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
Should I see a chiropractor for hand pain?
My suggestion is that you see a hand surgeon, as a hand surgeon only deals with problems involving the hands, as opposed to a chiropractor.
Numbness after fairly deep cut?
If you are feeling numbness towards the tip of the finger, then you may have cut the digital nerve. You should see a hand surgeon because if you cut the digital nerve, then you READ MORE
If you are feeling numbness towards the tip of the finger, then you may have cut the digital nerve. You should see a hand surgeon because if you cut the digital nerve, then you may require surgery. Best to consult a hand surgeon to be certain. Good luck.
Finger sprain?
Swelling and stiffness after a finger sprain is quite common. You can help this with a compressive wrap around the swollen portion of the finger (such as coban wrap), ice and READ MORE
Swelling and stiffness after a finger sprain is quite common. You can help this with a compressive wrap around the swollen portion of the finger (such as coban wrap), ice and / or heat and mobility exercises. You should not wear a splint if it is just a sprain because the finger will become stiffer.
Which block is used in hand surgery?
That depends upon the type of surgery that you are having and the Anesthesiologist and surgeon preferences. Possibilities include a local block near the hand or wrist or a block READ MORE
That depends upon the type of surgery that you are having and the Anesthesiologist and surgeon preferences. Possibilities include a local block near the hand or wrist or a block near the shoulder such as a supraclavicular or infraclavicular block. I am certain that your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss this with you before your surgery. Good luck!
Can you repair nerve damage in the arm?
In most cases yes, but this really depends upon the nerve that is "damaged," the location on the arm, how long ago the injury occurred and the nature of the injury. You really READ MORE
In most cases yes, but this really depends upon the nerve that is "damaged," the location on the arm, how long ago the injury occurred and the nature of the injury. You really need to consult a hand surgeon for a proper evaluation.
Does finger surgery require local anesthesia?
If the surgery is just on your finger, then it can probably performed under local anesthesia. Sometimes, intravenous sedation is also given, depending upon the preferences of READ MORE
If the surgery is just on your finger, then it can probably performed under local anesthesia. Sometimes, intravenous sedation is also given, depending upon the preferences of the patient and physician.
I've had a right hand shake for 20 years plus?
I cannot give you a definitive diagnosis based upon your description. That being said, with the family history and the longevity of your tremor, this likely represents a benign READ MORE
I cannot give you a definitive diagnosis based upon your description. That being said, with the family history and the longevity of your tremor, this likely represents a benign tremor. If you are concerned, you should consult a neurologist.
I have numbness in my arms and hands when sleeping?
If you are having numbness and tingling in both of your hands when you wake up, then you likely have carpal tunnel syndrome. I would suggest you trying wearing braces at night READ MORE
If you are having numbness and tingling in both of your hands when you wake up, then you likely have carpal tunnel syndrome. I would suggest you trying wearing braces at night to see if this helps your symptoms. You should also see a hand surgeon for a proper evaluation.
How is a nerve block done for hand surgery?
In most cases, a nerve block is performed before your surgery, using ultrasound guidance, by an anesthesiologist. If you will be having a nerve block, you will likely also have READ MORE
In most cases, a nerve block is performed before your surgery, using ultrasound guidance, by an anesthesiologist. If you will be having a nerve block, you will likely also have some intravenous sedation during the procedure. Good luck.
Do you have to be put to sleep for hand surgery?
No, not necessarily. Many hand surgery procedures can be performed safely under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, or a nerve block with sedation. Some longer and more READ MORE
No, not necessarily. Many hand surgery procedures can be performed safely under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, or a nerve block with sedation. Some longer and more complicated procedures may require general anesthesia. I suggest you discuss this with your surgeon before your procedure. Good luck.
Do orthopedic doctors treat ganglion cysts?
Yes. If the ganglion cyst is at your wrist or hand, then you should consult a hand surgeon. Ganglion cysts can be treated with either aspiration, which is not always successful, READ MORE
Yes. If the ganglion cyst is at your wrist or hand, then you should consult a hand surgeon. Ganglion cysts can be treated with either aspiration, which is not always successful, or surgical excision.
Is it an essential tremor vs Parkinsons?
This is an issue that needs to be evaluated by a neurologist, as opposed to a hand surgeon. Please consult a neurologist for a proper evaluation.
Do you go under general anesthesia for hand nerve surgery?
Most hand surgeries can be performed under either a regional anesthetic block of the nerves or either straight local anesthesia, with or without sedation. Most hand surgeries READ MORE
Most hand surgeries can be performed under either a regional anesthetic block of the nerves or either straight local anesthesia, with or without sedation. Most hand surgeries do not require general anesthesia. I would recommend you discuss this with your surgeon before your procedure. Good luck.
Why do I lose use of my right hand?
My suggestion is that you consider first seeing a neurologist for an examination and possible nerve study, called an EMG.
Frequent hand numbness?
There are many reasons why your hand goes numb, but the most common is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually causes numbness and tingling at night and during READ MORE
There are many reasons why your hand goes numb, but the most common is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually causes numbness and tingling at night and during activities such as driving, holding a book, etc. I suggest you see a hand surgeon to get a correct diagnosis.
How can I make a ganglion cyst go away?
You really can not make the ganglion "go away" on your own. I recommend that you do not hit it with a book or a bible. That being said, some ganglion cysts resolve on their own. READ MORE
You really can not make the ganglion "go away" on your own. I recommend that you do not hit it with a book or a bible. That being said, some ganglion cysts resolve on their own. If it does not, then I recommend you see a hand surgeon. Treatment options include aspiration, which is not always successful, or surgical excision.
Can chronic wrist pain be cured with acupuncture?
This really depends upon what is the cause of your chronic pain. However, in most cases, your pain will not likely be "cured" with acupuncture. That being said, acupuncture READ MORE
This really depends upon what is the cause of your chronic pain. However, in most cases, your pain will not likely be "cured" with acupuncture. That being said, acupuncture can help to decrease the level of pain in certain conditions. I would recommend you first consult a hand specialist to determine what is causing your chronic pain.
Can scars on hand be completely removed?
This really depends upon where on the hand the scars are. Most scars can be removed but there is always a chance that they can recur after they are surgically removed. I would READ MORE
This really depends upon where on the hand the scars are. Most scars can be removed but there is always a chance that they can recur after they are surgically removed. I would recommend you consult a hand surgeon.
Can you get plastic surgery for hand burns?
In many cases, hand scars from burns can be surgically removed. However, this really depends upon the location and extent of the scar. I would recommend you consult either a READ MORE
In many cases, hand scars from burns can be surgically removed. However, this really depends upon the location and extent of the scar. I would recommend you consult either a hand surgeon or a plastic surgeon.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes resolve on their own, particularly if the carpal tunnel syndrome is mild. If you have only had symptoms for a short period READ MORE
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes resolve on their own, particularly if the carpal tunnel syndrome is mild. If you have only had symptoms for a short period of time and your symptoms are not severe, then yes, this can improve on its own. Good luck.
