What Makes Dr. Charles Ruotolo a Top Shoulder Surgeon?

Dr. Charles Ruotolo is a board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in shoulder surgery and sports medicine. As founder and leading orthopedic surgeon at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he provides advanced orthopedic care for patients with shoulder and sports injuries using minimally invasive procedures. As Chairman of Orthopedics at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC), Dr. Charles Ruotolo also has extensive experience leading surgical education and complex case management.

Other than that, he is an instructor for the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), where he teaches advanced arthroscopic techniques to orthopedic surgeons. This leadership experience helps him guide complex surgical decisions and provide advanced care for your shoulder injuries. Call 855-321-6784 to book your appointment with Dr. Charles Ruotolo.

Why Is Dr. Charles Ruotolo Considered a Top Shoulder Surgeon?

Dr. Charles Ruotolo is widely recognized for his expertise in advanced shoulder and sports medicine treatments, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. Over the years, he has treated several shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, shoulder dislocations, and arthritis. To improve surgical outcomes, he carefully evaluates each patient’s condition and creates targeted treatment plans to restore shoulder function.

In addition to patient care, he has received recognition as a Castle Connolly and Newsday Top Doctor. Dr. Charles Ruotolo also has board certification in orthopedic surgery and has earned several awards and honors throughout his career, including:

• Top Graduate Surgical Student, New York Medical College, class of 210 students
• Attending of the Year (2003), Orthopedic Training Program, SUNY Stony Brook
• Best Orthopedist on Long Island, Bethpage Best of Long Island / Long Island Press Vote
• Featured in The Leading Physicians of the World, International Association of Healthcare Professionals
• Golden Lion Award, New York State Grand Lodge Foundation
• Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
• Attending of the Year, Nassau University Medical Center Orthopedic Residency Program
• Highest In-Training Score Award, Senior Resident, Department of Orthopedics, SUNY Stony Brook, Academic Year 1999–2000 (June 2000)
• New York Medical College Surgical Society Award for excellence in the art and science of surgery, May 1995

Which Shoulder Conditions Does Dr. Charles Ruotolo Treat?

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, treats rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral tears, and shoulder dislocations. He can also manage frozen shoulder, SLAP injuries, shoulder arthritis, shoulder impingement, and tendon injuries affecting strength and movement in the shoulder joint.

These shoulder conditions can cause pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced range of motion, making it difficult for you to perform daily activities. In such cases, our surgeon carefully evaluates your condition and creates a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and restore daily function. However, if you delay treatment, your shoulder condition can worsen and lead to long-term shoulder damage, such as:

Rotator Cuff Tear Progression

Without treatment, a rotator cuff tear can enlarge and put additional stress on the surrounding shoulder tendons and muscles. You may also begin to experience increased pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or rotating your arm. As the tear progresses, everyday activities such as reaching overhead, carrying objects, or getting dressed may become more difficult. Moreover, long-term tendon damage can reduce shoulder stability and limit the range of motion.

Chronic Shoulder Instability

Untreated shoulder instability can lead to recurrent dislocations or subluxations, especially during physical activity. Over time, this repeated joint shifting can stretch or damage the surrounding ligaments, such as:

• Glenohumeral ligaments (superior, middle, inferior): Key stabilizers of the shoulder joint that help keep the humeral head in place
• Capsular ligaments of the shoulder joint: Support the joint capsule and maintain overall stability during movement
• Coracohumeral ligament: Helps limit excessive movement and prevents abnormal rotation of the shoulder

Progressive Joint Arthritis

When shoulder conditions such as labral tears or instability are left untreated, they can contribute to progressive joint wear and cartilage damage. This damage can eventually lead to shoulder arthritis, causing persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In advanced stages, even simple tasks like reaching overhead or dressing can become difficult. In these cases, our shoulder specialist, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, may perform a reverse shoulder replacement (commonly used when arthritis is severe and there is significant rotator cuff damage).

Labral Tear Deterioration

An untreated labral tear can worsen and lead to ongoing shoulder pain, catching sensations, and mechanical clicking. Over time, the damaged labrum can reduce joint stability and increase the risk of recurrent dislocations and further joint irritation. Additionally, constant stress on the shoulder joint may lead to cartilage damage and chronic inflammation.

Loss of Shoulder Mobility

Frozen shoulder or untreated inflammation can gradually lead to severe stiffness, making it difficult to move your shoulder. Without timely treatment, the joint capsule may thicken, limiting your shoulder flexibility and range of motion. As stiffness worsens, daily activities such as reaching, lifting, or dressing may become more difficult to manage. Long-term mobility loss can also weaken the surrounding shoulder muscles due to limited range of motion.

How Does Our Surgeon Diagnose Shoulder Problems?

To diagnose your shoulder condition, our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, carefully evaluates your symptoms, shoulder range of motion, strength, and medical history. During the examination, he checks for pain, joint instability, stiffness, weakness, and reduced range of motion that may be affecting your daily activities.

Dr. Charles Ruotolo may also order advanced diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound, to detect tears and soft-tissue injuries. X-rays can help identify bone fractures or signs of arthritis, while MRI scans provide detailed images of ligaments. Similarly, ultrasound can help evaluate soft tissue structures in real time, allowing Dr. Charles Ruotolo to assess inflammation and partial tears during movement. To confirm the diagnosis, our surgeon may also ask the following questions during the appointment:

• When did your shoulder pain or injury first begin?
• What specific movements or activities make your pain worse?
• Have you experienced any recent trauma, fall, or sports injury?
• Do you feel weakness, instability, or clicking in the shoulder joint?
• Have you noticed any loss of shoulder strength over time?
• Do you experience stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest?
• Is there any history of previous shoulder injuries or dislocations?

After this review, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, MD, may perform physical examination tests, including range-of-motion assessment, the Neer or Hawkins tests, and the apprehension test. These tests help assess your shoulder mobility, detect impingement, and evaluate joint stability. After diagnosing your condition, Dr. Charles Ruotolo develops a targeted treatment plan to restore your shoulder function and reduce pain. Call 855-321-6784 to book your appointment today.

Does Dr. Charles Ruotolo Offer Non-Surgical Treatments?

Yes, Dr. Charles Ruotolo offers several non-surgical treatments for your shoulder conditions before considering surgery. Depending on your diagnosis, he may recommend activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, or shoulder bracing to help reduce pain and improve shoulder function.

Moreover, these treatments can help decrease inflammation, restore movement, and support healing, especially in minor shoulder injuries. In fact, according to research co-authored by Dr. Charles Ruotolo, almost 50% of patients with rotator cuff tears reported satisfaction with non-surgical treatment options. In some cases, our surgeon may also provide the following non-surgical treatments to relieve shoulder pain and restore function:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

During PRP treatment, surgeons draw a small amount of your blood and process it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Then, the concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into the injured shoulder area to help support tissue healing. These platelets contain growth factors that may assist in repairing damaged tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues within the shoulder joint.

Moreover, a case report published in NCBI assessed a patient with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. The study reported the following clinical improvement after treatment:

• Around 60% improvement in shoulder pain
• Approximately 2-fold improvement in range of motion (ROM)
• More than 70% improvement in shoulder function

Muscle Relaxants

Muscle relaxants may help reduce shoulder muscle spasms, tightness, and discomfort caused by shoulder injuries. These medications relax the surrounding shoulder muscles that may tighten due to pain or joint irritation. They also help decrease muscle stiffness, improve shoulder comfort, and support better movement during daily activities and recovery.

But you should not use muscle relaxants for long periods unless recommended by your healthcare provider. Long-term use of these medications may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or fatigue. In fact, a clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported that certain muscle relaxants can impair driving performance. In this research, 36 healthy participants were assessed using a simulated driving task after taking cyclobenzaprine (10 mg). The results showed a notable decline in lane control and slower reaction times compared with the placebo.

Hyaluronic Acid / Viscosupplementation

In viscosupplementation treatment, the surgeon may inject a lubricating gel-like substance into the shoulder joint. This fluid helps improve joint lubrication, reduce friction between the joint surfaces, and support smooth shoulder movement. It may also help reduce pain and stiffness in patients with shoulder arthritis or cartilage wear.

Additionally, according to an NIH-reviewed systematic study, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections may help improve pain and shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff tears. The researchers analyzed 11 clinical studies involving more than 1,100 patients and found that viscosupplementation treatments improved pain scores and functional outcomes.

Which Shoulder Surgeries Does Our Surgeon Perform?

Our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, Bankart repair, shoulder replacement, and reconstruction. He also offers the Latarjet procedure, SLAP tear repair, and pectoralis repair to restore joint function. Here is how these treatments can reduce shoulder pain and repair structural damage:

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Surgeons perform arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to treat torn shoulder tendons that cause pain and weakness. During shoulder arthroscopy, they insert a small camera and surgical instruments through small incisions around the shoulder joint. Then they reattach the torn rotator cuff tendon back to the bone using surgical anchors. This minimally invasive approach helps reduce tissue damage and supports faster recovery.

Bankart Repair

Bankart repair helps treat shoulder instability caused by labral tears or repeated shoulder dislocations. In the Bankart repair surgery, the specialist repairs and reattaches the torn labrum to the shoulder socket. This procedure helps restore stability within the shoulder joint and reduces abnormal joint movement.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery helps relieve severe shoulder pain caused by arthritis, joint degeneration, or advanced shoulder damage. During the procedure, surgeons replace damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components, such as:

• Metal ball component (humeral head prosthesis)
• Plastic socket component
• Reverse shoulder replacement components
• Polyethylene liner for joint cushioning
• Artificial joint implants designed to restore shoulder movement

This process helps improve joint movement while reducing bone friction and inflammation. Shoulder replacement may also restore shoulder strength and range of motion when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief.

Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure helps treat recurrent shoulder instability and repeated dislocations. In this surgery, doctors transfer a small piece of bone from the shoulder blade to the front of the shoulder socket. This extra bone support helps stabilize the joint and prevent future dislocations. The Latarjet procedure also strengthens the surrounding soft tissues that support shoulder movement.

SLAP Tear Repair

SLAP tear repair treats injuries that affect the upper portion of the shoulder labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. In this repair, surgeons use arthroscopic techniques to repair the torn labrum and stabilize the shoulder joint. This procedure may help reduce shoulder clicking, pain, and weakness caused by labral injuries. SLAP repair also improves shoulder stability during lifting and overhead movements, including:

• Throwing motions
• Overhead lifting activities
• Pulling and pushing movements
• Weightlifting activities
• Daily activities requiring arm elevation
• Athletic shoulder movements, such as serving or pitching

Pectoralis Repair

Pectoralis Major repair treats damage involving the pectoralis major tendon near the shoulder and chest area. During surgery, surgeons reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm bone using surgical anchors. This procedure helps restore upper-body strength and shoulder stability after a tendon injury. Moreover, pectoralis repair is commonly performed in patients with acute tendon ruptures resulting from heavy lifting, sports injuries, or sudden, forceful movements.

How Does Dr. Charles Ruotolo Improve Surgical Outcomes?

To improve surgical outcomes, our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, uses advanced arthroscopic techniques and detailed pre-surgical evaluations. Before surgery, he carefully assesses your shoulder joint and uses diagnostic imaging to identify the underlying cause of your shoulder condition. This detailed approach helps support accurate surgical planning and more effective treatment.

Our surgeon also focuses on minimally invasive procedures to reduce tissue damage, improve recovery, and restore shoulder function. In addition, he uses the following advanced technologies during the procedure to achieve improved outcomes:

• Arthroscopic camera systems
• Minimally invasive surgical instruments
• Intraoperative imaging tools
• Suture anchor systems
• Motorized shavers
• Sterile fluid management systems

Moreover, to support your recovery after surgery, our specialists have created a detailed post-surgical recovery guide. This guide includes important instructions for sling use, pain management, activity restrictions, and recovery exercises after shoulder surgery. It also provides step-by-step recommendations to improve healing, restore shoulder function, and support a safe recovery. If you need additional guidance during recovery, you can call our team at 855-321-6784 for follow-up care.

Does Our Shoulder Surgeon Offer Second Opinion Consultations?

Yes, our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, offers second-opinion consultations if you want clarity about your diagnosis, treatment options, or recommended surgery. During these visits, our surgeon reviews your symptoms, prior medical records, and imaging studies to understand your shoulder condition. He may also compare surgical and non-surgical treatment, and confirm whether surgery is necessary. This detailed review helps you make a more informed decision before the surgery.

How Can You Book a Consultation With Dr. Charles Ruotolo?

To book a consultation with Dr. Charles Ruotolo, you can directly call our clinic at 855-321-6784. You can also fill out our online appointment request form to schedule a consultation for your shoulder pain. Once you fill out the web form, our medical team will contact you within 24 hours to confirm your appointment and discuss available scheduling options. Other than that, you can visit our clinic in person at 2339 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554, to schedule your appointment.

Which Insurance Plans Does Total Orthopedics Accept?

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). We also accept Empire Government, Fidelis, GHI, Healthfirst, HIP, Magnacare, Oxford, United Healthcare, and 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund. Here are some additional coverage plans accepted at our clinic:

• Medicare
• United Healthcare Medicare
• Railroad Medicare
• Humana (out-of-network benefits only)
• Tricare East
• Tricare For Life
• No-Fault Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation

What Do Patients Say About Dr. Charles Ruotolo? 

According to published reviews, many patients describe Dr. Charles Ruotolo as professional, knowledgeable, and experienced during shoulder evaluations and treatment. Patients also mention that he clearly explains shoulder conditions, surgical options, and recovery expectations before beginning treatment. To verify these reviews, you can check the following reputable websites:

• Healthgrades
• Zocdoc
• US News Doctors
• WebMD

Book an Appointment with Dr. Charles Ruotolo for Shoulder Surgery in Long Island!

If you are considering surgery for your shoulder condition, finding an experienced and fellowship-trained surgeon can be difficult. You may also struggle to find trusted patient reviews and verify the surgeon’s experience in advanced shoulder procedures and sports medicine treatment.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, has extensive experience treating complex shoulder conditions using advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques. After surgery, he carefully monitors your recovery and provides detailed instructions to restore your shoulder strength and long-term function. Call us today at 855-321-6784 or visit our hospital at 2339 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554 to schedule your consultation.

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