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Michelle G. Carlson, MD

Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon
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About Dr. Carlson

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Dr. Michelle Carlson is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in treating sports-related hand, wrist, and upper extremity injuries, hand and wrist fractures, arthritis, and neurologic conditions. She has been in practice for more than 25 years at Hospital for Special Surgery, where she also completed her internship, residency, and fellowship after graduating from Cornell Medical School as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.

Dr. Carlson is the official second opinion physician for the NBA as well as consultant hand surgeon for several professional sports teams, including the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Mets. She has served on the Board of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand for six years and served as Treasurer from 2014-2017.

Throughout her career, Dr. Carlson has won many prestigious awards, including the ASSH Julian Brewer Award, Jacqueline Perry Research Award, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society/Zimmer Research Grant, the Lewis Clark Wagner Research Award, the T. Campbell Thompson Prize, and the Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation. She has authored more than 200 papers and book chapters and presented at more than 300 national and international meetings.

She is currently an Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at HSS and a Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Departments

Specialized Centers

Center for Brachial Plexus and Traumatic Nerve Injury
Children and Adolescent Hand and Arm (CHArm) Center

Special Expertise

Basal joint arthritis
Carpal tunnel
Dupuytrens
Hand disorders in women
Neurologic injuries in the upper extremity
Pediatric hand surgery
Sports-related hand injuries and fractures
Trigger finger

Patient ratings for Dr. Carlson

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Insurance

If your insurance is not listed, please call our office if you have questions regarding your insurance coverage. If you have out-of-network benefits, then your insurance may reimburse you for a portion of your office visit. We will work with you and your insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Financial assistance may be available for patients in need.

Credentials

Appointments

Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, Hospital for Special Surgery
Attending Orthopedic Surgeon, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College
Consultant Hand Surgeon, NBA Combine

Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Certificate of Added Qualification Hand Surgery

Awards

Castle Connolly Top Doctor - 5 Years
Castle Connolly America's Top Doctors, 2012-2020
Castle Connolly Top Doctors in New York Metro Area 2002-2022
New York Magazine Top Doctors, 2009-2019, 2021, 2022
Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society/Zimmer Research Grant
Lewis Clark Wagner Research Award
AOA Traveling Fellowship Award
T. Campbell Thompson Prize
Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society

Education

MD, Weill Cornell Medical College

Residency

Hospital for Special Surgery

Fellowship

Hospital for Special Surgery, Upper Extremity and Microvascular Surgery, US

State Licensure

Languages

English

For My Patients

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Surgical Locations

Dr. Carlson performs surgery at the following locations:

Publications by Dr. Carlson

Patient Education

Selected Journal Articles

Research

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

HSS has a long history of supporting appropriate relationships with industry because they advance HSS's mission to provide the highest quality patient care, improve patient mobility, and enhance the quality of life for all, and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and their related disciplines through research and education.

As of May 11, 2024, Dr. Carlson reported no relationships with the healthcare industry.

HSS and its physicians make this information available to patients and the public, thus creating a transparent environment for those who are interested in this information. Further, the HSS Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Policy prohibits physicians from collecting royalties on products they develop that are used on patients at HSS.

Dr. Carlson in the News