The best carpal tunnel doctors in New York practice at Hospital for Special Surgery, Columbia, NYU Langone, and Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital. The 10 hand surgeons listed below were selected based on board certification in hand surgery, Castle Connolly recognition, published research on nerve compression disorders, and verified expertise in treating pins and needles sensations and nerve compression caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Every credential, address, and profile link on this page has been individually confirmed. Specialists are listed for reference and are not ranked by preference.
How This List Was Compiled
Finding the best carpal tunnel doctors in New York means looking specifically for fellowship-trained hand surgeons, not general orthopedists. Every specialist on this list was verified through official hospital profile pages and cross-referenced with publicly available board certification records. Selection criteria included active practice at a major New York medical center, board certification in surgery of the hand through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, recognition by Castle Connolly or peer-reviewed medical organizations, and a documented clinical focus on carpal tunnel syndrome and related nerve compression disorders.
Verified Hand Surgeons for Carpal Tunnel in New York (2026)
1. Dr. Scott W. Wolfe, MD
Hospital/Clinic: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Specialty Focus: Hand and upper extremity surgery, wrist fractures, scaphoid surgery, nerve repair and reconstruction, total wrist replacement
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 20 consecutive years. Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. Recipient of the Kappa Delta Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award (2017) and the ASSH Linscheid-Dobyns Excellence in Wrist Research Award (2018). Author of over 250 peer-reviewed scientific papers across a 36-year career.
Address: 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
Contact: 212-606-1529
Profile: HSS Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Wolfe’s 250+ published papers make him one of the most prolific hand surgery researchers in the country, and his two decades of Castle Connolly recognition reflect consistent peer endorsement at the highest level.
2. Dr. Melvin P. Rosenwasser, MD
Hospital/Clinic: NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Specialty Focus: Hand, elbow and microvascular surgery, orthopedic trauma, pediatric orthopedics, carpal tunnel release
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026. Robert E. Carroll Professor of Surgery of the Hand at Columbia University. Chief of the Hand and Upper Extremity Service and Chief of the Trauma Service. New York Magazine “Best Doctors in New York” Hall of Fame inductee. Hand consultant for the New York Yankees.
Address: 51 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
Contact: 212-305-8036
Profile: ColumbiaDoctors Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Rosenwasser holds Columbia’s endowed professorship in hand surgery and serves as the hand consultant for the New York Yankees, treating nerve compression and upper extremity injuries at both the academic and elite athletic level.
3. Dr. Robert J. Strauch, MD
Hospital/Clinic: NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Specialty Focus: Hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, pediatric hand surgery, nerve disorders of the upper extremity, congenital hand disorders
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 and Super Doctors 2026. Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia. Former President of the New York Society for Surgery of the Hand (2006-2007). Named to America’s Top Doctors and New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors in New York.”
Address: 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032
Contact: 212-305-4565
Profile: ColumbiaDoctors Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: As a former president of the New York Society for Surgery of the Hand, Dr. Strauch brings both institutional leadership and active research involvement, with particular depth in pediatric hand conditions and congenital nerve disorders that other hand surgeons may not routinely manage.
4. Dr. Steve K. Lee, MD
Hospital/Clinic: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Specialty Focus: Hand and upper extremity surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, brachial plexus injuries, microsurgery, wrist ligament reconstruction
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 15 years. Chief of the Hand and Upper Extremity Service at HSS. Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. Recipient of the ASSH Joseph Boyes Research Award (2011) and the Sir Robert Jones Research Award (2010). Author of nearly 60 peer-reviewed publications and over 30 book chapters.
Address: 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
Contact: 212-606-1730
Profile: HSS Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Lee runs the hand and upper extremity service at HSS, the hospital consistently ranked No. 1 in orthopedics nationally. His peripheral nerve surgery expertise makes him especially qualified for complex or recurrent carpal tunnel cases.
5. Dr. Michelle G. Carlson, MD
Hospital/Clinic: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Specialty Focus: Hand and upper extremity surgery, sports-related hand and wrist injuries, hand fractures, arthritis, neurologic conditions of the hand
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor and listed in New York Metro Area Top Doctors (2002-2022). Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. Official NBA second opinion physician. Recipient of the ASSH Julian Brewer Award and the Jacqueline Perry Research Award. Author of over 200 papers and book chapters.
Address: 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
Contact: 212-606-1546
Profile: HSS Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Carlson is one of the few hand surgeons in New York designated as an official NBA second opinion physician, reflecting the level of trust placed in her clinical judgment by professional sports organizations managing athletes with nerve and hand injuries.
6. Dr. Daniel B. Polatsch, MD
Hospital/Clinic: New York Hand and Wrist Center / Lenox Hill Hospital (Northwell Health)
Specialty Focus: Hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports-related hand injuries, nerve compression
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor annually from 2013 through 2026. Co-Director of the New York Hand and Wrist Center of Lenox Hill. Board-certified in both orthopedic surgery and surgery of the hand. Harvard fellowship trained at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Honorary Police Surgeon for the NYPD (2015-2026).
Address: 210 East 64th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10065
Contact: 212-434-4263
Profile: New York Hand and Wrist Center Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Polatsch’s Harvard fellowship training and 13 consecutive years of Castle Connolly recognition place him among the most consistently recognized hand surgeons in Manhattan, with a practice specifically designed for carpal tunnel and upper extremity nerve conditions.
7. Dr. Steven Beldner, MD
Hospital/Clinic: New York Hand and Wrist Center / Lenox Hill Hospital (Northwell Health)
Specialty Focus: Hand, wrist, and elbow disorders, carpal tunnel release, nerve compression syndromes, Dupuytren’s disease
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor and recognized as a New York Magazine Top Doctor. Co-Director of the New York Hand and Wrist Center of Lenox Hill. Board-certified in orthopedic surgery and surgery of the hand. Fellowship trained in hand surgery at NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases.
Address: 210 East 64th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10065
Contact: 212-434-4263
Profile: New York Hand and Wrist Center Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Together with Dr. Polatsch, Dr. Beldner co-directs a dedicated hand and wrist center that focuses exclusively on upper extremity conditions. This specialization means a higher case volume for carpal tunnel release compared to general orthopedic practices.
8. Dr. Jacques H. Hacquebord, MD
Hospital/Clinic: NYU Langone Health
Specialty Focus: Hand and wrist surgery, orthoplastic surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, limb salvage and amputation reconstruction
Why Listed: Chief of the Division of Hand Surgery at NYU Langone Orthopedics. Associate Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Co-Director of the Center for Amputation Reconstruction. Board-certified in orthopedic surgery and surgery of the hand. Author of 89 publications including research specifically on carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome.
Address: 303 Second Avenue, Suite 16, New York, NY 10003
Contact: 212-263-7582
Profile: NYU Langone Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: As NYU Langone’s chief of hand surgery, Dr. Hacquebord leads one of New York’s largest academic hand surgery divisions. His published research on carpal tunnel syndrome specifically demonstrates the depth of his clinical and academic focus on nerve compression conditions.
9. Dr. Nader Paksima, DO, MPH
Hospital/Clinic: NYU Langone Health
Specialty Focus: Hand and wrist surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, upper extremity trauma
Why Listed: Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Board-certified in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. Author of over 75 publications, including peer-reviewed research specifically on “Clinical Characteristics of Concomitant Versus Isolated Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndromes.” Lead of perioperative services at the Tisch Center at Essex Crossing.
Address: 303 Second Avenue, Suite 16, New York, NY 10003
Contact: 212-263-7582
Profile: NYU Langone Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Paksima’s published research directly addresses the clinical overlap between carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, making him a particularly strong choice for patients who may have nerve compression at multiple sites in the arm.
10. Dr. Samir K. Trehan, MD
Hospital/Clinic: Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Specialty Focus: Hand and upper extremity surgery, nerve compression syndromes, fractures, ligament and tendon injuries, wrist arthroscopy, pediatric hand conditions
Why Listed: Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026. Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at HSS and Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. Recipient of the ASSH Emmanuel B. Kaplan Award (2017) and the ASSH Daniel C. Riordan Award (2015). Dual fellowship trained in hand surgery (Washington University) and pediatric hand surgery (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital). Author of 35+ publications.
Address: 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
Contact: 212-606-1586
Profile: HSS Official Profile
What Sets Them Apart: Dr. Trehan’s dual fellowship in both adult and pediatric hand surgery gives him a rare combination of expertise at HSS, and his ASSH research awards demonstrate early-career distinction that few hand surgeons earn.
Specialist Comparison
| Specialist | Location | Specialty Focus | Key Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scott W. Wolfe, MD | HSS, Manhattan | Nerve repair, wrist reconstruction | Castle Connolly 20 years, 250+ publications |
| Dr. Melvin P. Rosenwasser, MD | Columbia, Midtown | Hand surgery, trauma | Castle Connolly 2026, Yankees hand consultant |
| Dr. Robert J. Strauch, MD | Columbia, Washington Heights | Carpal tunnel, pediatric hand | Castle Connolly 2026, former NYSSH president |
| Dr. Steve K. Lee, MD | HSS, Manhattan | Peripheral nerve surgery, microsurgery | Castle Connolly 15 years, Chief of Hand Service |
| Dr. Michelle G. Carlson, MD | HSS, Manhattan | Sports hand injuries, neurologic conditions | Castle Connolly, NBA second opinion physician |
| Dr. Daniel B. Polatsch, MD | Lenox Hill, Upper East Side | Carpal tunnel, sports hand injuries | Castle Connolly 2013-2026, Harvard fellowship |
| Dr. Steven Beldner, MD | Lenox Hill, Upper East Side | Nerve compression, Dupuytren’s | Castle Connolly, Co-Director Hand Center |
| Dr. Jacques H. Hacquebord, MD | NYU Langone, Gramercy | Carpal tunnel, orthoplastic surgery | Chief of Hand Surgery NYU, 89 publications |
| Dr. Nader Paksima, DO, MPH | NYU Langone, Gramercy | Carpal and cubital tunnel | 75+ publications on tunnel syndromes |
| Dr. Samir K. Trehan, MD | HSS, Manhattan | Nerve compression, pediatric hand | Castle Connolly 2026, dual fellowship |
How to Choose the Right Carpal Tunnel Doctor
The right carpal tunnel doctor depends on the severity of your symptoms, whether conservative treatment has failed, and whether your case involves complications like nerve damage at multiple sites. Board certification in surgery of the hand is the most important credential to verify when choosing a carpal tunnel specialist in New York.
A patient with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome who has not yet tried wrist splinting or corticosteroid injections may start with any board-certified hand surgeon on this list. A patient whose symptoms have persisted despite conservative treatment, or who has muscle wasting in the thumb, typically needs a surgeon experienced in carpal tunnel release. All 10 specialists on this list perform both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
Consider whether you want an academic medical center or a private hand surgery practice. Academic centers like HSS, Columbia, and NYU Langone offer access to clinical trials and multidisciplinary teams. Private practices like the New York Hand and Wrist Center at Lenox Hill offer a focused practice with potentially shorter wait times.
For patients experiencing pins and needles in the legs alongside hand numbness, the underlying issue may be a systemic neuropathy rather than isolated carpal tunnel. In those cases, a neurologist specializing in peripheral neuropathy may be needed alongside a hand surgeon.
Insurance coverage matters. Most hand surgeons on this list accept major commercial insurance plans and Medicare. Carpal tunnel surgery is typically covered when conservative treatment has failed, but some plans require prior authorization and documentation of at least six weeks of splinting or injection therapy. Call the office before your first visit to confirm your plan is accepted.
Questions to Ask at Your First Appointment
Asking the right questions helps you determine whether a carpal tunnel doctor is the right fit for your case. Here are seven essential questions to bring:
- How severe is my carpal tunnel syndrome based on nerve conduction testing?
- Have I exhausted all conservative treatment options, or should I try splinting and injections first?
- Do you recommend open carpal tunnel release or endoscopic release, and why?
- What is the expected recovery time, and when can I return to work or daily activities?
- Could my symptoms be caused by something other than carpal tunnel, such as cervical radiculopathy or cubital tunnel syndrome?
- How many carpal tunnel release surgeries do you perform per year?
- What are the risks of surgery, and what percentage of your patients experience symptom recurrence?
What to Expect During Your First Visit
A first appointment with a carpal tunnel specialist typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes a physical examination, symptom history, and discussion of diagnostic testing. The doctor will begin with a detailed history of your symptoms, including when numbness or tingling started, which fingers are affected, whether symptoms wake you at night, and what activities make them worse.
The physical examination includes specific provocation tests for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Phalen test involves holding your wrists in a flexed position for 60 seconds to see if numbness develops. The Tinel test involves tapping over the carpal tunnel at the wrist to check for tingling in the fingers. The doctor will also test grip strength, thumb opposition, and sensation in each finger.
Most carpal tunnel specialists will order nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) during the first or second visit. These electrodiagnostic tests measure how fast electrical signals travel through the median nerve and can confirm the diagnosis and grade the severity. Mild to moderate carpal tunnel often responds to conservative treatment. Severe carpal tunnel with muscle wasting almost always requires surgery.
Regarding insurance, most initial hand surgeon consultations are covered under specialist visit copays. Nerve conduction studies are typically covered when ordered by the treating physician. If surgery is recommended, most insurers require documentation that conservative measures were attempted before approving carpal tunnel release. Surgical copays and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. Verify coverage with both your insurer and the surgeon’s office before scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hand surgeon with board certification in surgery of the hand is the most qualified specialist for carpal tunnel syndrome. Hand surgeons complete additional fellowship training beyond orthopedic surgery residency, focusing specifically on the bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels of the hand and wrist. For diagnosis, a neurologist may perform nerve conduction studies, but for treatment decisions and surgery, a fellowship-trained hand surgeon provides the deepest expertise. All 10 doctors on this list hold board certification in surgery of the hand.
Carpal tunnel release surgery has a success rate above 90% for relieving numbness, tingling, and pain. Most patients notice improvement within days to weeks after surgery. The procedure is one of the most commonly performed hand surgeries in the United States, with well-established safety data. Surgery is generally recommended when nerve conduction tests show moderate to severe compression, when conservative treatments like splinting and injections have not provided lasting relief, or when muscle wasting has developed at the base of the thumb.
Carpal tunnel release surgery typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or light sedation. Most patients go home the same day. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release uses a small camera and one or two small incisions, while open release uses a single incision at the base of the palm. Both approaches have high success rates. Recovery time for light activities is one to two weeks, with full grip strength returning in two to three months.
With insurance, carpal tunnel surgery in New York typically costs between $500 and $2,000 out of pocket, depending on your plan’s deductible, copay, and coinsurance. Without insurance, the total cost including surgeon fees, facility fees, and anesthesia ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 at most New York hospitals. Academic medical centers like HSS, Columbia, and NYU Langone may have higher facility fees than private practices. Most major insurance plans cover carpal tunnel surgery when conservative treatment has been documented as unsuccessful.
Key Takeaways
- Board certification in surgery of the hand, not just orthopedic surgery, is the single most important credential marker for a carpal tunnel doctor in New York.
- Hospital for Special Surgery has four hand surgeons on this list, making it the largest concentration of elite carpal tunnel expertise in the city.
- Carpal tunnel release surgery has a success rate above 90% and takes 10 to 20 minutes as an outpatient procedure.
- Patients with numbness in both hands and feet should be evaluated for systemic neuropathy in addition to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Most insurance plans cover carpal tunnel surgery after documented failure of conservative treatment. Early diagnosis by the best carpal tunnel doctors in New York can prevent permanent nerve damage.
- All specialists on this list are currently practicing and accepting patients at their listed locations as of publication.
Doctor’s Recommendation
If you are experiencing persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands, understanding whether carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause requires proper evaluation by a qualified specialist. Our doctor-authored guide on vibrating sensations in the body and what they mean explains the medical reasons behind unusual nerve sensations and helps you determine when to seek specialist care. Reading it before your appointment can help you ask more informed questions and better understand the diagnostic process.
