About Hospital for Special Surgery

HSS Musculoskeletal Leadership

• World leader in orthopedic surgery, performing more than 22,000 procedures per year
• Pioneered the first total knee replacement
• Designed a revolutionary fiber optic probe for distinguishing healthy and diseased cartilage during surgery
• Developed new imaging protocols for MRI evaluation of cartilage
• Pioneer in the development of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques that eliminate the need for spinal fusion
• Perfected surgical techniques for minimally invasive hip and knee procedures, minimizing hospital stays for qualified patients
• Leads the world in the application of regional anesthesia techniques
• View HSS Facts at a Glance

Quality Indicators

• Top ranked in the Northeast for Orthopedics and Rheumatology by U.S.News & World Report for the 19th consecutive year (2009) 
• Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service
• No. 1 Knee-Hip Orthopedic Hospital in AARP Modern Maturity
• Recipient of first New York State Hospital Patient Safety Award
• Recognized as premier in the field of Radiology by Consumers' Research Council of America Guide to America's Top Radiologists
• One of two medical institutions designated by the National Institutes of Health as a Core Center for Skeletal Integrity
• Ranked one of the top 35 Pain Management Centers by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. in Good Housekeeping
• Participant in the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's 100,000 Lives Campaign

Impressive Affiliations

• Academic Affiliations: Affiliate of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College
• Team physicians and athletic trainers for:
  • New York Knicks
  • New York Mets
  • New York Giants
  • Nets Basketball
  • New York Liberty
  • New York Red Bulls
  • U.S. National Rowing Team
  • USA Swimming 
  • Association of Tennis Professionals
  • Federation Cup Tennis athletes
  • National Retired Basketball Players Association
  • Major League Baseball Players Alumni
  • St. John's University Athletes
  • CUNY Athletic Conference
  • Iona College Athletes
  • Saint Peter's College
  • Wendy Hilliard Rhythmic Gymnastics Foundation
  • AVP-Brooklyn Open
• Affiliated physician offices throughout the tri-state area

An Extraordinary History

Founded in 1863 by Dr. James Knight and 20 prominent New Yorkers, Hospital for Special Surgery is the oldest orthopedic hospital in the country. Recognized since its inception as a world leader in musculoskeletal medicine, the Hospital's strength lies in the depth of experience of its physicians and clinical staff and the knowledge they can access from nearly 140 years of familiarity with essentially every musculoskeletal disease known. It has one of the most sought after residency programs in orthopedics with over 500 applicants competing for eight spots in 2009. Today, over 400 of its 500+ graduates hold positions in major orthopedic departments, many serving as department heads.