A little over four years ago, Leigh Davis was diagnosed with a right side torn rotator cuff. She underwent a rotator cuff repair, performed in a traditional, open-surgical style, as well as physical therapy. After a very lengthy recovery period, Mrs. Davis assumed her problem was resolved. She didn’t have full use of her arm, but concluded that this was the natural outcome of undergoing major shoulder surgery. As a logistics technician for a major corporation in town, Ms. Davis has a heavy daily workload of data entry, filing and other activities that require the ability to use her arms. Doing her job became increasingly difficult as the pain worsened and function decreased.

At about this time, Mrs. Davis’ husband had some problems that were treated at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. Mrs. Davis was impressed with the care her husband received and determined that she needed to have her shoulder re-examined. She is grateful that she found her way to Bruce Steinberg, M.D., specialist in upper extremities. “I was so happy to meet with Dr. Steinberg. He didn’t talk ‘medical’ to me; he was obviously interested to figure out what was going on with my shoulder, while wanting to ensure that I understood everything. He prepared me for what he thought was ahead.” Mrs. Davis was also impressed that Dr. Steinberg used pictures in his explanation. “The visualization made a big difference for me. For the first time, I was able to see what was going on, rather than having to try and imagine it.”

Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. Davis with a split rotator cuff, and attempted to treat her initially through a conservative approach of injections. Unfortunately, she was unable to gain enough relief, so he performed a right shoulder arthroscopy to fix the malfunctioned repair Mrs. Davis had undergone previously. Key to this procedure was that Dr. Steinberg was able to do the surgery arthroscopically, thus allowing Mrs. Davis a much reduced recovery period. “After what I experienced the first time around, I expected that I would have a lot of pain for a long time following my surgery, and that I would have to sleep in a recliner for weeks, cushioned by pillows. I was very pleasantly surprised this time around.”

Four days later, when Mrs. Davis returned for her first post-operative visit, she was delighted to report little to no pain. She was also extremely impressed that a therapist was included in her appointment. “I can’t tell you how much that meant to me. Clearly Dr. Steinberg was interested in my complete recovery, not just ensuring that I had a successful surgery. Dr. Steinberg, the therapist and I looked at my ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures. Then Dr. Steinberg and the therapist laid out a clear-cut plan for my complete recovery. This was a very different experience from my first shoulder surgery, in a most pleasant way!”

Mrs. Davis’ experience with JOI’s Rehabilitation Department was equally good. Her therapists gave her great confidence and guidance, while at the same time making sessions fun. “The JOI therapists really were just fantastic—I can’t say enough good about them. I actually enjoyed going to therapy with them, and was just a little sad when I ‘graduated’!”

Now Mrs. Davis has resumed all of her normal activities at work and around the house. She recently helped to paint a room and even assisted her husband in installing a ceiling light fixture. “To be able to lift my arms above my head would have been impossible; to be able to do so for an extended period of time, unimaginable. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Steinberg.” When asked if she would refer him to others, Mrs. Davis is quick to respond: “I already have! Dr. Steinberg is a rare doctor who doesn’t make you feel like you’re a number or a dollar sign. You are an individual with real problems who needs help. Of course I am happy to recommend him to anyone.”

Read about Dr. Steinberg's Treatment Philosophy

Mrs. Bonnie B. has dealt with rheumatoid arthritis for more than 20 years. While she does not complain about her pain, the disease has not been easy. “Function is all relative. I don’t feel sorry for myself, and if I have to get things done differently than most everyone else, that’s ok. I figure out a way to get it done.” This attitude is exemplified in the way she creatively devised a method for affixing and releasing the clip on her grandson’s car seat when she drove him to preschool. She found a pair of blue-handled needle-nosed pliers that were bent at an angle that fit perfectly into the buckle. Her grandson would even ask her, “Do you have the blue thing?”

Prior to moving here in 1996, Mrs. B. had undergone surgeries related to her condition. She knew that with the progressive nature of the disease, it was key that she find medical professionals who could provide her with excellent ongoing care. She considers herself extremely fortunate that her rheumatologist referred her to Bruce Steinberg, M.D., specialist in upper extremities. She is able to laugh about the fact that she has been a multi-year patient of Dr. Steinberg’s and will continue to be. “I’m guessing that most people see their orthopaedic surgeons a couple of times to fix a particular problem. For someone like me who has rheumatoid arthritis, I knew this was going to be a long-term doctor-patient relationship.” It was important that Mrs. B. find someone with whom she could have a comfortable rapport.

“While I was able to find a way to function, Dr. Steinberg has always been proactive in performing my operations. He was mindful that the joint replacements he performed needed to be done while there was still enough bone mass to make the procedures viable.” She continues to say that with her, Dr. Steinberg is always thinking about the future and providing her every opportunity for continued function later. “He’s trying to position me best for what’s ahead.”

Mrs. B. has happily referred others to Dr. Steinberg. “He knows his stuff and there’s never any question about it.” She has always felt that her long-term well-being was important to him. “I have been a patient of Dr. Steinberg’s for many years. During that time he has performed multiple surgeries on me. He is accessible and thorough. He will spend as much time with me as necessary, and I never feel like he has one foot out the door. Most importantly, he is extraordinarily competent. What matters most is that my doctor knows what he’s doing. It is an added bonus that Dr. Steinberg finds a way to make the experience pleasant. With him, you’re getting the whole package, a heck of a nice guy who is an expert at what he does. I appreciate him and the care he has provided me over the years.”

In her career as a phlebotomist for the past 19 years, Brenda Erickson has been required to use her hands constantly when drawing blood from patients. So when she began to experience pain in her thumbs, she assumed it was related to working with her hands all the time. In fact, she was told that what she was experiencing was tendonitis and nothing could be done to help her. Her situation became progressively worse. “Any kind of gripping motion was difficult so doing simple housekeeping tasks such as making the bed was challenging.” Buttoning a shirt, writing, and even holding a book to read became impossible. “It was so bad, that if I decided I wanted to do something like make a cake, I’d have to wait until my husband was home, because I knew my hands would hurt so much I wouldn’t be able to complete the recipe.” Tasks at work were equally, if not more challenging.

Mrs. Erickson decided that she needed to pursue her diagnosis further and was determined to find the best doctor to help her. She spoke with both the doctor for whom she worked at the time, as well as one of her regular patients who also works in the medical field. “I respect the opinion of both of these people and each was adamant that the person for me to see was Dr. Steinberg.” Bruce Steinberg, M.D., is a specialist in upper extremities; when Mrs. Erickson described the feeling of her thumbs “catching and popping”, much like a rubber band, Dr. Steinberg indicted there was likely involvement of the joints themselves. “It was great to have someone understand the pain I was describing, like a steady toothache that just won’t go away. When I talked about my other symptoms such as waking in the night with shooting pain, it was obvious that Dr. Steinberg was anxious to help relieve my pain.”

Upon testing and examination, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. Erickson with bilateral arthritis of the thumbs. Beginning with the most conservative course of treatment, she received cortisone injections in both of her thumbs. Unfortunately, Mrs. Erickson was unable to attain extended relief and thus, Dr. Steinberg performed a left thumb trapezial excision and fcr reconstruction. “It was great how quickly the pain was gone. My father saw me a week before my surgery and was very concerned about how much I was suffering. He called me every night after the surgery and was just amazed at how much better I was doing in such a short period of time.”

Mrs. Erickson was so pleased with the results of the surgery on her left hand, that she asked Dr. Steinberg to do the other as quickly as possible. “I was ready to have the right side stop hurting as well, but Dr. Steinberg told me I needed to let the left side heal before he would be able to do the right.” Six months later Dr. Steinberg performed a right side thumb reconstruction. As with her first surgery, Mrs. Erickson is delighted with the results.

“I have no pain what-so-ever. When you have suffered to the extent that it brings you to tears, you really appreciate not having it.” Mrs. Erickson and her husband are in the process of building a new home. She is looking forward to doing all of those things that make owning and decorating a new home enjoyable. “If you think about it, before Dr. Steinberg helped me, packing and moving in itself would have been impossible. Now I can enjoy all of the aspects of this exciting time.” Mrs. Erickson encourages anyone who is having problems with their upper extremities to see Dr. Steinberg, sooner rather than later. “He will listen to what you have to say, make an accurate diagnosis, help you to understand and most importantly, do all he can to make you better.”

 Toshiko Butler has always enjoyed arts and crafts including sewing and crocheting, and has even attended painting classes. So over the years, as she began to experience pain and lack of function in her right thumb, her inability to enjoy her hobbies was frustrating. “It was very painful. My hand hurt so much; I couldn’t do the things I love.” Any kind of twisting, turning or gripping actions were painful and difficult. Mrs. Butler saw another doctor who treated her with injections, however she obtained no relief. As her discomfort became progressively worse and her function continued to decline, Mrs. Butler realized that she needed additional help. A friend recommended that she see Bruce Steinberg, M.D., specialist in upper extremities.

“When I first met Dr. Steinberg, he made me feel very confident that he could make me better.” Mrs. Butler says that sometimes she finds it difficult to understand complicated medical terms. “With Dr. Steinberg, it was different from any other time. He explained everything to me and wanted to be sure I knew what he was saying. He asked me questions to make sure I understood him.” Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. Butler with severe arthritis in her thumb and performed a right thumb trapezial excision and FCR reconstruction.

A few years later, Mrs. Butler’s left thumb began to cause her a great deal of pain and she once again was having difficulty with function. “I went to see Dr. Steinberg to see if he could help me again.” Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. Butler with left side arthritis of the thumb and attempted to treat her initially through a conservative course of injections. “I was not looking forward to the appointment because I had shots before with another doctor. But with Dr. Steinberg, he was speaking to me the whole time, and I didn’t even know he had given me the shot. I realized he was talking to distract me so I wouldn’t be afraid.”

Unfortunately, Mrs. Butler was unable to obtain lasting relief from the initial procedure and thus Dr. Steinberg performed a left thumb trapezial excision and FCR reconstruction.
Following her second surgery, Mrs. Butler was having dinner in a local restaurant one evening. “The waitress saw my cast and asked what happened. I told her I just had surgery at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. She asked me the name of my doctor and was excited when I said ‘Dr. Steinberg’ because she had been one of his patients and loved him, too! We spent a few minutes talking about how much he helped us.”

Mrs. Butler happily shares how the quality of her life has improved, even in her ability to perform the simplest of tasks. “Now I can tear open the sweetener package for my coffee and pick up the container of cream. I can fix my own coffee just the way I like it! Every day I am able to do more and more. In fact, as I’m drinking my coffee in the morning, I put my left hand on the cup to warm it up before I begin my exercises.”

Mrs. Butler appreciates that Dr. Steinberg also helped her to understand how important therapy would be to her recovery with each surgery. She is very impressed with the JOI Rehabilitation Department, not only in the way she was treated during her appointments, but also the direction she has received for home routines. “Sometimes it is tough, but my therapists help me to keep working on my exercises, especially at home.”

“I am so glad Dr. Steinberg is my doctor. He made everything easier. He spoke to my head, and he also spoke to my heart.” Mrs. Butler is happy to recommend anyone to Dr. Steinberg. “He is full of kindness and he really wants to help you. I am glad to have a doctor who I trust 100%”.

George Lewis attended each appointment with his wife, Mary Ann, when she was a patient of Bruce Steinberg, M.D. He watched as Dr. Steinberg progressed through treating Mrs. Lewis' severely broken wrist. For years, Mr. Lewis had been experiencing his own pain, in his case, with the right shoulder. “Nearly 12 years ago I fell off the back of a pickup truck and broke my wrist. I think there probably was some damage done to the shoulder but it was not treated at the time.” Ever since that accident, Mr. Lewis’ shoulder has not been the same. Six years ago he underwent shoulder surgery; unfortunately, it brought him little long-term relief. “I’m not exactly sure what occurred, but I certainly continued to have pain. I assumed that nothing further could be done to help me.”

As he witnessed the superior care his wife received from Dr. Steinberg, however, Mr. Lewis became convinced that if anyone could help him, it would be Dr. Steinberg. “Mary Ann was in a pretty bad way when she saw him. Dr. Steinberg always treated her with respect, and was much attuned to her. We understand her injury was very complex, but he fixed it. I wanted to see if he could do something for me as well.” At that point Mr. Lewis was experiencing progressively worse pain and limited functionality including an inability to perform simple tasks such as combing his hair or throwing a ball.

Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mr. Lewis with arthritis of the glenohumeral joint and performed a right shoulder hemiarthoplasty. Mr. Lewis required physical therapy and was so pleased with his wife’s therapist that he also wanted to undergo his therapy at the rehabilitation department of JOI. The physical therapist attended Mr. Lewis’ appointments with Dr. Steinberg to review progress. Mr. Lewis was grateful as he found that if he couldn’t adequately describe a particular challenge, the therapist was able to do so.

Occasionally Mr. Lewis needed to call into the office regarding another medical condition and how it might impact his shoulder surgery recovery. “Everyone on Dr. Steinberg’s staff was kind and caring. At times when I called in with questions, the office staff was responsive. I know that to have a staff that runs as efficiently and well as Dr. Steinberg’s, it begins at the top. It starts by him setting the right example. Due to my previous experience with shoulder surgery, I never thought I would be able to get the improvement that I have achieved. Thankfully, Dr. Steinberg proved to me just how successful an outcome can be when the patient is in the hands of the right doctor and team.”

The instant Mary Ann Lewis fell, she knew that her right wrist was badly injured. “It was immediately apparent that something was very wrong. While the pain was not excruciating, it didn’t look good; it was deformed, like everything was out of place.” Fortunately, Mrs. Lewis thought clearly enough to use her left hand to stabilize the injured wrist. Her husband took her to the Emergency Room where she was put into a temporary cast. A week later, Mrs. Lewis saw Bruce Steinberg, M.D., for further assessment. “I was thrilled to get an appointment with him. A friend and her mother had both been patients of Dr. Steinberg, and they raved about the excellent care they received. I knew that if I had to have an operation on my wrist, I wanted Dr. Steinberg to be my surgeon.”

Dr. Steinberg determined that the fracture of the right distal radius was very severe and required a multi-faceted surgery. While Mrs. Lewis did not relish the idea of surgery, she knew she would be well-cared for. “Dr. Steinberg was compassionate and continuously expressed concern for my well-being.” She recounts that during preparation for her surgery, Dr. Steinberg asked if she would like to have the temporary cast removed prior to undergoing anesthesia. “I was so impressed that Dr. Steinberg gave me the option. He knew I was very frightened of moving my wrist at all, and I appreciated that what I wanted was important to him, as well.”

Physical therapy was critical to Mrs. Lewis’ recovery. “ I had to work hard but I was determined . I just wanted to get better so I knew I had to follow the therapist’s instructions to the letter.” At the first appointment following Mrs. Lewis’ surgery, Dr. Steinberg had the hand/upper extremity therapist participate in the meeting. Mrs. Lewis finds this extremely impressive. “I always felt like we were a team: Dr. Steinberg, my physical therapist and me. I knew that together, we were going to be successful. “

Mrs. Lewis notes that prior to her injury, she took for granted the ability to perform simple tasks. “You just don’t realize how important it is to have function of a hand until the time that you do not. Activities like fixing hair or applying make-up is extremely difficult and took much longer.” She continues to say that she would gladly recommend Dr. Steinberg to anyone. “He was compassionate; he was straight-forward, and I always felt that he wanted what was in my best interest.”

Mrs. Judith D. is a woman who has suffered with many problems of both of her upper extremities. “I’ve faced health challenges and pain, and know how important it is to have good medical care. With the carpal tunnel syndrome problems, I was having difficulty holding a book. I sing in my church choir and the day I dropped the music during a service, I knew it was time to seek help.” Mrs. D. is extremely grateful that she found her way to Bruce Steinberg, M.D., a specialist in upper extremities.

Six years ago, upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. D. with carpal tunnel syndrome and performed a left side endoscopic carpal tunnel release resolving her numbness, tingling and pain. A few months later, he successfully performed the same surgery on her right side. “I healed very quickly from my surgeries and credit Dr. Steinberg’s expertise.” Mrs. D. returned to Dr. Steinberg four years later when she noted progressive pain and swelling of her right wrist and was having difficulty performing any kind of twisting or gripping motions. He diagnosed her with severe arthritis of the wrist and eventually performed a right wrist fusion with radial bone graft and a ganglion cyst excision. She no longer suffered pain in her wrist and function returned.

After Mrs. D. recovered from the wrist surgery, she asked Dr. Steinberg to evaluate her painful, weak shoulder as she was unable to lift her arm above her shoulder and could not sleep at night due to the extreme discomfort. Although Mrs. D. had undergone previous shoulder surgery elsewhere, she was found to have a very complex combination of a massive rotator cuff tear and arthritis of the ball and socket joint. Dr. Steinberg performed a successful reconstruction of the shoulder with newly developed reverse head prosthesis. This advanced prosthesis resurfaces the ball and socket joint while at the same time mechanically works without a functioning rotator cuff.

“I have had a lot of challenges with my hands, wrists and shoulder. The exceptional care that I have received from Dr. Steinberg has allowed me to do the thing that is my greatest blessing, and that is to help care for my three young grandchildren. They are very busy and I need to be able to use my arms to keep up with them!” Mrs. D. continues, “If I hear of anyone who is having problems with their arms, shoulders or hands, I recommend that they go see Dr. Steinberg immediately. There is no need to suffer with pain or inability to use your arms or hands when there is someone who is able to help you.”

Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome »

Mary and Louis Filoso enjoy volunteering for their church in activities as diverse as decorating for congregation dinners to sewing costumes for entertaining underprivileged children on mission trips. Mrs. Filoso shares that they have been married for 11 years and were recently chosen to be the King and Queen of their church’s Valentine’s Day Party. “We are so blessed, in so many ways. We lead an active life and enjoy sharing our time together in service to others. So it was somewhat ironic that we both ended up in arm casts, on the same side, at the same time!”

Mrs. Filoso had been experiencing discomfort in her thumb for years, and it became progressively worse. “The thumb was paining me for a long time, but I tried to get past it. Finally it got to the point that I was in constant pain and couldn’t pick up anything.” Gripping and pinching with the thumb and index finger was impossible. Fortunately Mrs. Filoso found her way to Bruce Steinberg, M.D. , specialist in upper extremities. “We feel very blessed to have found Dr. Steinberg. He has made a tremendous difference in both my husband’s and my quality of life.” Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. Filoso with arthritis of the base of her thumb. “He wasn’t quick to move to surgery; he wanted to see if I could get enough pain relief with cortisone shots. Unfortunately, they just didn’t end up helping me enough.”

Dr. Steinberg performed a joint replacement surgery called left thumb trapezial excision FCR reconstruction. “I was not anxious to have the operation, and in fact, would not have done so if Dr. Steinberg didn’t recommend it so strongly. He told me that in order to gain any leverage, this was my option. I appreciate that he explained the procedure very thoroughly, that he would be using a tendon to form another cartilage. He knew exactly what he was doing and I felt as though as I was in very good hands.” She goes on to say that he did a great job in reconstructing her thumb. “It is obvious that Dr. Steinberg is a gifted surgeon. He was able to fix me so that I do not have any pain any more. I am able to fully enjoy all the activities that are so meaningful to my husband and me.”

Ironically enough, during the time Mrs. Filoso was in a cast and recovering from her surgery, her husband fell and broke his hand. He suffered a spiral oblique site metacarpal fracture. “Dr. Steinberg explained that my husband’s break, which he referred to as a spiral break, is very unusual.” Fortunately, Dr. Steinberg was able to treat the fracture without surgery, but rather through casting.

Mr. and Mrs. Filoso ended up having the same arms in casts at the same time. “Believe it or not, a friend of ours was also a patient of Dr. Steinberg’s, and she was in a cast at the same time as my husband and me.” With treatment by Dr. Steinberg, Mr. Filoso has been able to return to his normal activities. “He just amazes me. This summer he installed an irrigation system in our yard. He goes from doing that kind of work, to dressing up like a clown and making balloon animals for children that we meet during our mission work. I am grateful that Dr. Steinberg was able to repair his hand so that he is able to do the things that he loves.”

Mrs. Filoso continues that she happily recommends Dr. Steinberg to others. “I tell everyone, if they have a problem with their hands or arms or shoulders, they must see Dr. Steinberg. When I get onto something good, I like to spread the word.”

Retired educator Connie Lahey Rennie describes herself as a “type-A personality” who has been treated by Bruce Steinberg, M.D., for three different problems at various times: numbness and tingling of her hands, a broken left wrist, and pain and weakness of her right shoulder. Mrs. Rennie believes that her active lifestyle, which includes intense exercise such as running, Pilates and weight training, has contributed to some of her injuries. During her workouts she always pushes her body to do more. However, after suffering these injuries, her quality of life was greatly diminished. “It got to the point where enjoying simple pleasures, such as a steak dinner out with friends, was impossible.”

Over the years, Mrs. Rennie has undergone multiple procedures, including a right-sided endoscopic carpal tunnel release and surgery for a left wrist comminuted fracture. In each case she followed Dr. Steinberg’s post-operative instructions, recovered quickly, and was able to get back to her normal active lifestyle.

Mrs. Rennie’s most recent surgery for a tear of the right shoulder rotator cuff was preceded by pain and loss of function. “There was no specific point to which I could attach a place and time to the injury, but I consider it a pretty good guess that it was in the gym, lifting from a weight machine. Eventually, I could only raise my arm about a quarter of the way. I had to use my left hand to put the right arm in various positions.” Finding a comfortable sleeping position was difficult. Mrs. Rennie blamed the situation on overwork and thought that rest and limiting exercise would help. After about a month she realized that she was not improving and scheduled a consultation with Dr. Steinberg.

Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed a rotator cuff tear and performed a right shoulder arthroscopy. As with Mrs. Rennie’s other surgeries, her improvement did not end in the operating room. She undertook a ten-week course of physical therapy and credits the extraordinary rehabilitation division of JOI for her complete recovery. Her therapist was committed to helping her to achieve maximum usage of and comfort for her shoulder. Mrs. Rennie admits that she wanted to do more and push herself harder, but her therapist guided her at a constant and appropriate rate that led to yet another successful outcome. At this point, Mrs. Rennie has regained full functionality of her arm and has no pain. She can now sleep in any position, including on her back. “This has been a life saver in disguise as I have developed sleep apnea, and it is best for me to sleep this way.”

“Dr. Steinberg’s ability to take a human body part and put it back into working order is well documented. I understand he has been called upon to teach other surgeons, which speaks volumes.” In fact, Dr. Steinberg was recently selected to serve as a Master Instructor in shoulder arthroscopy, where he teaches advanced arthroscopic techniques to orthopedic surgeons from around the world at the prestigious Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

As an individual dedicated to fitness who wants to understand how her body works, Mrs. Rennie appreciates that Dr. Steinberg has consistently been forthright in their conversations. She always understood what would occur with her surgeries and what would be required for her recovery. “He is not condescending, but speaks straight forward with all the facts.” Furthermore, Mrs. Rennie feels that Dr. Steinberg is attuned to what she required as a patient. “He is sympathetic to the needs of the individual and exhibits a delightful sense of humor. I cannot imagine that my three operations and consequent recoveries would have been the same with another surgeon. I have joined the ranks of many, many people who are thankful to Dr. Steinberg and his dedicated staff.”

Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome »

Learn about Shoulder Arthroscopy »

As someone who runs a physician’s assistant company, Paul Smith knows the difference between medical care that is good and medical care that is excellent. So when Mr. Smith began having problems with his elbow, he turned to professional colleagues to find where he could best be helped with his condition. “I asked around and consistently received the same recommendation. Everyone I spoke with suggested I see Dr. Steinberg. They said that he knows everything about the upper extremities, and if anyone could help me, he could.”

Mr. Smith has been athletic most of his life; he enjoys activities like fishing and is an avid golfer. However, it got to the point where after a day of exercise, he would experience pain at night. “I play a lot of golf and it is one of the great things about living in Jacksonville. When it got to the point where it hurt me to do so, I knew I needed to get some help.”

Upon examination and testing, Bruce Steinberg, M.D. diagnosed Mr. Smith with tennis elbow that required surgery. Dr. Steinberg explained that there were two options in performing the operation, either arthroscopically or via a traditional “open” surgery. “Dr. Steinberg told me that he believed it was in my best interest not to have the surgery done arthroscopically. He explained, in great detail, my specific situation, the differences between the two procedures, and why he advocated the ‘open’ approach.” Mr. Smith readily admits that he was initially reluctant to go the traditional route; he understood that his recuperation would be longer, and he was anxious to recover. However, Dr. Steinberg was most interested that Mr. Smith be able to achieve the best possible outcome. “I listened to all the pros and cons, and reflected on his expertise. Ultimately, it was more important that I be able to get back to as full a function as possible, even if it did take me a little longer.”

Dr. Steinberg performed a right elbow lateral epicondylectomy. Mr. Smith’s surgery was followed by a rigorous program of physical therapy provided by JOI Rehabilitation. “I was very impressed with my therapist at JOI. It’s obvious he knew exactly how far I could be pushed, and more importantly, that he was in contact with Dr. Steinberg regarding my progress. There’s no question that the surgeon and the therapist were joined together to help me in my recovery. I did exactly what they told me to do, and now I’m in great shape.”

In fact, Mr. Smith is back to golf and all of his other activities. Most importantly, he has no pain. “I always knew Dr. Steinberg was good. His reputation speaks for itself. But I am more convinced of that than now more than ever. A friend had the same condition as I, but saw another doctor. The other doctor operated on my friend, but chose to use the arthroscopic procedure. Unfortunately my friend has not had anywhere near the long-term excellent outcome that I’ve experienced. While my recovery may have been longer, it was completely worth it. I was right to trust Dr. Steinberg and his judgment and I am happy to recommend him to anyone.”