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
No results found
Why does my 6 year old have wrist pain?
There are many potential reasons, most of which are of no concern. That being said, I would recommend you take your son to either his pediatrician or an orthopaedic surgeon to READ MORE
There are many potential reasons, most of which are of no concern. That being said, I would recommend you take your son to either his pediatrician or an orthopaedic surgeon to at least get an xray.
Will hand surgery fix the shaking in my right hand?
No, there is no surgical procedure that can be done that will cure shaking (tremors) in your hand. Most hand tremors are benign and are called a benign essential tremor. Such READ MORE
No, there is no surgical procedure that can be done that will cure shaking (tremors) in your hand. Most hand tremors are benign and are called a benign essential tremor. Such tremors are oftentimes hereditary. Although surgery will not help, you should probably consult a neurologist to make certain that this represents a benign essential tremor.
How do you get rid of surgery scars?
Most scars on the hand flatten out with time. The best thing to do to reduce surgical scarring is to massage the scars once or twice a day with a moisturizer. You can use vaseline, READ MORE
Most scars on the hand flatten out with time. The best thing to do to reduce surgical scarring is to massage the scars once or twice a day with a moisturizer. You can use vaseline, cocoa butter, Vitamin E oil or other commercially available scar creams. You can also use silicone sheets which are commercially available. You can place them over the scar, usually at night when sleeping. These can also help to reduce scarring. Hope this helps. Good luck!
My hand twitches randomly sometimes?
You most likely do not need surgery. There are many reasons why your hand may twitch. I would recommend that if this becomes more notable, then you should consider consulting READ MORE
You most likely do not need surgery. There are many reasons why your hand may twitch. I would recommend that if this becomes more notable, then you should consider consulting a neurologist.
Will hand surgery help arthritis?
That really depends upon where the arthritis in your hand is located. Surgery for arthritis involving the hand can be very effective for the correct indications. Options vary READ MORE
That really depends upon where the arthritis in your hand is located. Surgery for arthritis involving the hand can be very effective for the correct indications. Options vary from cleaning out the joint, replacing the joint and in some instances, fusing the joint. I would recommend that you see a hand surgeon. That being said, sometimes therapy or cortisone injections can also be helpful.
Can a hand surgeon repair a torn off finger?
This depends upon the extent of injury to the finge, the mechanism of injury in addition to many other factors. Relatively clean amputed fingers can be replanted (reattached) READ MORE
This depends upon the extent of injury to the finge, the mechanism of injury in addition to many other factors. Relatively clean amputed fingers can be replanted (reattached) if done in a timely manner - usually within 24 hours at most. These are medical emergencies and have to treated expeditiously by a fellowship-trained hand surgeon.
Can plastic surgery soften hand wrinkles?
There are surgical procedures and injections that can be helpful for wrinkles in the hands. I would recommend you consult a plastic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery as READ MORE
There are surgical procedures and injections that can be helpful for wrinkles in the hands. I would recommend you consult a plastic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery as well.
What is the recovery for hand surgery?
The answer really depends upon what type of hand surgery you are having. If you are having a simple procedure such as a carpal tunnel release or a trigger finger release, the READ MORE
The answer really depends upon what type of hand surgery you are having. If you are having a simple procedure such as a carpal tunnel release or a trigger finger release, the recovery is usually pretty quick and easy. However, more complicated procedures can require casting and extensive occupational therapy post-operative. You really need to ask your surgeon this question. Good luck!
Is hand surgery painful?
In general, hand surgery is usually not very painful, unless you are having surgery for a complicated fracture or major reconstructive surgery. Most "skin" procedures have mild READ MORE
In general, hand surgery is usually not very painful, unless you are having surgery for a complicated fracture or major reconstructive surgery. Most "skin" procedures have mild pain afterwards which usually can be controlled with Tylenol or other over the counter pain medications. I am certain your surgeon will discuss this with you before your procedure.
How long does local anesthesia last?
Short acting anesthetics, such as Lidocaine, last for about an hour. Longer-lasting anesthetics, such as Marcaine, can last for 12 to 24 hours. I suggest you ask your surgeon READ MORE
Short acting anesthetics, such as Lidocaine, last for about an hour. Longer-lasting anesthetics, such as Marcaine, can last for 12 to 24 hours. I suggest you ask your surgeon how long yours will last. Good luck!
How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
Hi,
If you think that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, then you should see a hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and treatment options. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome READ MORE
Hi,
If you think that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, then you should see a hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and treatment options. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies from splints and activity modification, steroid injections for certain patients, and surgery, if indicated. Surgery can be performed "open" or endoscopic. Again, I would recommend that you consult a hand surgeon.
If you think that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, then you should see a hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and treatment options. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies from splints and activity modification, steroid injections for certain patients, and surgery, if indicated. Surgery can be performed "open" or endoscopic. Again, I would recommend that you consult a hand surgeon.
Does hand surgery require general anesthesia?
This really depends upon your specific surgeon and the recommendations of your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Many simple hand procedures, such as a trigger finger release, can READ MORE
This really depends upon your specific surgeon and the recommendations of your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Many simple hand procedures, such as a trigger finger release, can be performed under straight local anesthesia. Many can be performed under a regional block, where the armed is numbed up by the anesthesiologist and you are sedated. More complex or longer procedures can require general anesthesia. I recommend that you address this question with your surgeon before the procedure.
Am I unable to drive after local anesthesia?
This is something that you really need to ask your surgeon, as it depends upon the specific procedure that you are undergoing. In many simple surgical cases performed under local READ MORE
This is something that you really need to ask your surgeon, as it depends upon the specific procedure that you are undergoing. In many simple surgical cases performed under local anesthesia, you may be able to drive. Again, I would encourage you to ask your surgeon regarding his or her specific recommendations.
Why is there a bump under my left hand's ring finger?
There are many reasons why you may have a "bump" on your finger, but carpal tunnel syndrome is definitely not the cause. Potential diagnoses include a ganglion cyst or a benign READ MORE
There are many reasons why you may have a "bump" on your finger, but carpal tunnel syndrome is definitely not the cause. Potential diagnoses include a ganglion cyst or a benign growth. I would recommend you consult a hand surgeon, especially if it is increasing in size.
What causes tingling in the hands?
Hi - there are many potential reasons, one of which may be carpal tunnel syndrome. That being said, I would recommend that you see your physician for an evaluation so that you READ MORE
Hi - there are many potential reasons, one of which may be carpal tunnel syndrome. That being said, I would recommend that you see your physician for an evaluation so that you can be properly diagnosed.
How soon after surgery will I have mobility in fingers?
Mobility of the fingers after carpal tunnel release surgery is usually fairly quick. Most patients regain full digital motion within several days to a week after carpal tunnel READ MORE
Mobility of the fingers after carpal tunnel release surgery is usually fairly quick. Most patients regain full digital motion within several days to a week after carpal tunnel release. I would ask your surgeon when you can type again, but you should be able to start within a week after surgery, if not sooner.
How can I heal a sprained finger?
You should probably see your physician, to make certain that it is not fractured. If it is sprained, then treatment usually consists of range of motion exercises, use of a compressive READ MORE
You should probably see your physician, to make certain that it is not fractured. If it is sprained, then treatment usually consists of range of motion exercises, use of a compressive wrap to help with the swelling, such as Coban wrap and anti-inflammatory medications as needed. However, I would first recommend you see a physician to make certain that it is just a sprain.
Are there any exercises I can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
More likely, if you feel "twinges" in your wrists, this represents tendinitis or overuse, as opposed to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome results in numbness and READ MORE
More likely, if you feel "twinges" in your wrists, this represents tendinitis or overuse, as opposed to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome results in numbness and tingling in your fingers. In either case, you should try gentle stretching, breaks from the computer, and a proper ergonomic set up. If this does not help, then I would recommend you consult a physician.
How long does the pain last after finger surgery?
Pain after trigger release surgery is usually mild. Narcotics are not usually required. The pain usually lasts 2-3 days and is more like an ache than pain. Mild discomfort can READ MORE
Pain after trigger release surgery is usually mild. Narcotics are not usually required. The pain usually lasts 2-3 days and is more like an ache than pain. Mild discomfort can last 2-4 weeks.
Is a partially torn UCL of thumb serious?
If your tear is partial, then this should heal is around 4-6 weeks. You should immobilize your thumb with either a splint or a cast. Most partially torn UCL thumb injuries heal READ MORE
If your tear is partial, then this should heal is around 4-6 weeks. You should immobilize your thumb with either a splint or a cast. Most partially torn UCL thumb injuries heal without permanent problems.
