Why choose Hospital for Special Surgery for care? Read what patients are saying about us.
Don Davis, New Paltz, NY - limb lengthening surgery I created the Survival Of the Shawangunks Triathlon (SOS) twenty-eight years ago. I did my first NYC Marathon in 1977 and have enjoyed running, cycling, and swimming my entire adult life. I founded the New York Triathlete Association that is dedicated to cardio vascular fitness through the sport of triathlon. SOS starts with a 30 mile bike ride and is followed by a 4.5-mile run, 1.1-mile swim, 5.5-mile run, .5-mile swim, 8-mile run, .5-mile swim, and a .7-mile run.
In 2011, I was competing in a triathlon in Hawaii when I had a bike accident that shattered my femur. The surgeon in Hawaii did a great initial job but the femur did not heal properly and I lost about an inch of my left leg.
Triathlon training, competition, and production is a large part of my life. I was lucky have been referred to Dr. Rozbruch. As a cyclist himself, he realized how important it was for me to keep my lifestyle of fitness through the sport of triathlon. He treated me as an individual not as just some old guy who wants to run.
Dr. Rozbruch re-broke my femur and straightened the fulcrum of the bone. I am now running, biking, and swimming again. The fact is, it is due to the talent and dedication of Dr. Rozbruch, that I can rejoin the sport I love. I cannot thank Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch and HSS enough for giving me back my life(style)!
Daniel J. Ordan,Riverdale, NY – cyst aspiration in lieu of spine surgery On Tuesday, April 9th, Dr. Seth Waldman, Director of the Division of Pain Management at Hospital for Special Surgery, diagnosed a 3 cm. ganglion cyst compressing the peroneal nerve of my right leg - 5.5 ml of fluid was aspirated.
Why is that significant? Because eight other doctors, affiliated with four other teaching hospitals in New York City, diagnosed my problem as stemming from a herniated disk compressing the nerve at the L5/S1 level.
Why is it significant that Dr. Waldman made his diagnosis on Tuesday, April 9th? Because two surgeons, one specializing in neurosurgery and the second in minimally invasive spine surgery, were originally scheduled to operate on my back that day.
How can I thank Dr. Waldman for his insight, creativity and care in hopefully determining and resolving the root cause of my problem? Perhaps it is too soon to determine if it is a permanent fix, but I can report that I am feeling better. As Dr. Waldman predicted, slight twinges continue, and some foot discomfort remains, but nothing of the torturous pain previously experienced.
I am indebted to Dr. Waldman and to HSS.
Dov G.,Englewood, NJ – osteotomy, tibial torsion correction Throughout my life I have loved sports and outdoor recreation, especially running. Unfortunately, by 2003 when I was only 25, my right knee was in a lot of pain after each run. After seeing a number of doctors, they all said I had a torn meniscus and that I needed surgery. Post-surgery and rehab, I slowly started taking up running again and competed in multiple races including the NYC marathon in 2010. However, my right knee always hurt and over the years I saw many of what were, supposedly, the best orthopedic surgeons in NYC. They all said the same thing - stop running and swim or take up cycling, do more physical therapy, or have more knee surgery - all bad choices from my perspective. more
Dov G.,Englewood, NJ – osteotomy, tibial torsion correction Throughout my life I have loved sports and outdoor recreation, especially running. Unfortunately, by 2003 when I was only 25, my right knee was in a lot of pain after each run. After seeing a number of doctors, they all said I had a torn meniscus and that I needed surgery. Post-surgery and rehab, I slowly started taking up running again and competed in multiple races including the NYC marathon in 2010. However, my right knee always hurt and over the years I saw many of what were, supposedly, the best orthopedic surgeons in NYC. They all said the same thing - stop running and swim or take up cycling, do more physical therapy, or have more knee surgery - all bad choices from my perspective. less
Finally, after years of pain, a wonderful orthopedic surgeon in NY did a physical examination of me and said the underlying problem was that I had a significant tibial torsion, and the only solution was to correct the torsion or stop running altogether because it was destroying my knee. At least I finally had a correct diagnosis.
I spent the next year researching tibial torsion correction and speaking to the small number of doctors in the US that perform this operation regularly. I was very fortunate to discover the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service operated by Dr. Rozbruch in NYC.
Upon meeting Dr. Rozbruch, he took a significant amount of time to physically examine me, listen to my story, as well as study my MRI's etc. He explained how he would fix my tibial torsion with a surgery called an osteotomy and put a Taylor Spacial Frame external fixation device on my leg. Over a 1 month period, I would then turn my leg 1 degree each day until it was straight. He reviewed in detail exactly how long the entire process would take and when I could expect to be active again. He then answered my follow-up questions regarding the surgery in a timely manner, treating me with respect and understanding. He even agreed to meet me a few more times in his office to reassure me regarding my fears of the surgery.
I had an osteotomy at HSS in April of 2011, and had my Taylor Spacial Frame removed at the beginning of August 2011. During this period Dr. Rozbruch and his wonderful team at the LLCR service corrected my right tibia by 30 degrees and it now is completely straight! I was running again (slowly) by January 2012. I currently feel great, and recently ran a marathon in 3:15, and a half marathon in 1:25 (both personal records for me). I am incredibly grateful to Dr Rozbruch and his team at LLCR Service for doing an amazing job. He did what others said was not possible or too risky and changed my life. I only wish I had met him earlier and had this surgery when I was 18 years old instead of 32.
Additionally, the physical therapy team at the HSS rehab center did a great job getting me back on my feet and active again in only a few months.
I am telling this story after seeing and experiencing the incredible work that Dr. Rozbruch has done to better peoples’ lives when conventional medical advice is to say, “stop running,” or, “there is nothing we can do,” or “have more needless knee surgery”. I hope that others with limb discrepancies and other similar issues can be healed by Dr. Rozbruch's fine work.
Mary Dotzauer,Belmar, NJ – knee replacement When the arthritis in my knees finally stopped me from travelling, playing golf and enjoying life, I decided to take action. I called HSS and was referred to Dr. Mayman for minimally invasive knee replacement surgery. I had my left knee done in Jan '12 and it went so well, I did my right knee Nov '12! If anyone had told me I would do both knees in one year, I would have laughed. Dr. Mayman and staff are the best.... I felt I was in great hands and never looked back! I even recommended him to my neighbor. Dr. Mayman did her hip and she is thrilled!
Alan Dumain, Richmond Hill, NY - hip replacement
Alan Dumain and family
Other than my "structural" problems, I am a very healthy, active, and competitive, 65 year old.
I have cycled since I was 20 years old. I regularly cycle between 150 and 200 miles per week from April through October. In the winter, I take spin class 4 times a week. I participate in three to four triathlon relays a year. I cycle along with two of my children who round out my team. Every year, I also do a 110 mile ride with 8500 feet of elevation gain. Thank you Dr. Mayman and HSS, for making this all possible.
Allen Samuelowitz, Smithtown, New York – injection Sometimes, if we are lucky in life, we cross paths with people who change our lives forever! For me, those people are Dr. Matthew Cunningham and Dr. James Wyss.
I went to see Dr. Cunningham after two years of going from doctor to doctor, all in vain. I am a retired physical education teacher with a chronically bad back and many disc problems. Dr. Cunningham listened, asked many questions, and, besides his brilliant mind, had such compassion, humility, and humanity! I immediately knew I was at the right place, and in the right hands. Then my world changed again. Dr. Cunningham put me in touch with another true gem of a doctor and person - Dr. James Wyss; a caring, expertly gifted doctor, who began a series of spinal injections. The quality of my life has returned and I have improved 100%! Thank you Drs. Cunningham and Wyss. There really are no words to describe my gratitude to you and your wonderful staffs!
Romano Robert Vanderbes, New York, NY – tendon transfer and ankle distraction In 1954, I was 16 years old and living in Amsterdam where I was attending secondary school. I was diagnosed with a reuscel tumor (a benign soft tissue tumor just below the knee). The tumor was removed but the surgery resulted in a drop foot. For a number of years, I managed with a variety of devices: braces, booties, cowboy boots. Here, creativity was definitely rewarded.
Some years later in 1958, I was living in New York and consulted a neurologist. From that quarter came little hope, but he referred me to Dr. Wilson at HSS. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Rolla Campbell suggested a two-part procedure: 1) a triple arthrodesis (a partial ankle fusion) for ankle stability and 2) a tendon rerouting procedure; tendons from the side of the ankle were to be rerouted through the internal membrane to the top of the foot to provide a measure of dorsiflexion (up and down movement). This would correct the drop foot condition. Both procedures were done and I healed like I had visited Lourdes.
For the next forty years I could run, play tennis, even play surf bum in Hawaii for a brief interlude and drink in the best bars. This was my HSS triumph #1. more
Romano Robert Vanderbes, New York, NY – tendon transfer and ankle distraction In 1954, I was 16 years old and living in Amsterdam where I was attending secondary school. I was diagnosed with a reuscel tumor (a benign soft tissue tumor just below the knee). The tumor was removed but the surgery resulted in a drop foot. For a number of years, I managed with a variety of devices: braces, booties, cowboy boots. Here, creativity was definitely rewarded.
Some years later in 1958, I was living in New York and consulted a neurologist. From that quarter came little hope, but he referred me to Dr. Wilson at HSS. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Rolla Campbell suggested a two-part procedure: 1) a triple arthrodesis (a partial ankle fusion) for ankle stability and 2) a tendon rerouting procedure; tendons from the side of the ankle were to be rerouted through the internal membrane to the top of the foot to provide a measure of dorsiflexion (up and down movement). This would correct the drop foot condition. Both procedures were done and I healed like I had visited Lourdes.
For the next forty years I could run, play tennis, even play surf bum in Hawaii for a brief interlude and drink in the best bars. This was my HSS triumph #1. less
Unfortunately, as karma has it, a price had to be paid at some point. The left ankle trauma of the fifties resulted in gradual arthritis which developed in my tibia-ankle joint. At the time, artificial replacement ankle joints available in the US had a reputation of being only slightly better than used bicycle parts.
I then did some late night internet research and came across 'distraction therapy' which was developed in my old home country, The Netherlands, by a group of orthopedic specialists using a non-invasive procedure called the Ilizaroff frame.
About eight years ago, I spoke with Dr. Figgie (an HSS top ankle specialist) and asked him about 'distraction therapy' for ankle arthritis. He replied that he had no direct experience with distraction, but should I wish to explore that topic, the man to be contacted was Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch.
A few calls were made and a week later I saw Dr. Rozbruch at HSS. I realized he might be the answer to my problem and we scheduled the completely non-invasive procedure - left ankle distraction arthroplasty. Six months later, I was walking around London not feeling any ankle joint pain.
Delusional ideas of auditioning for the Sadler Wells Ballet did drift through my subconscious, forgive me. In seven years I've not felt the old ankle joint. This was my HSS Triumph #2.
I love that place by the East River and all the magicians that practice there.
Layla Alvandi,New York, NY – spine surgery As a fifteen year old, I had scoliosis surgery done in Houston, Texas, which, ten years later, I learned would require revisions. I had since relocated in New York and naturally researched surgeons in the city to help me consider the best options for retaining mobility as well as reducing pain. Fortunately, I chose to consult with Dr. Matthew Cunningham. more
Layla Alvandi,New York, NY – spine surgery As a fifteen year old, I had scoliosis surgery done in Houston, Texas, which, ten years later, I learned would require revisions. I had since relocated in New York and naturally researched surgeons in the city to help me consider the best options for retaining mobility as well as reducing pain. Fortunately, I chose to consult with Dr. Matthew Cunningham. less
I immediately found his pleasant demeanor and thoughtful manner, while also taking the time to thoroughly address all of my concerns, to be a perfect doctor/ patient fit. He skillfully and thoroughly, took the time necessary to explain clearly what was going on in my spine. He clarified exactly what my x-rays showed and offered a specific treatment plan while also making sure that it made perfect sense to me.
Following spinal injections and physical therapy, I had revision surgeries done in May 2011, November 2012 and December 2012, at HSS with Dr. Cunningham. It would have been impossible to undergo this amount of revision surgery without the genuine support and caring concern of Dr. Cunningham and his outstanding office staff. Without Tina Miller's organized professionalism and concern for detail, I could not have scheduled and successfully completed the three surgeries and hospital stays.
Dr. Cunningham's office reflects the man, for here, you always find thoughtful, caring interest in you as an individual person and insightful treatment recommendations. This makes me feel less of a patient and more of a partner and part of a team with the common goal to heal. If only more doctors could have Dr. Cunningham's top-of-the-profession skill in the operating room and his genuine concern and interest in every patient's progress!
Katherine W., Rexford, NY - bilateral hip replacements I am delighted to write while on my Colorado ski vacation, 9 months after undergoing simultaneous bilateral hip replacement surgery. I had thought my surgery would have caused me to sit out this season. Instead, I am enjoying my legs, which are stronger and more reliable than they’ve been in years. The victory - made possible by HSS and Dr. Mayman - is so sweet. And the ski runs this week were more gratifying than ever.
Local physicians had told me I needed hip surgery, but that I should “live with it as long as possible." Thanks, Dr, Mayman, for understanding my desire to restore full range of motion and quality of life as soon as possible. The whole HSS process was amazingly smooth and satisfying. I went from a second opinion one day to having surgery the following week! The fact that my out-of-town insurance was accepted, and covered the entire cost, was more than I ever would have believed possible.
I urge patients, if they are dedicated to do regular fitness workouts after surgery, to not wait. Get yourself back into the pursuits you love sooner rather than later and you too will feel like smiling from the top of a mountain.
Douglas Warshaw,New York, NY - comprehensive rehabilitation I've certainly had my share of operations, orthopedic and otherwise. I've had my knee basically replaced and I've had it scoped. I've had a ruptured achilles repaired and a rotator cuff rebuffed. There's more, but I'll stop here. My point is, I've seen my share of hospitals and I've seen my share of doctors - and I love Dr. Wyss and his office. His analytical approach and ability to work with different insurance providers (within and outside of HSS), has made an enormous difference, and impressed me greatly. more
Douglas Warshaw,New York, NY - comprehensive rehabilitation I've certainly had my share of operations, orthopedic and otherwise. I've had my knee basically replaced and I've had it scoped. I've had a ruptured achilles repaired and a rotator cuff rebuffed. There's more, but I'll stop here. My point is, I've seen my share of hospitals and I've seen my share of doctors - and I love Dr. Wyss and his office. His analytical approach and ability to work with different insurance providers (within and outside of HSS), has made an enormous difference, and impressed me greatly. less
As any patient who hasn't found a quick one-visit remedy knows, one of the most difficult parts about trying to find the answer is getting the various practitioners involved to efficiently (and economically) communicate with one another. Dr. Wyss (and his office) have been spectacular in this area.
I keep saying "and his office" because as any patient with half a brain knows, a good percentage of one's time is spent interacting not only with the doctor, but with the doctor's office getting test results, lab reports, bills and, oh yes, appointments. Honestly, there's no doctor I know - and I know a lot of doctors - who has a more efficient office, or more pleasant office to deal with. Oh, and the definition of office here, of course, is his Office Manager, Jennifer.
With Dr. Wyss, I not only feel that I'm in good care, but just as importantly, I feel like I'm in the hands of somebody who truly cares.
Cindy Fox,Ossining, NY – shoulder surgery I had been in unbelievable agony because of a torn rotator cuff but I did not want surgery at first - especially because on two prior occasions, physical therapy had worked. When it became obvious that I had to have surgery, Dr. Coleman operated very quickly and the care I received was outstanding. His physician assistant, Kira Levyk, is amazing as well. She is very talented and very smart. Kira is also incredibly responsive to patient needs. They are quite a team and deserve a great deal of recognition for their undying efforts in caring for patients.
Maryellen Heller,Danbury, CT – partial knee replacement As a high school Special ED, English, and reading teacher, I am required to walk from one end of the building to the other several times a day. I was doing this with a very painful right knee. But I did this and walked my two miles a day. After two arthroscopic surgeries, shots, and draining, my knee was still not right.
My orthopedic surgeon at that time told me to keep my weight down and my muscle built up in it until I could take time off and have a total knee replacement. My youngest daughter told me I needed to come down to HSS and have this surgery. At the very least, she said to come see Dr. David Mayman.
The next week, we took a trip down to Dr. Mayman’s office. After more x-rays and an MRI, Dr. Mayman told me I had a choice of a full knee replacement or a partial one. I opted for the partial knee replacement. I called the parents of my students, talked to my Principal, and three weeks later, had the surgery. No one believed that I would be able to be back to work three weeks following the surgery, but I was. more
Maryellen Heller,Danbury, CT – partial knee replacement As a high school Special ED, English, and reading teacher, I am required to walk from one end of the building to the other several times a day. I was doing this with a very painful right knee. But I did this and walked my two miles a day. After two arthroscopic surgeries, shots, and draining, my knee was still not right.
My orthopedic surgeon at that time told me to keep my weight down and my muscle built up in it until I could take time off and have a total knee replacement. My youngest daughter told me I needed to come down to HSS and have this surgery. At the very least, she said to come see Dr. David Mayman.
The next week, we took a trip down to Dr. Mayman’s office. After more x-rays and an MRI, Dr. Mayman told me I had a choice of a full knee replacement or a partial one. I opted for the partial knee replacement. I called the parents of my students, talked to my Principal, and three weeks later, had the surgery. No one believed that I would be able to be back to work three weeks following the surgery, but I was. less
The surgery was performed by Dr. Mayman and his team using a robot named Luke. I marveled at all the tools set up in front of me as well as the parts. I felt like I was in a hardware store and the project the doctors and the robot were working on was me!
Three days later I was home and I began my PT right away. The physical therapist told me that at the beginning she was never sure that I would regain full extension of my knee. But with her help and guidance I did. I went back to work three weeks later and felt no pain. In fact, I was wearing two inch sandals the first day back.
I cannot begin to thank my daughter and Dr. Mayman. His staff helped make this such a positive and successful experience. I made them a book (children's book) to show my appreciation and sent them an Incredible Edible gift basket but it doesn't even come close to expressing the gratitude I feel every single day. I walk at least two miles every day and five or six on weekends when I have more time. I can even jog now which is something I've not been able to do for years.
To say that this has changed my life is an understatement because to walk every day in pain is something I never want to do again. Several of my colleagues at work have gone to see Dr. Mayman because I am living proof of his success. Two have had surgeries done by him. And by the way, I also thank Luke, the robotic device that enabled my Mako knee to be placed with skill and precision. I know that if another part of my knee needs replacing, I'll run down to Dr. Mayman and Luke again and have another part of this knee replaced with a Mako knee.
Jonathan Pino,Hillsborough, NJ – PRP injections, epidural When I heard that I was diagnosed with Chondromalacia Patella back in 2011, I expected a quick fix. Soon, I found myself moving from doctor to doctor in the immediate Central Jersey. As my doctor visits accumulated, so did my variety of tests. (X-rays, MRI's, CT scan, and eventually surgery). Following my surgery in November 2011, my doctor said I would be running in five weeks. I was lucky to have five minutes to talk with him after waiting an hour to see him.
I couldn't walk without limping for five weeks, and I developed severe back issues during my recovery. Needless to say my outlook was dim, and I had been given the run-around yet again. Enter Dr. Wyss. From my first visit with Dr. Wyss, I couldn’t have been happier with the decision I made. Dealing with a chronic knee condition involves patience, knowing your limitations, and dedication. He discussed my condition in thorough fashion, provided a detailed outline of options, but most importantly, he gave me hope and assurance.
The thing I'm most impressed about with Dr. Wyss is his immediacy in responding to inquiries. I've emailed him several times a day, on weekends, and sometimes holidays. I don’t know any other doctor that would do that for one of their patients. Although I may still have a long road ahead, I couldn't feel more fortunate to have a doctor and his top-notch staff by my side.
Virginia Dunphy,Hackettstown, NJ – full knee replacement In June, Dr. Mayman did a revision on my left knee. Previously I had an Oxford unilateral knee replacement, a second surgery to replace a small plastic disc, and was left with continual pain and a pronounced limp. On my first visit to Dr. Mayman’s office, he assured me that, yes, I needed a full replacement, but the quality of my life would be improved. That was an understatement. more
Virginia Dunphy,Hackettstown, NJ – full knee replacement In June, Dr. Mayman did a revision on my left knee. Previously I had an Oxford unilateral knee replacement, a second surgery to replace a small plastic disc, and was left with continual pain and a pronounced limp. On my first visit to Dr. Mayman’s office, he assured me that, yes, I needed a full replacement, but the quality of my life would be improved. That was an understatement. less
As I ponder the many people and things for which I am thankful, Dr. Mayman is at the top of my list. Through his surgery, my physical therapist, and the advice, commitment, and support offered by both, I feel like a new person. I am hiking and riding a bike - two things that I have not done for five years. Going up and down the stairs is no longer an arduous task.
Perhaps the greatest testimony I could give you would come from my students. I teach high school and was in the building a few days before school opened. I overheard a student say, “I thought that was Mrs. Dunphy for a moment, but she doesn’t have a limp.” When I turned around to face them, the shock on their faces and genuine happiness was evident. And at that time, I was still in physical therapy! I know I will be a few weeks late for my check-up, but I am coaching a winter sport again (another activity I have not been able to do for years) and will make an appointment as soon as it is over. My daughter is studying in Scotland this semester and I will be traveling with my family overseas to visit her - again, something I would not have been able to do a short year ago.
We have a trip to the highlands planned, and none of this would have been possible without Dr. Mayman’s skills and expertise. Words will never convey my sincere appreciation for giving me back my life. I am so thankful to Dr. Mayman and to everyone I met at and through HSS. I will continue to share my good fortune through recommendation to any person who asks where I had my surgery preformed.
Rose Steinberg, New York, NY – lumbar epidural injections After more than 6 months of an agonizing condition which left my hip and Sacroilliac Joint injured, Dr. Wyss was the first doctor to identify the source of all my pain and medical problems. I spent many months in bed, not able to stand, sit, or walk without experiencing excruciating pain. I was essentially bound to my bed. After 5 injections to my hip, SI joint, and spine, under the care of another doctor and medical institution, there was progress but not a solution. Then I started slipping backwards towards immobility once again and I decided I needed another opinion. That is when I was introduced to Dr. Wyss at HSS. more
Rose Steinberg, New York, NY – lumbar epidural injections After more than 6 months of an agonizing condition which left my hip and Sacroilliac Joint injured, Dr. Wyss was the first doctor to identify the source of all my pain and medical problems. I spent many months in bed, not able to stand, sit, or walk without experiencing excruciating pain. I was essentially bound to my bed. After 5 injections to my hip, SI joint, and spine, under the care of another doctor and medical institution, there was progress but not a solution. Then I started slipping backwards towards immobility once again and I decided I needed another opinion. That is when I was introduced to Dr. Wyss at HSS. less
Dr. Wyss was extremely thorough - more thorough in his examination than any other specialist I'd seen. The fellow working with him was the same. In my first visit, he identified a herniated disk and began a course of lumbar epidural injections which have helped me tremendously. While it's unclear whether I will need to have surgery to completely take care of this problem, Dr. Wyss has given me my life back. I am able to work again and, under his care, I have no doubt we'll get me the rest of the way to my goal which is to live a normal life, be back at SoulCycle spinning classes, Barry's Bootcamp, running, exercising at the gym, and living pain free.
The office is managed flawlessly. They care about their patients and they managed to help me get injections urgently, especially when I know it wasn't easy to make it happen. Thank you Dr. Wyss!
Cara Harris,Pennsburg, PA – spinal surgery Dr. Matthew E. Cunningham, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for changing my quality of life. You have given me a second chance living full quality with my children. My three-year-old says she can't wait for me to get better so I can run and jump with her. As for my ten year old son, he probably can't wait untill I need him a little less to pitch in with everyday duties around the house. But seriously, I can already feel a difference in the way I feel as far as walking or standing in place for lengths at a time. more
Cara Harris,Pennsburg, PA – spinal surgery Dr. Matthew E. Cunningham, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for changing my quality of life. You have given me a second chance living full quality with my children. My three-year-old says she can't wait for me to get better so I can run and jump with her. As for my ten year old son, he probably can't wait untill I need him a little less to pitch in with everyday duties around the house. But seriously, I can already feel a difference in the way I feel as far as walking or standing in place for lengths at a time. less
Seven months ago, when I was encouraged by my family and friends to seek help and advice about the condition of my back and the pain I endured, I was skeptical. Before arriving at your office I went through a long, excruciating process with a couple surgeons. One of which told me because of my age and the severity of my curve; he wouldn't recommend surgery because he wouldn't be able to correct me enough that would make a difference. His advice to me was to do physical therapy and to get fitted for a shoe lift.
When I arrived in New York at HSS for the first time, I immediately realized I found an amazing, warm environment with caring, intelligent professionals who could possibly advise me to make the right decision for my future.
Dr. Cunningham, I have never met such a warm, compassionate, caring, confident, and detail oriented doctor as yourself. You have an incredible bedside manner and an amazing way of talking with your patients about the procedures that will occur which definitely eased my mind and lessened my fear. Thank you again for the exceptional care I received the second time around at HSS. You have gone above and beyond protocol to ensure quality care.
Lawrence Link,Brooklyn, NY – surgical repair of a shattered heel If you are reading this story, you are probably in a moment of decision, and perhaps a bit scared for yourself or someone you love. Early in 2012, I suffered a shattered right heel from a 20-foot fall, so I remember being in that moment of uncertainty myself, not knowing who or how to choose for this critical decision.
From the moment I met Dr. Matthew Roberts and his staff at HSS, the fear and uncertainty disappeared. I was 100% certain I had made the right choice.
Lawrence Link,Brooklyn, NY – surgical repair of a shattered heel If you are reading this story, you are probably in a moment of decision, and perhaps a bit scared for yourself or someone you love. Early in 2012, I suffered a shattered right heel from a 20-foot fall, so I remember being in that moment of uncertainty myself, not knowing who or how to choose for this critical decision.
From the moment I met Dr. Matthew Roberts and his staff at HSS, the fear and uncertainty disappeared. I was 100% certain I had made the right choice.
From the very beginning, Dr. Roberts and his staff made special accommodations for me to have an immediate appointment on the very next morning. He patiently listened to me as I explained what happened, answered all my questions, and explained in great detail exactly what would be required next. His calm manner, in-depth knowledge and obvious care for my personal well-being put me at ease immediately and helped me to feel much less scared about the surgery.
The surgery to repair and reconstruct my foot went perfectly, as planned. During my two-day hospital stay, the rooms were clean and comfortable and everyone on staff at HSS was deeply concerned with my comfort and care. Just four short months from the day of my accident, I was walking again. Within weeks after that, I was back in my Dojo, training in the style of Shorin-Ryu Karate, that I have studied for the last 19 years. And as the crowning recognition of my recovery, in August 2012, I tested and received my Fifth-Degree Black Belt in Karate. I went from a shattered heel, to walking, to my Black Belt karate test, all within a matter of seven short months. Dr. Roberts and HSS: I cannot thank you enough for fixing me up good as new, and allowing me to get back to life.
Larry and his Dojo class post-surgery
Greg Young,Redding, CT – limb lengthening surgery The events that transpired since my horrific ski accident left me feeling as though I would never walk again much less ski with my children. I had shattered both my tibia and fibula, and had eight surgeries prior to visiting Dr. Fragomen’s office. It has now been nine months since my last surgery and I am at Sunday River, a ski resort in Maine. I have donned my skis, and am skiing with my 11 year-old daughter, who wants to be a professional snow board rider when she grows up. This has been a very special weekend.
This weekend also served as a trial run, as my girlfriend, Cathy and I are getting married, slope-side, in December. All four of our children will be present. All this has been made possible by the hard work of Dr. Fragomen and all his colleagues at Hospital for Special Surgery. Without the dedication of his group, I am convinced prosthesis was in my future.
Toby L’Estrange,New York, NY – ORIF distal radius fracture I fractured my distal radius playing a game of rugby in June this year. It was a complicated injury due to the proximity of the fracture to the wrist and I was put in touch with Dr. Steve Lee and his team at the HSS. From the moment I saw Dr. Lee, I was completely at ease and fully confident in his advice to operate a few days later. I felt very lucky to be part of a methodical and efficient set up.
It all started with Tom and Jen in Dr. Lee's office. They were extremely friendly and helpful. It included very well prepared nursing and support staff prior to and following my operation. And of course, it included Dr. Lee's great skill to fix my wrist in a complicated procedure.
After 3 months of therapy to reestablish strength and movement in my wrist, I was cleared to start playing again. Two weeks later, I was lucky enough to make my international debut for the United States rugby team on their fall tour of Europe. I have no doubt that I owe a lot of this honor to Dr. Lee for his treatment. At all stages he and his team were exceptional and I would have no hesitations in recommending them to anyone who finds themselves in a similar boat.
Howard Hogan,Asbury Park, NJ, – bilateral hip replacement This past summer I had extreme pain and discomfort in both hips due to advanced arthritis. My daily activities were extremely limited and sleeping was nearly impossible. This was until Dr. Mayman performed a bilateral hip replacement and got me on the road to recovery. I was on my feet the morning following surgery - amazing! It is now 6 months since the procedure and I haven't felt this good in a long, long time. Not a day goes by where I don't appreciate what a skilled surgeon Dr. Mayman is and how he, his wonderful staff, and everyone at HSS, helped me through this painful time. You folks are the best! Thanks a million!
Please consider becoming an ambassador for the Hospital by sharing your experience with those around you. Your words of encouragement give reassurance to others considering HSS for their care.
I am delighted to write while on my Colorado ski vacation, 9 months after undergoing simultaneous bilateral hip replacement surgery. I had thought my surgery would have caused me to sit out this season. Instead, I am enjoying my legs, which are stronger and more reliable than they’ve been in years. The victory - made possible by HSS and Dr. Mayman - is so sweet. And the ski runs this week were more gratifying than ever. 
Maryellen Heller, Danbury, CT – partial knee replacement
