Program Description

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is home to the state’s only dedicated center for hand, elbow and shoulder care. Surgeons at Rush treat even the most complex problems using the latest technology and techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome that’s performed under local anesthesia. Rush is one of the only hospitals in Illinois offering joint replacement surgery for the elbow, wrist and hand. Rush was also the first hospital in the state to offer an innovative, 100 percent arthroscopic approach to rotator cuff surgery. Unlike conventional rotator cuff surgery, the 100 percent arthroscopic procedure doesn’t require a large incision or cutting of the deltoid muscle. For patients, that translates into faster recovery and less pain.

Services Provided

Services include inpatient and outpatient surgery for common hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problems.

Treatment for hand, wrist and elbow injuries:

• Fractures
• Tendon tears
• Amputations
• Arthritis
• Congenital deformities
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve compression conditions

Treatment for shoulder injuries:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Capsulitis

Clinical Team

At Rush, a highly skilled team of orthopedic surgeons, nurses and therapists provides comprehensive care for patients with all kinds of hand, elbow and shoulder problems. Our team of experts in this area includes surgeons with extensive experience in microsurgery and reconstructive surgery, as well as occupational therapists and physical therapists specializing in rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremities.

Mark S. Cohen, MD, leads the hand, wrist and elbow surgery program at Rush. Cohen has special training and expertise in complex elbow conditions. His clinical and research interests focus on fractures and reconstruction of the hand, wrist and elbow with a special emphasis on minimally invasive surgery. He is a team physician and consultant for the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bulls.

Anthony A. Romeo, MD, leads the shoulder surgery program. Romeo uses state-of-the-art arthroscopic techniques to accelerate the recovery process for challenging conditions such as rotator cuff disease, shoulder instability and elbow stiffness. He has also designed an advanced shoulder replacement system for the treatment of arthritis.

John J. Fernandez, MD, whose clinical interests include hand trauma and microsurgery, was named a diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners, in 1990. He is fluent in both spoken and written Spanish

Robert Wysocki, MD, focuses on the treatment of conditions of the hand, wrist and elbow, as well as microsurgical reconstruction of the upper and lower limb. Wysocki is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Association Emerging Leaders Program.

Gregory P. Nicholson, MD, specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery, utilizing state-of-the-art arthroscopic and open surgical techniques to treat sports-related, traumatic, arthritic and occupational conditions. Nicholson is also involved in the design of an advanced shoulder replacement system. He serves as a team physician for the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox.

Nikhil N. Verma, MD, specializes in the treatment of injuries to the shoulder, elbow and knee with an emphasis on advanced arthroscopic techniques, meniscal transplantation and cartilage restorative procedures. Verma has participated in multiple publications and book chapters regarding shoulder and knee surgery. He also serves as a team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox and Nazareth High School.

Robert Goldberg, MD, is a board-certified general orthopedic surgeon who also specializes in the care of upper extremity problems (hand, elbow and shoulder). His credentials include a certificate of added qualification in hand surgery. A large portion of his practice is devoted to shoulder surgery, especially rotator cuff repair.