Hospital for Special Surgery Ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report

NEW YORK—July 11, 2008

For the second straight year, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has been named the top hospital in the nation in orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report in its 2008 "America's Best Hospitals" survey. Hospital for Special Surgery also ranked fourth in the nation for rheumatology. For the 18th consecutive year, HSS has ranked above all other hospitals in the Northeast in orthopedics and rheumatology.

"We are deeply honored to be named 'America's Best Hospital' in orthopedics for the second consecutive year," said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO of Hospital for Special Surgery. "Working together, each member of the hospital staff meets and exceeds the high standards that we set for ourselves, which translates into the excellent care and experience that HSS provides for our patients."

Thomas P. Sculco, M.D., surgeon-in-chief of Hospital for Special Surgery adds, "This accomplishment reflects a true commitment to excellence by our medical staff. Their skill, talent and dedication in providing the best for our patients have led to this wonderful recognition. At HSS, we are committed to advancing the research and education needed to continually improve our patient care."

To further demonstrate Hospital for Special Surgery's leadership in orthopedics, the hospital's sports medicine expertise is featured in an exclusive news video on U.S. News’s web site. The video depicts the process of ACL surgery for a young athlete and follows several patients during their post-surgery rehabilitation. Read the full story on USNews.com

Currently, physicians from HSS Sports Medicine Service perform in official capacities for major professional sports teams including the Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Football Giants, New York Mets, New York Knicks, Nets Basketball, New York Liberty Basketball, and New York Red Bulls Soccer. In addition, HSS sports medicine specialists serve on the U.S. Olympic Committee medical staff team that will cover the 2008 Games in Beijing.

Another testament to Hospital for Special Surgery's excellence and consistency is its high ranking in rheumatology. Stephen A. Paget, M.D., physician-in-chief and chairman of the Division of Rheumatology explained that "given the expanded life span and enlarging elderly population who want to continue to be productive and mobile, our rheumatology staff works hard to support their patients with the most advanced treatment options available. In addition, this exceptional care is complemented by innovative research into the causes of and cures for arthritis and other autoimmune diseases."

Each year, more than 20,000 surgeries are performed at HSS. Areas of expertise include joint replacement, spine surgery, sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, pediatric orthopedics, limb lengthening and osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Additionally, the hospital has established a number of specialty centers including innovative centers for Women’s Sports Medicine and Osteoporosis Prevention. Other special services include the Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, the Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, the Gosden-Robinson Early Arthritis Center, and the Center for Skeletal Dysplasias.

"We are proud to represent New York's hospital community by being the only New York area hospital to earn a number one ranking in any category. Both patients and peers recognize our commitment to medical excellence and we are honored to receive this important distinction," said Mr. Shapiro.

U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" is a resource for consumers seeking the highest quality care in 16 medical specialties. With more than 5,000 hospitals evaluated nationwide, rankings are based on reputation and such measures of quality as patient volumes and mortality rates as well as nursing care and technology services.