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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Do they put you to sleep for hand surgery?
This is something you should discuss with your surgeon. That being said, most hand surgeries can be done under either local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation, or under a READ MORE
This is something you should discuss with your surgeon. That being said, most hand surgeries can be done under either local anesthesia, with or without IV sedation, or under a regional anesthetic block, in which case an injection is given in the region of the shoulder, to numb the nerves in the hand.
Finger turning black or grey?
Hello, This is most likely secondary to a problem with the blood supply to your finger. This could possibly secondary to a condition called Raynaud's Disease. I suggest that READ MORE
Hello,
This is most likely secondary to a problem with the blood supply to your finger. This could possibly secondary to a condition called Raynaud's Disease. I suggest that you see a hand surgeon to get a proper diagnosis.
This is most likely secondary to a problem with the blood supply to your finger. This could possibly secondary to a condition called Raynaud's Disease. I suggest that you see a hand surgeon to get a proper diagnosis.
Why do the nerves in my head hand?
If you mean that you have numbness and / or tingling in your fingers, then the most common reason is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling READ MORE
If you mean that you have numbness and / or tingling in your fingers, then the most common reason is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger, especially at night. There are a number of other conditions that can cause neurologic symptoms in the hand. I would suggest that you see a hand specialist for a proper evaluation. Good luck.
Can a pinched nerve in your wrist cause tingling?
Yes. The most common nerve that is "pinched" at the wrist is the median nerve and when this occurs, it is called carpal tunnel syndrome. This results in numbness and tingling READ MORE
Yes. The most common nerve that is "pinched" at the wrist is the median nerve and when this occurs, it is called carpal tunnel syndrome. This results in numbness and tingling in the hand. If these are your symptoms, I suggest you consult a specialist to get a proper diagnosis. Good luck!
What is the most effective treatment for hand nerve damage?
This is a difficult question to answer without more specific information. This really depends upon what you mean by: "nerve damage." Nerve damage can be secondary to conditions READ MORE
This is a difficult question to answer without more specific information. This really depends upon what you mean by: "nerve damage." Nerve damage can be secondary to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome whereby the nerve is compressed. This can be treated with either a splint, and/or cortisone injections or surgical release. Nerve damage can also be secondary to an injury such as a nerve laceration which would requires surgical repair or reconstruction. I suggest that you see a hand surgeon to get a proper evaluation.
What are the long-term effects on children always typing on the computer?
There is nothing in the literature to lead us to believe that excessive computer use leads to permanent damage to the hands. The links between conditions such as carpal tunnel READ MORE
There is nothing in the literature to lead us to believe that excessive computer use leads to permanent damage to the hands. The links between conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and computer use is indeterminate. That being said, if your son is having cramps a night, he may benefit from decreasing his computer time and or taking 5 minute breaks every 30-60 minutes.
Can surgery correct hand arthritis?
Yes, in most cases surgery can be used to improve symptoms secondary to hand arthritis. There are many different options. I would suggest you see a hand surgeon to discuss your READ MORE
Yes, in most cases surgery can be used to improve symptoms secondary to hand arthritis. There are many different options. I would suggest you see a hand surgeon to discuss your particular condition.
What type of anesthesia is used for hand nerve surgery?
That really depends upon what kind of "nerve surgery" you are having. That being said, in most cases, surgery of the hand can be done under either local anesthesia with or without READ MORE
That really depends upon what kind of "nerve surgery" you are having. That being said, in most cases, surgery of the hand can be done under either local anesthesia with or without sedation, or under a nerve block that numbs up the whole hand and arm. Except for certain complex procedures, most hand surgeries do not require general anesthesia.
Knob hand with knot?
Hello. I am not certain what you mean by a "knot." However, nodules may be secondary to a Dupuytren's nodule. I would recommend you consult a hand surgeon. In terms of the READ MORE
Hello. I am not certain what you mean by a "knot." However, nodules may be secondary to a Dupuytren's nodule. I would recommend you consult a hand surgeon. In terms of the nerve condition, nodules usually do not result in numbness. Again, a hand surgeon should be able to properly diagnose your condition. Good luck!
Can a vertical scar be reconstructed to look normal on your hand?
The answer is that there can probably be something done to improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar. You should definitely work on deep scar massage and silicone sheets can READ MORE
The answer is that there can probably be something done to improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar. You should definitely work on deep scar massage and silicone sheets can also help to flatten out scars. In addition, cortisone injected into the scar can help to flatten it out and improve the appearance. If these do not work, depending upon the scar, sometimes surgery is indicated, either excision of the scar or reorienting the scar with a Z-Plasty. I would recommend that you discuss all of these with a hand or plastic surgeon.
How long does nerve damage in your hand take to heal?
This really depends upon the particular nerve that you injured, the mechanism of the injury and the exact location of the nerve injury. In general, if you cut a nerve and it was READ MORE
This really depends upon the particular nerve that you injured, the mechanism of the injury and the exact location of the nerve injury. In general, if you cut a nerve and it was repaired, it takes approximately 3 weeks for the nerve to begin to recover and then it recovers approximately 1 mm per day. However, again, there are many other variables that come into play. Good luck.
How long does it take for nerve damage to heal in your hand?
This really depends upon the particular nerve that you injured, the mechanism of the injury and the exact location of the nerve injury. In general, if you cut a nerve and it was READ MORE
This really depends upon the particular nerve that you injured, the mechanism of the injury and the exact location of the nerve injury. In general, if you cut a nerve and it was repaired, it takes approximately 3 weeks for the nerve to begin to recover and then it recovers approximately 1 mm per day. However, again, there are many other variables that come into play. Good luck.
How long does it take for a fractured wrist to heal?
It really depends upon which bone in your wrist you fractured. The most common bone fractured in the wrist is the radius, called a distal radius fracture. Most often these fractures READ MORE
It really depends upon which bone in your wrist you fractured. The most common bone fractured in the wrist is the radius, called a distal radius fracture. Most often these fractures take approximately 6 weeks to heal. Good luck.
Can I sleep with a wrist compression sleeve?
Yes. Just make certain that it is not too tight. You want to make certain that your hand does not swell up when you're sleeping.
How long does it take to heal after a broken wrist?
Hi - this really depends upon the fractured bone and the nature of the fracture. The majority of wrist fractures involve the distal radius and in general these fractures take READ MORE
Hi - this really depends upon the fractured bone and the nature of the fracture. The majority of wrist fractures involve the distal radius and in general these fractures take approximately 6 weeks to heal. That being said, full recovery in terms of motion and strength can sometimes take up to approximately 3 months.
Will I have visible scars after wrist surgery?
Hi. If you are going to have surgery, you will have a scar. That being said, most wrist scars for elective surgeries heal well and are in most cases barely noticeable.
Is tingling in your hands serious?
Tingling in the hands is usually not "serious" or cause for concern. The most common reason is usually carpal tunnel syndrome but there are a number of other causes. If you have READ MORE
Tingling in the hands is usually not "serious" or cause for concern. The most common reason is usually carpal tunnel syndrome but there are a number of other causes. If you have tingling in your hands that persists, then I would recommend evaluation by a physician.
How long does it take to recover from a hand surgery?
That is a very difficult question to answer without more detailed information. There are simple surgical procedures, such as a trigger finger, where the recovery is quite quick. READ MORE
That is a very difficult question to answer without more detailed information. There are simple surgical procedures, such as a trigger finger, where the recovery is quite quick. However, with complicated procedures, such as complex fractures or nerve reconstructions, the recovery can take months. I suggest you discuss this with your surgeon. Good luck.
Why does nerve pain get worse at night?
I assume when you are referring to "nerve pain," you are referring to carpal tunnel syndrome. At night, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome note increased numbness and tingling READ MORE
I assume when you are referring to "nerve pain," you are referring to carpal tunnel syndrome. At night, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome note increased numbness and tingling in their fingers. The reason is that most of us sleep with our wrist and fingers in a flexed position for prolonged periods of time. This results in increased pressure on the nerve, thus increasing numbness and tingling at night. This is the reason we recommend patients with carpal tunnel syndrome wear a carpal tunnel splint at night to keep the wrist straight. This can decrease the pressure on the nerve and decrease symptoms.
What percentage of arthritis cases need surgery?
There is no percentage of arthritis cases that require surgery. That being said, the majority of patients with arthritis involving the hand do not require surgery. Non-operative READ MORE
There is no percentage of arthritis cases that require surgery. That being said, the majority of patients with arthritis involving the hand do not require surgery. Non-operative treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, cortisone injections and physical / occupational therapy.
