Michael L. Knudsen, MD
Comprehensive shoulder and elbow surgery, with particular expertise in shoulder replacement and complex reconstruction.
Shoulder Replacement · Rotator Cuff Surgery · Instability & Labral Repair · Fracture & Elbow Surgery
4.97★ 297 Google Reviews
4.90★ 541 Columbia Patient Experience Ratings
Academic precision.
A deeply personal approach.
Michael L. Knudsen, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery. He is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and an attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian.
His practice focuses on rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement, complex revision surgery, shoulder and elbow trauma, and throwing-related shoulder and elbow injuries. Dr. Knudsen sees patients at ColumbiaDoctors locations across Westchester.
Patient Experience
“He was thorough and clear in explaining his diagnosis and my options, including the possibilities and risks of each. It was clear that the choice among options was mine. I left confident that I could make a well-informed decision and that I was in excellent hands.”
Shoulder consultation patient | Google review
Patient Experience
“Now, 13 months later, I can work out with weights, reach all the high shelves, and even get my carry-on into the overhead bin of an airplane. My life is quite changed, and all for the better.”
Patient following reverse shoulder replacement | Google review
These testimonials describe individual patient experiences. Treatment recommendations, recovery, and outcomes vary by patient.
Shoulder & elbow expertise.
Shoulder replacement can relieve advanced pain and restore useful function when arthritis, rotator cuff failure, fracture, osteonecrosis, or prior surgery has permanently damaged the joint.
Pain after shoulder replacement is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
A rotator cuff tear involves one or more tendons that help lift, rotate, and stabilize the shoulder.
Persistent symptoms after rotator cuff surgery do not always mean the tendon has failed, and an abnormal MRI does not automatically mean another operation is needed.
Shoulder instability occurs when the humeral head slips partly or completely out of the socket.
A proximal humerus fracture is a break near the shoulder joint.
A distal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the biceps tendon tears from its attachment at the elbow.
A second opinion should do more than repeat the first diagnosis.
Not sure what's wrong?
Start with the symptom.
Dr. Knudsen's practice is organized around the individual patient and an evidence-based approach to care — one where education and informed decision-making leave every patient confident in their treatment plan.
Search by Symptom →Patient Experience
“I've had my fair share of surgeries, and I've never met a surgeon like Dr. Knudsen. In my discharge packet, he wrote me a handwritten note thanking me for trusting him to care for me and wishing me a speedy recovery.”
Surgical patient | Google review
“The same standard I bring to a professional athlete, I bring to every patient.”
— Dr. Michael L. Knudsen, MD
Schedule a Consultation
Appointments are available at multiple locations across Westchester.