EXPERT
Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert, MD
Hand Surgeon
Richard S. Gilbert, M.D. is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremity. He is the Chief of the Hand Service at Syosset Hospital, the Director of the Hand Service at the Peconic Bay Medical Center, Director at Northwell Health and an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He received a bachelor's degree from The Johns Hopkins University, and a medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center and a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Gilbert’s specialty interest is in the treatment and reconstruction of fractures, soft tissue injuries, and neuropathies involving the hand and upper extremity. He employs both traditional and the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release, minimally invasive fracture repair, and small joint arthroscopy. Dr. Gilbert is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The New York Society for Surgery of the Hand. He presently serves as the Secretary of The New York Society for Surgery of the Hand. He has published medical articles and presented at regional and national orthopedic conferences on conditions related to the hand and upper extremity. He has performed funded research related to the hand and upper extremity. Dr. Gilbert has received numerous awards and honors, including Castle Connolly Top Doctors, New York Magazine’s Best Doctor, New York Times Super Doctors, Newsday Top Doctors on Long Island, Best Doctors in America, Patients’ Choice Award and Most Compassionate Doctor.
31 years
Experience
Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert, MD
- Great Neck, NY
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Accepting new patients
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I have a ganglion cyst in my left wrist
Wrist ganglion cysts are quite common. If it does not bother you, then I do not recommend any treatment. In your particular case, where you are having symptoms, you can initially READ MORE
Wrist ganglion cysts are quite common. If it does not bother you, then I do not recommend any treatment. In your particular case, where you are having symptoms, you can initially try to have it drained (aspirated). However, in the majority of cases, the cyst recurs after aspiration. If recurs after aspiration, and your symptoms warrant, then you can consider surgical removal.
My son jammed his thumb while playing tennis. Could there be a permanent damage?
It is possible that he may have injured a ligament which stabilizes the thumb joint. This is a common injury. I would recommend you take him to see a physician if he is not getting READ MORE
It is possible that he may have injured a ligament which stabilizes the thumb joint. This is a common injury. I would recommend you take him to see a physician if he is not getting better.
My fingers are oddly shaped. Is there a surgery to correct them?
The simple answer is no. Any physician who tells you otherwise you should run away from!
I have a wound on my finger and I am diabetic. What should I do?
As a diabetic, you are at risk for problems with wound healing and you are at higher risk for developing an infection. I would recommend that you see your physician if the wound READ MORE
As a diabetic, you are at risk for problems with wound healing and you are at higher risk for developing an infection. I would recommend that you see your physician if the wound is not healing properly.
I have crooked fingers. Can they be corrected by a surgery?
"Crooked fingers" since birth are usually secondary to either Camptodactyly or Clinodactyly. The simple answer is possibly, although only in the more severe cases. In most cases, READ MORE
"Crooked fingers" since birth are usually secondary to either Camptodactyly or Clinodactyly. The simple answer is possibly, although only in the more severe cases. In most cases, surgery is not warranted, particularly if there is no pain or dysfunction, which there usually is not.
Irritating scar tissue, what can I do?
Yes - oftentimes deep tissue massage with a cream, such as aloe, vaseline or vitamin E oil can be effective. You may also consider seeing a hand therapist. In cases that do not READ MORE
Yes - oftentimes deep tissue massage with a cream, such as aloe, vaseline or vitamin E oil can be effective. You may also consider seeing a hand therapist. In cases that do not improve, you can ask your surgeon if you would benefit from a cortisone injection in the region of the scar tissue.
How long does it take for a wrist fracture to heal?
Your doctor is correct. It usually takes around 6 weeks for a wrist fracture to heal. At that time, it is usually healed enough to begin motion. However, complete healing can READ MORE
Your doctor is correct. It usually takes around 6 weeks for a wrist fracture to heal. At that time, it is usually healed enough to begin motion. However, complete healing can sometimes take up to 12 weeks.
Is carpal tunnel surgery safe for a diabetic person?
Yes. Carpal tunnel surgery is quite safe and effective and usually does not require general anesthesia. It can usually be done under light sedation and local.
There is a bone growth on my index finger. Can it be operated and removed? What are the chances that it will regrow?
Yes, most bone growths on fingers are benign and can usually be removed. However, each case must be evaluated on an individual basis. I would recommend you discuss this with your READ MORE
Yes, most bone growths on fingers are benign and can usually be removed. However, each case must be evaluated on an individual basis. I would recommend you discuss this with your surgeon.
My child is 2 years old and loves to scribble with pencil and pens. Will it affect his fingers?
Absolutely not! Let him scribble to his hearts content!
My daughter underwent a finger joining treatment using leeches. Will this cause a problem for her later in life?
No. Leeches are often used after replanting digits to decrease venous congestion. This will not cause any problems in the future.
I feel like my hands are a little weak. What can I do to improve hand strength?
Exercises using a stress ball or putty can be helpful as well as exercises to strengthen your forearm muscles.
I have been diagnosed with trigger finger syndrome. What is the course of treatment for this?
Oftentimes trigger fingers can be successfully treated with cortisone injections. If this does not cure the condition, then a simple surgical procedure is recommended in most READ MORE
Oftentimes trigger fingers can be successfully treated with cortisone injections. If this does not cure the condition, then a simple surgical procedure is recommended in most cases.
