What is artificial disc replacement surgery?

Artificial disc replacement (ADR) replaces a damaged cervical or lumbar disc with an artificial implant, preserving natural spinal motion unlike fusion surgery.

Who is a good candidate for disc replacement in New York?

Patients with degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or chronic neck/back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. Dr. Brusovanik evaluates each patient individually.

What is the recovery time after disc replacement surgery?

Most patients walk the same day and return to light activity in 2-4 weeks. Full recovery takes 3-6 months with post-operative physical therapy.

Does Dr. Brusovanik perform both cervical and lumbar disc replacement?

Yes, Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, MD performs both cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in NYC and Long Island.

What type of doctor treats shoulder pain?

An orthopedic shoulder specialist treats conditions affecting the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and shoulder joint. Persistent pain, weakness, stiffness, clicking, or instability should be evaluated to determine the precise cause.

What are the most common causes of shoulder pain?

The most common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, impingement, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, labral tears, instability, fractures, and biceps tendon injuries. A focused examination helps identify which structure is causing the symptoms.

How can I tell if I have a rotator cuff tear?

Common rotator cuff tear symptoms include shoulder weakness, night pain, difficulty lifting the arm, and pain with overhead movement. An orthopedic shoulder specialist may use an examination, X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Why does shoulder pain become worse at night?

Shoulder pain may worsen at night because sleeping positions place pressure on inflamed tendons, bursae, or arthritic joints. Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and shoulder arthritis commonly cause nighttime pain that disrupts sleep.

When should I see a shoulder specialist?

See a shoulder specialist when pain lasts several weeks, repeatedly returns, affects sleep, or limits lifting and movement. Sudden weakness, visible deformity, severe pain, or a shoulder that feels dislocated requires prompt medical evaluation.

Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?

Many shoulder conditions can be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or image-guided injections designed to reduce pain and restore movement.

Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery?

A rotator cuff tear does not always require surgery. Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and injections may improve pain and function, while surgery may be recommended for traumatic tears, significant weakness, or symptoms that continue despite treatment.

When is shoulder arthroscopy recommended?

Shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended when a confirmed structural injury continues causing pain, weakness, or instability despite nonsurgical care. It can treat rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement, biceps problems, and damaged tissue within the shoulder.

What is the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement?

Total shoulder replacement recreates the natural ball-and-socket joint and typically requires a functional rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder replacement changes the joint mechanics and may be used for irreparable cuff tears, severe arthritis, complex fractures, or failed previous surgery.

How long does recovery take after shoulder surgery?

Shoulder surgery recovery depends on the procedure, injury severity, tissue quality, age, and rehabilitation plan. Some patients regain useful movement within weeks, while rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, or shoulder replacement recovery may continue for several months.

Can a failed shoulder surgery be corrected?

Some failed shoulder surgeries can be treated with revision surgery, reconstruction, tendon repair, or shoulder replacement. The appropriate treatment depends on the previous procedure, current imaging, tissue quality, bone loss, stiffness, instability, and remaining shoulder function.

Where can I find a shoulder specialist in New York or New Jersey?

Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides specialized shoulder care across New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. Services include diagnosis, physical therapy, image-guided treatment, shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, reconstruction, and shoulder replacement.

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Elbow Specialists in
New York & New Jersey

Elbow pain can make gripping, lifting, typing, and sleeping difficult. Our orthopedic elbow and upper-extremity specialists in New York and New Jersey diagnose and treat tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, ligament injuries, ulnar nerve compression, distal biceps tears, arthritis, and fractures — from targeted therapy and image-guided injections to elbow arthroscopy and reconstruction.

Same-day requests On-site imaging Specialist care Multiple treatment options

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Specialist care Multiple treatment options

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Meet our elbow specialists

Connect with experienced orthopedic specialists who diagnose and treat tennis elbow, fractures, tendon injuries, arthritis, stiffness, and other elbow conditions.

Showing 7 elbow specialists

Understanding the Elbow

The elbow combines strength with precise, controlled movement. This complex joint connects the upper arm to the forearm, allowing you to bend, straighten, rotate, lift, grip, throw, push, and pull.

The humerus, radius, and ulna work together to create motion. Cartilage reduces friction, ligaments stabilize the joint, and surrounding muscles and tendons provide strength. Nearby nerves, including the ulnar nerve, support sensation, grip, and hand function.

When these structures become inflamed, torn, compressed, unstable, or affected by arthritis, symptoms can extend beyond the elbow. Pain, stiffness, weakness, tingling, and reduced grip often overlap, making an expert evaluation essential for identifying the cause and selecting the right treatment.

Healthy elbow function depends on:

Effective elbow treatment begins by identifying the structure responsible for pain, weakness, stiffness, or numbness.

Why Elbows Hurt: Tendons, Nerves and Joint Damage

Elbow pain commonly originates in the tendons that move the wrist and forearm, the nerves crossing the joint, or the cartilage and ligaments that control stability. The symptom pattern often reveals which structure is involved.

Trauma, Throwing & Tendon Tears

A fall can fracture the radial head, olecranon, or distal humerus, while dislocation may damage stabilizing ligaments. Throwing can injure the ulnar collateral ligament, and forceful lifting may tear the distal biceps or triceps tendon. Deformity, sudden weakness, locking, or inability to move requires prompt evaluation.

Overuse, Nerve Compression & Arthritis

Lateral epicondylitis causes pain outside the elbow, while medial epicondylitis affects the inside. Cubital tunnel syndrome may produce tingling or numbness in the ring and small fingers. Olecranon bursitis, arthritis, and loose bodies can cause swelling, stiffness, catching, or restricted motion.

How We Identify the Exact Elbow Problem

Pain location, grip-related symptoms, throwing mechanics, nerve changes, and restricted motion provide different diagnostic clues. Elbow-specific examination and testing help separate tendon, ligament, nerve, bone, and cartilage problems.

Symptoms That Reveal the Source

Outer-elbow pain during gripping suggests extensor tendon overload. Inner-elbow pain may involve the flexor tendons or ulnar collateral ligament. Ring-and-small-finger numbness raises concern for ulnar nerve compression, while locking or catching may indicate loose cartilage or bone.

Elbow-Specific Physical Testing

Your specialist evaluates flexion, extension, forearm rotation, grip-related pain, ligament stability, and tendon strength. The ulnar nerve is examined for irritation or abnormal movement behind the medial epicondyle. Comparing both arms helps identify subtle weakness, instability, or motion loss.

Imaging and Nerve Studies

X-rays assess fractures, arthritis, alignment, and bone spurs. MRI evaluates ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and hidden injuries. Ultrasound can show tendon damage or ulnar nerve movement in real time, while EMG and nerve-conduction testing may help confirm cubital tunnel syndrome.

Treatment is selected according to the affected elbow structure, symptom severity, nerve involvement, joint stability, and demands of work or activity.

Specialized therapy restores flexion, extension, forearm rotation, and grip strength while reducing strain on irritated elbow tendons.

When appropriate, ultrasound-guided injections target arthritic joints or inflamed tissues while avoiding nearby nerves and blood vessels.

Persistent cubital tunnel syndrome may require ulnar nerve decompression or transposition when weakness progresses or nonsurgical treatment fails.

UCL tears, tendon ruptures, unstable fractures, loose bodies, or advanced arthritis may require repair, arthroscopy, fixation, reconstruction, or elbow replacement.

Elbow Conditions We Treat

Elbow symptoms may originate from tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage, bursae, or bone. A focused evaluation identifies the affected structure and determines whether treatment should restore motion, stability, strength, or nerve function.

Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow & Tendon Overuse

Lateral epicondylitis affects the common extensor tendon outside the elbow, while medial epicondylitis involves the flexor-pronator tendon inside the elbow. Both can cause pain during gripping, lifting, wrist movement, repetitive work, or sports. Treatment depends on symptom duration, tendon damage, activity demands, and response to rehabilitation.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome & Nerve Compression

The ulnar nerve passes behind the medial epicondyle through the cubital tunnel. Compression or irritation may cause numbness in the ring and small fingers, hand weakness, or reduced coordination. Evaluation may include strength testing, ultrasound, or electrodiagnostic studies when symptoms persist or the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Ligament Injuries, Tendon Tears & Instability

The ulnar collateral ligament may be injured by repetitive throwing or a sudden valgus force. Distal biceps and triceps tendons can tear during forceful lifting, pushing, or a fall. Treatment depends on the damaged structure, tear severity, strength loss, instability, and the patient’s occupational or athletic requirements.

UCL injuries often cause inner-elbow pain during throwing
Distal biceps tears weaken elbow flexion and forearm rotation
Triceps tears may reduce pushing strength and active elbow extension
Complete tears or persistent instability may require surgical treatment

Arthritis, Fractures, Bursitis & Elbow Stiffness

Elbow arthritis can cause pain, grinding, stiffness, or restricted motion. Fractures may involve the radial head, olecranon, or distal humerus, while olecranon bursitis produces swelling behind the elbow. Loose bodies, scar tissue, or previous trauma may also cause locking, catching, or progressive stiffness.

X-rays assess fractures, arthritis, alignment, and bone spurs
CT provides detailed imaging of complex fractures and bone anatomy
MRI evaluates cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and hidden injuries
Treatment may include therapy, arthroscopy, fixation, reconstruction, or replacement

Why Choose Total Orthopedics for Elbow Care?

Our coordinated elbow care combines upper-extremity expertise, diagnostic testing, nonsurgical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Every recommendation reflects the affected structure, symptom severity, functional goals, and safest path back to activity.

What Distinguishes Our Approach

Fellowship-trained hand and upper-extremity expertise supports complex elbow, tendon, nerve, ligament, and joint care.
Elbow-specific examinations distinguish tendon overload, ligament instability, nerve compression, fractures, and joint disease.
X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, CT, and nerve studies are selected according to the suspected condition.
Nonsurgical care may include activity modification, bracing, medication, targeted therapy, or guided injections.
Cubital tunnel treatment addresses ulnar nerve irritation, finger numbness, weakness, and reduced hand coordination.
Surgical options include arthroscopy, tendon repair, UCL reconstruction, fracture fixation, and nerve decompression.
Structured rehabilitation restores elbow motion, forearm rotation, grip strength, and safe return to activity.
Locations across New York and New Jersey make specialist elbow care more accessible.

When Advanced Elbow Treatment May Help

Advanced treatment may be appropriate when a confirmed elbow condition continues to cause pain, weakness, instability, restricted motion, or nerve symptoms despite appropriate nonsurgical care. Your specialist considers the following factors before recommending surgery or another procedure.

Your elbow diagnosis is confirmed through examination and appropriate diagnostic imaging.
Medication, bracing, activity modification, or therapy has not provided sufficient relief.
Your bone, tendon, ligament, cartilage, and nerve health supports the recommended treatment.
Neck-related pain or cervical nerve compression has been excluded as the primary cause.
Your overall health supports treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe return to activity.

ELBOW Care FAQ

Questions about Elbow Pain, Numbness and Injury

Practical answers about tendon pain, nerve compression, throwing injuries, fractures, stiffness, and elbow surgery.

Why does my elbow hurt when I grip or lift something?

Pain during gripping or lifting commonly results from overloaded tendons attached to the inner or outer elbow. Lateral epicondylitis affects the wrist-extensor tendons, while medial epicondylitis involves the flexor-pronator tendons. Joint or nerve problems can produce similar symptoms.

What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow causes pain around the outer bony prominence of the elbow and often worsens with gripping or wrist extension. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow and is commonly aggravated by wrist flexion, forearm rotation, throwing, or repetitive pulling.

Why do my ring and small fingers feel numb?

The ulnar nerve travels behind the inner elbow through the cubital tunnel. Compression in this area may cause tingling, numbness, hand weakness, or reduced coordination. Symptoms commonly worsen when the elbow remains bent or rests against a hard surface.

What causes swelling over the tip of the elbow?

Swelling directly over the elbow tip commonly involves the olecranon bursa. Bursitis may develop after pressure, trauma, inflammation, or infection. A red, hot, increasingly painful elbow accompanied by fever requires prompt medical evaluation.

Why does my elbow lock, catch, or suddenly lose motion?

Locking or catching may result from loose cartilage or bone fragments, arthritis, scar tissue, or joint-surface damage. Sudden motion loss can also follow trauma. Examination and imaging help determine whether the restriction is mechanical or caused by pain and swelling.

What causes inner-elbow pain during throwing?

Throwing places repeated stress on the ulnar collateral ligament and nearby flexor-pronator tendons. Pain during the acceleration phase, reduced throwing control, or loss of velocity may indicate ligament overload or injury and should be evaluated by an elbow specialist.

What are the signs of a distal biceps tendon tear?

A distal biceps tear may cause a sudden pop, bruising, swelling, arm-shape changes, and weakness when bending the elbow or rotating the palm upward. Complete tears often require early surgical evaluation when restoring strength is important.

When is elbow pain considered urgent?

Seek prompt care after a fall or collision that causes deformity, severe swelling, inability to move the joint, or loss of hand sensation. Fever, spreading redness, an open wound, or rapidly progressing weakness also requires urgent evaluation.

Which imaging test is best for elbow pain?

X-rays evaluate fractures, arthritis, alignment, and bone spurs. MRI examines tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and hidden injuries. Ultrasound can assess tendon damage and ulnar nerve movement dynamically, while CT provides detailed imaging for complex fractures and bone abnormalities.

Can therapy improve an elbow condition?

Targeted therapy can restore flexion, extension, forearm rotation, grip strength, and nerve mobility. It is commonly used for tendon overuse, stiffness, selected ligament injuries, and mild nerve compression. The program should match the diagnosed structure and stage of healing.

When does cubital tunnel syndrome require surgery?

Surgery may be considered when numbness persists, hand weakness progresses, muscle loss develops, nerve testing shows significant dysfunction, or appropriate nonsurgical care fails. Procedures may decompress the ulnar nerve or reposition it to reduce irritation.

What types of elbow surgery are available?