: Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Labrum and Biceps Anchor. Operative Techniques: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Taylor SA, Drakos MC, Shonkweiler JT, O’Brien SJ. Editors Lee DH, Nevaiser RJ. Elsevier (Saunders). [In Press]
2. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint. James E. Voos, MD; Andrew Neviaser, MD; Mark C. Drakos, MD; Stephen J. O'Brien, MD. THE SHOULDER. 4th Edition. Edited by Charles A. Rockwood, Jr., MD; Frederick A. Matsen III MD; Michael A. Wirth MD; Steven B. Lippitt MD. J.B. Saunders Co.; Philadelphia, PA; 2009.
3. Anterior Instability of the Shoulder. Samuel A. Taylor, MD; Mark C. Drakos, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. The Athlete’s Shoulder, 2nd Edition: Chapter 17. Edited by James R. Andrews, MD, and Kevin E. Wilk, PT. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier: Philadelphia, PA; January 2009.
4. Elbow. Ronald M. Selby, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. Practical Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy. DH Johnson, R Pedowitz. (eds.) Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA; December 2006.
5. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Stephen Fealy, MD; Mark C. Drakos, BA; Jonathan Botts, BA. THE SHOULDER. 3rd Edition. Charles A. Rockwood Jr., MD; Fredrick A Matsen III, MD; Michael A. Wirth MD; Steven B. Lippitt, MD. (eds.) J.B. Saunders Co.: Philadelphia, PA; April 2004.
6. Arthroscopic Laser Surgery of the Knee. Mark C. Drakos, BA; Stephen V. Fealy, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. THE KNEE. Thomas L. Wickiewicz, MD. (ed.) Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; Philadelphia, PA; 2003.
7. Developmental and Gross Anatomy of the Elbow. Todd Guyette, MD; Mark Drakos, BA; Stephen Fealy, MD; Joshua Hatch, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. THE ATHLETE’S ELBOW. David A. Altchek MD, James A. Andrews, MD. (eds.) Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA; 2001.
8. Gross and Microscopic Anatomy of the Shoulder. Jeffrey R. Dugas, MD; Daniel E. Cooper, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. THE UNSTABLE SHOULDER. Warren RF, Craig EV, Altchek DW (eds.) Lippincott-Raven Publishers: Philadelphia, PA; 1999.
9. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Answorth A. Allen, MD; Stephen Fealy, MD; Scott A. Rodeo, MD; Steven P. Arnoczky, MD. THE SHOULDER, 2nd Edition Rockwood CA, Matsen FA (eds.) W.B. Saunders Co.: Philadelphia, PA; 1998.
10. The Glenoid Based Capsular Shift for Anterior and Posterior Glenohumeral Instability. Answorth A. Allen, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Stephen Fealy, MD. AN ATLAS OF SHOULDER SURGERY. Fu FH, Ticker JB, Imhoff AB (eds.) Martin Dunitz, Inc.: London, England; 1998.
11. Anterior Shoulder Instability: Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and Conservative Management. Cato T. Laurencin, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. INJURIES IN BASEBALL. James R. Andrews, Bertram Zarins, Kevin E. Wilk. (eds.) Lippincott-Raven Publishers: Philadelphia, PA; 1998.
12. Ligamentous Problems and their Operative Procedures in the Throwing Athlete. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Cato Laurencin, MD. INJURIES IN BASEBALL. Bertram Zarins, MD; James Andrews, MD. (eds.) Lippincott-Raven: Philadelphia, PA; 1998.
13. Laser Surgery in Orthopaedics. Stephen Fealy, BA; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Drew V. Miller, MD. KNEE SURGERY. Fu FH, Harner CD, Vince KG, Miller MD (eds.) Williams & Wilkins, Inc.: Baltimore, MD; 1994.
14. Arthroscopic Laser Surgery. Drew V. Miller, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Stephen Fealy, BA; Mary Anne Gibney, RN, MPH; Anne M. Kelly, MD. THE KNEE. Scott WN (ed.) Mosby Yearbook, Inc.: St. Louis, MO; 1994.
15. Anterior Instability of the Shoulder. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Michael J. Pagnani, MD; Robert A. Panariello, RPT; Hugh M. O'Flynn, MD; Stephen Fealy, BA. THE ATHLETE'S SHOULDER. Andrews JR, Wilk KE. (eds.) Churchill Livingstone: New York, NY; 1994.
16. Lasers in Orthopaedics. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Stephen Fealy, BA. ORTHOPAEDIC KNOWLEDGE UPDATE-4. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Rosemont, IL; 1993.
17. Lasers and the Meniscus. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Drew V. Miller, MD; Stephen Fealy, BA; Mary Ann Gibney, RN, MPH; Anne M. Kelly, BA. THE MENISCUS: BASIC AND CLINICAL FOUNDATIONS. Van C. Mow, PhD; Steven P. Arnoczky, DVM; Robert W. Jackson, MD. (eds.) Raven Press: New York, NY; 1992.
18. Anatomy of the Shoulder. Steven P. Arnoczky, DVM; David W. Altchek, MD; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD. OPERATIVE ARTHROSCOPY. James B. McGinty, MD. (ed.) Raven Press: New York, NY; 1991.
19. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and the Glenohumeral Joint. Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Steven P. Arnoczky, DVM.; Russell F. Warren, MD. THE SHOULDER. Charles A. Rockwood, Jr., MD. (ed.) J.B. Saunders Co.: Philadelphia, PA; 1990.
20. Arthroscopic Surgery with a Contact Nd:YAG Laser. Anne M. Kelly, BA; Stephen J. O’Brien, MD; Drew V. Miller, MD; Stephen V. Fealy, BA; Russell F. Warren, MD; Steven P. Arnoczky, DVM. LASERS IN ORTHOPAEDICS. Henry H. Sherk, MD. (eds.) J. B. Lipincott Co.: Philadelphia, PA; 1989.

 

Research Description

Shoulders

Biceps-Labrum Complex Disorders

Controversy exists among shoulder surgeons over the role of the labrum and biceps as pain generators in the shoulder, and there seems to be increasingly polarizing points of view. Some argue that the labrum is a common pain generator, especially in young athletes, while others contend that the labrum is not a common pain generator and is over diagnosed as such. Similarly, as some shoulder surgeons argue that the long bead of the biceps tendon is a common pain generator, others assert that it is, as well, over diagnosed, and over treated. The work Dr. O’Brien has been doing in this area over the last ten years has led him to the conclusion that there should be a paradigm shift in the way we think about this issue. He believes that the anatomy and clinical functionality of the biceps and labrum work as ONE structure, the Biceps-Labrum Complex, instead of two separate entities. Dr. O’Brien has developed a clinical testing system, called the “3-Pack” along with an arthroscopic exam which guides him in the diagnosis of a patient’s pain. He is currently validating this clinical examination testing system with arthroscopic correlations noted during surgery.

An important outcome of Dr. O’Brien’s testing has been the development of a new surgical procedure called the Biceps Transfer. Dr. O’Brien created this procedure ten years ago, and has since performed over 300 biceps transfers. The procedure, designed to fill a void in orthopaedic surgery on treatment options for the long head of the biceps tendon, has been extremely successful in Dr. O’Brien’s hands.
In order to continue to better understand the idea of the biceps-labrum complex, Dr. O’Brien and his research team are actively involved in different research studies for patients who are treated for shoulder pathology under his care. Each research project aims to address a different stage of the diagnosis and treatment processes. Below is a list of projects that are currently underway:

• The “3-Pack” Examination: Validated Objective Criteria to Clinically Identify Bicipital Etiology of Shoulder Pain, #10116
  Documents initial exams and questionnaires performed by Dr. O’Brien and research team, results of arthroscopic examination performed during biceps transfer surgery, and results short term follow up exams (from 6 weeks to 1 year post op)
• Medium term results of transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon: 2-5 year follow up, #10127
  Documents medium term follow up exams and questionnaires performed by Dr. O’Brien and research team, evaluates econometrics of transfer surgery compared with other treatments, as well as patient satisfaction with outcomes
  

Knees

Another focus of Dr. O’Brien’s research is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL. Dr. O’Brien performs roughly 100 ACL reconstruction surgeries a year. Of the thousands of cases that have come his way over the last twenty-three years of his practice, there have been several patients who have had very unusual outcomes, resulting in an atraumatic dissolution of the graft. Dr. O’Brien and his research team are currently investigating these cases and their outcomes.

• Atraumatic Ruptures of Disintegrated Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions: A Case Series, #28047
  

Clinical Trials

• Medium Term Results of Arthroscopic Transfer of Long Head of Biceps Tendon: 2-5 year follow-up
• Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Total Joint Replacement: The HSS Shoulder Arthroplasty Cohort
• Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescents