Dr. Charles Ruotolo
Orthopedic Surgery
Deer Park, NY
28 years experience male
Locations
Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
East Meadow, NY
Phone
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
Group Health Incorporated (GHI)
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Total Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Deer Park, NY
Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Massapequa, NY
Office
Massapequa, NY
About
Bio
As the founder of Total Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Charles Ruotolo MD was a top graduate at the New York Medical College School of Medicine in 1995. He completed an orthopedic residency program at the SUNY at Stony Brook in 2000. After his residency he underwent fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at the prestigious Sports Clinic of Laguna Hills, California under the tutelage of Wesley Nottage, MD. It is here where he perfected his advanced arthroscopic surgical skills. Dr. Ruotolo is board certified in orthopedic surgery and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. As an Associate Master Instructor of Arthroscopy for the Arthroscopy Association of North America, Dr.Ruotolo actively teaches other orthopedic surgeons advanced arthroscopic skills in shoulder surgery. As an avid researcher he has published multiple articles on shoulder injuries and shoulder surgery in the peer review journals of Arthroscopic Surgery and of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery as well as several book chapters on the same. It is his dictum to constantly be critical and to constantly review treatment options and surgical results. This persistent pursuit of quality affords his patients the highest level of care in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Ruotolo has excelled throughout his career in medicine. From being named the top surgical student in his graduating medical student class of 210 students, to being named the attending of the year in 2003 for the orthopedic training program at the SUNY at Stony Brook Dr. Ruotolo has always excelled in every role from student to surgeon to teacher. Currently as the Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Nassau University Medical Center he is helping guide the hospital in its revival as a leading center for orthopedic surgery. As with himself he has developed a core group of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at NUMC providing some of the best care in orthopaedic spine surgery, orthopaedic trauma surgery, minimally invasive joint replacement surgery, arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine. As the President of Total Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine he is proud to lead not just a team of highly trained and skilled physicians, but an organization of compassionate and caring people.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Orthopedic Surgery
orthopedic Surgery
sports medicine
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
41 Answers
6 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 28-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
If it moves it's not: If you can move your shoulder without severe pain then it is not broken or dislocated. If you have significant pain you should see an orthopedist and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Carpal tunnel syn.: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by swelling as well as overuse (holding your newborn baby). Initial treatment can be as simple as wearing a wris... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Recurring tendonitis: Tendonitis may recur. That said there may be a more significant injury. You should see a hand specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Yes: It is very common to be tender to the touch where the bone was removed. By 5 months you should be relatively pain free with overhead activity and arm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Low impact: I would recommend low impact exercise including quad and hamstring strengthening. Avoid deep knee bending and a twisting or turning. Ice your knee a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Hamstring strain: this could just be hamstring tightness but it also could be something more serious such as a stress fracture. You should be evaluated by a sports med... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Meniscus repair: Meniscus repair surgery can be associated with swelling for several months. Ice and elevation can help decrease swelling.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Meniscal tears: A displaced meniscus tear can cause clicking, catching, and locking. A displaced tear may be displaced into the center of the joint which will be mor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Yes: This is certainly safe and healthy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Yes: You should discuss with your physician the reasons for the ct scan and how information gained from the ct scan might alter your treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Throwing pain: Pain with overhand throwing in a 45 year old may be as simple as a tight capsule in the back of the shoulder. This can be simply treated with stretc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Conservative : At your young age this can be treated with injections including viscosupplementation as well as an unloaded brace if you have a thin leg. Other opti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Low back pain: low back pain is usually muscular in origin. This is usually treated with back and hamstring stretching and core strengthening. 90% of patients with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Scoliosis : For curves greater than 40-50 degrees scoliosis can progress 1 degree/year. This makes these larger curves operative as progression to excessively la... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Not normal: If there is drainage or oozing from your incision you may have an infection and you need to be seen by your orthopedist or covering physician right aw... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder is a syndrome that develops in your shoulder due to inflammation of the joint capsule. This is self limitted but can last from 1-2 ye... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Probably not: Compartment syndrome usually occurs the first several days after an injury due to swelling. The other symptoms are severe pain, numbness, paralysis a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Osteoarthritis: This is typically seen with osteoarthritis. As the joint space narrows the meniscus can be extruded or pushed out of the joint space. You should be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Patellofemoral syn.: This sounds like patellofemoral syndrome. You should be evaluated by an orthopedist to confirm but this typically is treated with physical therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Patellofemoral pain: This is usually pain from your knee cap or patellofemoral pain. This could be due to softening or fraying of the cartilage behind your knee cap or be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Arthritis: A chronic acl tear and meniscal tear can lead to arthritic changes of your knee joint at an early age. Hamstring acl reconstruction has a lower rate ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Normal: It is normal for your foot to swell after this type of surgery and at only two weeks. That said if you are walking when you are not supposed to you c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Yes: A painless mass at your clavicle should be investigated. You should see your physician as soon as possible as this could be something very serious.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis can cause pain in both legs and is usually worse with standing and walking and is relieved with sitting. Since the nerves are pinched... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
After its healed: You certainly can play sports with a plate on your ulna but only after the bone is fully healed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
No : Ice usually works well for a rotator cuff strain. If pain persists you should see an orthopedist who will probably prescribe a short course of physica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Joint crepitus: Painless popping or crepitus of the joints is normal and should not be a concern. If you are having pain or swelling you should be seen by a physicia... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Yes: If you have no ankle pain and minimal swelling working out in a pool is an excellent way to progress with your activity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Snapping scapula: This can be relieved by physical therapy possible corticosteroid injection and in certain patients who fail physical therapy possible arthroscopy and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 61-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Cervical epidural: An epidural injection for a pinched nerve in your neck can provide significant relief. Make sure you see a board certified pain management specialis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Joint pain: Multiple joints that hurt and swell in a younger person is usually a rheumatologic condition. You should see a physician and have lab work performed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Knee effusion: A knee effusion or swelling of the knee will cause pain and stiffness on bending. You should be evaluated by your orthopedist for the reason why you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
6 + weeks: A simple fracture may heal as early as 6 weeks, but more complex fractures of the leg may take many months to heal. Your orthopedic surgeon will take... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Needs evaluation: A swollen knee in a 23 year old can be many things but is usually something significant. You should be evaluated by an orthopedist and you should hav... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Low impact exercise: Knee pain can be caused by several factors. Low impact exercise non steroidal anti inflammatories and glucosamine all can help diminish knee pain. If... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Arm pain: This can be from your heart and referred to your arm or it can be a primary problem with your shoulder or arm. Start with discussing it with your car... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Very Possible: If you have pain with weight bearing or are unable to weight bear you need to be evaluated by a physician and an xray to evaluate for a fracture.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Yes: Prolonged carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to atrophy ( shrinking) of the muscles of your thumb with subsequent hand weakness. This can be permanent. Y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Shoulder pain: Shoulder pain typically radiates down to the elbow. This can be due to many causes including problems of the rotator cuff tendons, impingement, labra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old female asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Shoulder problem: the most likely cause for this pain is a tendon problem, specifically of your rotator cuff tendons. These can be of three different levels of injury ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Charles Ruotoloanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 28 years experience
Gallbladder pain: Typically gallbladder pain is in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen but when referred to the shoulder this may be felt in the shoulder blade.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
85
Thank you notes
Apr 26, 2013
Highly recommended
HealthTap member
Apr 9, 2013
I have referred many friends with ACL injuries and shoulder injuries to Dr Ruotolo, they have all done wonderfully. He is an excellent surgeon and has a great bedside manner.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Ruotolo is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I still think it is because there is loss of circulation in my hands and feet and there is major pressure and pain below my knee
HealthTap member
Your answer was very helpful! Thanks :) thanks for your time, much appreciated!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! I am going to see a doctor. Thank u .
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
New York Medical College
Graduated 1995MD
Medical/Graduate school
New York Medical College, NY
Graduated 1995MD
Residency
University Hospital Stony Brook
Awards
America' Top Doctors, Castle Connolly
Best of Long Island orthopedic surgery 2015
Long Island's Top Doctors, Newsday
Affiliations
Arthroscopy Association of North America
North shore syosset hospital
Nassau University Medical Center
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